Why you should think that the Natural-Evolution of species is true

[Aloysium]

especially with this subject

When we are discussing evolution, it goes far beyond the theory as a part of the encompassing compendium of current scientific knowledge, which is always in flux.

It is a challenge to traditional Biblical interpretation. Where it is used to defend atheism, it is clearly inconsistent with the teachings of the church.

Evolution plays an important part in a new modern vision of ourselves. Evolutionary theories presents mankind as arising from the beasts and as beasts ourselves. As such, we are not bound to moralities beyond those we create. Those moralities rooted in randomness and natural selection cannot be but utilitarian, placing the ultimate importance on either the individual or the collective. We consequently strive for power rather than love, what is in it for us, as opposed to seeking the good for the other. It directs us to pleasure, wealth, and honour, that which satisfies our animal needs, and is consequently transient, unable to unfulfill to our deepest yearnings, the desire for God. The worship of power and that which it can gather for our satisfactions, leads to a depreciation of those who are found lacking - the unborn and the infirm. Rather than enduring to the very end, living each moment what it means to be human, as exemplified by St John Paul II, we take charge of our own lives, not trusting in God and His Providence, some ending them in a sacrifice to hubris. Evolution is a story twisting the few facts discovered by science, to present a view of ourselves in the world that justifies personal immorality and spirit destroying communist, fascist and consumer societies.

 

[edwest211]

Viewing ourselves as only the end result of a previous long succession of animals means we are nothing more than intelligent animals and we measure our worth by whatever standard that suits us. It’s a spectrum. Some only want to get by and have little to no ambition. Physical pleasure is all that matters. The least effort to get the most pleasure. Others work hard and build a life for themselves and can be good people, and that’s good - really. But without God, without recognizing that we are a unity of spirit and flesh, the flesh tends to get most of our attention. Self-control is regarded as impossible but controlling the passions is very important. Each of us is not some accident, even if we are orphans.

Evolution can only be a pillar of support for atheism. It has nothing practical to offer present-day science. It is a worldview. Men who want freedom and autonomy tend to want nothing to do with religion or God, but God loves them. This is called ‘radical individualism,’ which, at best, can only lead to tribalism, not community.

So the teachers here continue to preach and will continue to preach evolution. They have no choice. Their hearts are hardened.

Romans 10:10

New International Version
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

New Living Translation
For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

English Standard Version
For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

 

[RandomAlias]

@Aloysium, @edwest211, I think you are conflating evolution and materialism. A person could easily believe that evolution works in the material world for the origin of species including man, and at the same time believe that the God has granted man a special relationship with him which transcends the material world.

 

[rossum]

It is a challenge to traditional Biblical interpretation. Where it is used to defend atheism, it is clearly inconsistent with the teachings of the church.

A great deal of science challenges the “traditional Biblical interpretation”, starting with Copernicus. Geology and Astronomy challenge the 6,000 year timescale of the traditional interpretation for example.

If an atheist wants to challenge the literal interpretation, then she has a very wide range of science to pick from.

rossum

 

[edwest211]

I’m not. Two human beings were created by God. Evolution cannot explain their appearance or the gifts they received.

 

[LeafByNiggle]

rossum:

All evolution has to do is to form something that can survive well enough.

Without foresight or purpose of course.

It is not a question of foresight or purpose. Yes, there may be purpose in how creatures evolve. The question is over whether the existence of that purpose can be discovered scientifically. There is no evidence that it is so.

 

[buffalo]

then she has a very wide range of science to pick from.

Which is provisional. For example, Copernicus may be wrong according to the latest satellite data. The Earth is indeed in a special place.

 

[IWantGod]

Viewing ourselves as only the end result of a previous long succession of animals means we are nothing more than intelligent animals and we measure our worth by whatever standard that suits us.

You are choosing to view it like that. The process by which physical reality expresses form has no relevance to the question of whether or not physical reality exists for a purpose. The question of existential purpose is philosophical in nature and not scientific. How can the scientific method possibly discover such a thing?

 

[buffalo]

Yes, there may be purpose in how creatures evolve. The question is over whether the existence of that purpose can be discovered scientifically. There is no evidence that it is so.

Huh? Evolution itself claims no foresight or purpose! Are you changing the premise now?

 

[LeafByNiggle]

LeafByNiggle:

Yes, there may be purpose in how creatures evolve. The question is over whether the existence of that purpose can be discovered scientifically. There is no evidence that it is so.

Huh? Evolution itself claims no foresight or purpose! Are you changing the premise now?

Are you talking about the scientific theory of evolution? If so, then yes. That theory is not based on the existence of foresight or purpose. Neither does it deny the existence of such. It just says that if there is purpose, it is not scientifically observable.

 

[RandomAlias]

Huh? Evolution itself claims no foresight or purpose! Are you changing the premise now?

The idea that evolution has foresight or intention seems to have originated with the no-evolution crowd, which continually poses ill-conceived questions like “How did evolution know the dinosaur would later need wings?”

 

[Bradskii]

Viewing ourselves as the end result of a previous long succession of animals means we are…

…exactly as God planned.

 

[Bradskii]

rossum:

then she has a very wide range of science to pick from.

Which is provisional. For example, Copernicus may be wrong according to the latest satellite data. The Earth is indeed in a special place.

No. It is not possible in the 21st century that I can read such a statement from a person educated in a civilised country.

Say it ain’t so.

 

[edwest211]

Look up Evolutionary Psychology.

 

[Bradskii]

Look up Evolutionary Psychology.

I’m putting my money on you knowing nothing about the subject. How about you explain what you mean.

At least I will have the satisfaction of you needing to study it somewhat to formulate a response.

 

[edwest211]

Sorry, Bradskii. I don’t do homework for other people regarding evolutionary psychology.

I’m looking for one million dollars but in this case, please, keep your money.

 

[Bradskii]

Sorry, Bradskii. I don’t do homework for other people regarding evolutionary psychology.

You don’t need to do homework. You intimated that you already have an understanding of the subject. Just explain what you mean in the context of evolutionary psychology.

And look, I know there’s no chance of that happening. But I have to call you out on it so everyone knows you are blowing smoke.

 

[edwest211]

Fortunately for other people, a google search will do the job.

 

[Bradskii]

Fortunately for other people, a google search will do the job.

You want people to Google your argument? I think not.

What specific aspect of evolutionary psychology do you think backs up whatever point it is you think you are making?

 

[edwest211]

Nowadays, some people will do whatever they want, including a google search.