do you believe religion can co-exist with evolution?

[irin]

its seems all religious people take great offence with the topic of evolution.

 

now im a firm believer in science. it really scares me that there are school who dont teach evolution. i have no problem with people believing in creationism, you can learn about it in your church, mosques, temples, where ever else, you wish.

[amaysngrace]

I think they do co-exist. We've evolved as people and religion has too.

 

I know just in catholicism the thinking has evolved. Years ago it was a sin to get divorced but nowadays it's really very accepted, at least it is in my community.

[Yamaha]

Evolution has its place but not in the way science explains our world.

DNA/Genes do have an evolutionary component but using that to explain the beginning of life is a huge stretch.

[M30USA]

Microevolution, or changes within a species barrier, has been proven.

 

Macroevolution, where one species changes into another, has NOT been proven.

 

If you're talking about macroevolution, which I assume you are, then the ONLY way it can coexist with the Bible is if it was NOT accidental, NOT by chance, and it was directed by the plan of God. Otherwise, no, it cannot coexist with the Bible.

[M30USA]

The stretch is religion. A magic sky being who has no begining and no end creates everything out of nothing, that is the strecth. Science only calls something fact when it can be proven. Religion cant prove anything.

 

There's no such thing as magic; only technology and/or abilities that are so far superior to ours so as to appear magical.

 

As much as you referred to God as a "magic sky being" in jest, that's not too far from the truth. But maybe you need to consider it from a different angle.

[Feelin Frisky]

They can co-exist as long as people are tolerant. Evolution as a science cannot progress however in a strict religious state.

[NXS]

The stretch is religion. A magic sky being who has no begining and no end creates everything out of nothing, that is the strecth. Science only calls something fact when it can be proven. Religion cant prove anything.

 

If nothing was created then nothing could exist.

[M30USA]

They can co-exist as long as people are tolerant. Evolution as a science cannot progress however in a strict religious state.

 

The core issue is chance versus purpose. Whatever happened (creationism with evolution or creationism without evolution), the Bible makes it clear beyond any shadow of doubt that God had a plan and a purpose in advance.

[Feelin Frisky]

The core issue is chance versus purpose. Whatever happened (creationism with evolution or creationism without evolution), the Bible makes it clear beyond any shadow of doubt that God had a plan and a purpose in advance.

 

No kidding. The Bible is a catalogue of ancient Jewish faith lore that doesn't have any Chinese people in it. It's the ultimate anthropocentric guide to closing one's mind on science and truth--and no god would want that or he wouldn't have given us a brain or free will.

[M30USA]

No kidding. The Bible is a catalogue of ancient Jewish faith lore that doesn't have any Chinese people in it. It's the ultimate anthropocentric guide to closing one's mind on science and truth--and no god would want that or he wouldn't have given us a brain or free will.

 

Are you aware that much of what seems like "magic" and "folklore" in the Old and New Testament almost always has some connection with angelic beings, who come from some place outside earth?

 

Examples:

1) Parting of Red Sea was brought about by an angel hovering in the clouds overhead.

2) The often-ridiculed donkey who spoke in the Old Testament was in the direct vicinity of an angel. Angels, we know from other scriptural sources, have the ability to make people blind, mute, and affect their neurological processes. Why not an animal? Afterall, a serpent apparently spoke in the Garden of Eden. (Note: people who claim to encounter aliens say they are paralyzed, struck blind, and even the thoughts and messages of the aliens somehow enter their mind without any audible communication.)

 

What if the Bible has the issue of exterrestrials (ie, angels) correct and is actually WAY ahead of anyone's grasp of reality...and all the while you call it "folklore"?

[M30USA]

No it doesnt, that is just what you believe. What you were told to believe. That doesnt make it fact.

 

Read what I wrote. I said the Bible states that. Argue that the Bible is false, if you want. But you can't argue that the Bible states God had a plan and purpose for creation.

[wuggle]

Are you aware that much of what seems like "magic" and "folklore" in the Old and New Testament almost always has some connection with angelic beings, who come from some place outside earth?

 

Examples:

1) Parting of Red Sea was brought about by an angel hovering in the clouds overhead.

2) The often-ridiculed donkey who spoke in the Old Testament was in the direct vicinity of an angel. Angels, we know from other scriptural sources, have the ability to make people blind, mute, and affect their neurological processes. Why not an animal? Afterall, a serpent apparently spoke in the Garden of Eden. (Note: people who claim to encounter aliens say they are paralyzed, struck blind, and even the thoughts and messages of the aliens somehow enter their mind without any audible communication.)

 

What if the Bible has the issue of exterrestrials (ie, angels) correct and is actually WAY ahead of anyone's grasp of reality...and all the while you call it "folklore"?

 

Jeez, enough with the f*cking Aliens, for christ's sake !!!! grow up.

 

Do you honestly beleive that if an alien species had mastered interstellar travel, Taking huge amounts of resources and time, that they would visit this backward little planet, populated by a backward little species, ie us !!

 

get real.

 

Re the OP question, I believe that religion is an essential part of mankind's 'childhood'. If was needed and constructive whilst mankind was growing up. Now, as we reach our teenage years and start to figure stuff out for ourselves, we are slowly learning that it was probably wrong and we are slowly outgrowing it. Our evolution will IMO replace religion, as we learn that there is no God, and we grow to be that which we idolise at present.

 

probably.

[M30USA]

Jeez, enough with the f*cking Aliens, for christ's sake !!!! grow up.

 

Do you honestly beleive that if an alien species had mastered interstellar travel, Taking huge amounts of resources and time, that they would visit this backward little planet, populated by a backward little species, ie us !!

 

get real.

 

I understand your juvenile response. Many have the same. I will just leave you with 2 thoughts on this and then drop it:

 

1) You're being lied to. There are no "aliens" and there never were. They are angelic beings, exactly as described in Bible. Hollywood and entertainment has hijacked the reality of angelic beings and twisted it so bad into the concept of "aliens" that people can't separate truth from fiction.

 

2) Angels in the Bible are secretive. They don't make a show. They come, go, and leave very quickly. They keep their mission hidden and only do what they are sent for.

 

3) Angels are not interstellar or interplanetary. They don't need to "travel" through space. They are interdimensional. Strange, it is, how even most ufologists are beginning to all agree that UFOs, if they do exist, are just that: interdimensional, not interstellar.

 

Re the OP question, I believe that religion is an essential part of mankind's 'childhood'. If was needed and constructive whilst mankind was growing up. Now, as we reach our teenage years and start to figure stuff out for ourselves, we are slowly learning that it was probably wrong and we are slowly outgrowing it. Our evolution will IMO replace religion, as we learn that there is no God, and we grow to be that which we idolise at present.

 

probably.

 

With this mindset (which seems to be the overwhelming majority), you will surely swallow up the coming end times deception, hook-line-n-sinker.

Edited July 15, 2012 by M30USA

[NXS]

Exactly, but where religion fails is it claims to know for sure that things started from creation. Science will say when it cant prove something for sure, that is where they are different. Sciecne has never said that certain theories are fact. Thats why they call it a theory. Just remember, alot of facts started out as theories.

 

Then why is evolution taught as a fact and not a theory?

[Identity]

And why pick on evolution? Why not go for the periodic table of elements?

 

http://graphjam.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/funny-graphs-warning-science-ahead.jpg

[NXS]

Who said evolution was a fact?

 

The OP is upset that evolution is not taught in schools, how can it be taught if it's just a theory? Are you saying evolution is taught as a theory because that's not my recollection?

 

To be honest I find science just as intolerant as religion, it's actually become just like a religion except it has changed from belief in God to belief in the men in white coats. Arrogant and self-serving, even Dawkins has no explanation whatsoever as to how life initially started from the primordial ooze but it doesn't stop him making all sorts of snide remarks about creationism.

Edited July 15, 2012 by NXS

[thatone]

The OP is upset that evolution is not taught in schools, how can it be taught if it's just a theory? Are you saying evolution is taught as a theory because that's not my recollection?

 

To be honest I find science just as intolerant as religion, it's actually become just like a religion except it has changed from belief in God to belief in the men in white coats. Arrogant and self-serving, even Dawkins has no explanation whatsoever as to how life initially started from the primordial ooze but it doesn't stop him making all sorts of snide remarks about creationism.

 

to be honest, you have no understanding of what you're talking about, so you should stop doing so.

 

the reason you have the computer you're typing on is that we have a strict means by which information is passed from generation to generation, because the whole of human knowledge can't be learned in a lifetime. so you have to have a means by which discoveries are proven, accepted, and worked on from that point forward by the next generation.

 

if you don't 'believe' in that, do us all a favor and throw the computer out the window, and go back to sending your messages by carrier pigeon.

 

we can make snide remarks about creationism because it didn't happen. if you want to state otherwise burden of proof falls on you, and bible quotes aren't gonna cut it.

 

and the answer to the OP is no, religion cannot coexist. it'll be dead/dying in future generations and those who cling to it will be left behind.

Edited July 16, 2012 by thatone

[irin]

I think they do co-exist. We've evolved as people and religion has too.

 

I know just in catholicism the thinking has evolved. Years ago it was a sin to get divorced but nowadays it's really very accepted, at least it is in my community.

 

sorry but altering religion to fit their own wishes doesn't count as evolving. technically in Christianity divorce is still a sin. their just bending the rules, when they cant follow them.

[fortyninethousand322]

I don't see why "religion" can't coexist with evolution. Certainly some people's understanding of religion could contradict evolution but I don't view that as something inherent to religion in and of itself.

 

Personally, I'm indifferent to evolutionary science. As far as I'm concerned it doesn't impact how I live my life in any meaningful way (by which I mean studying the origins of humanity and other species, not necessarily practical application of such knowledge). It's just not something I care deeply about or feel strongly about.

 

People should be free to learn about it and study it and do whatever they want. And people who don't wish to learn about it should be free not to.

[TheFinalWord]

its seems all religious people take great offence with the topic of evolution.

 

now im a firm believer in science. it really scares me that there are school who dont teach evolution. i have no problem with people believing in creationism, you can learn about it in your church, mosques, temples, where ever else, you wish.

 

Sure, evolution can fit in fine. I see no biblical contradiction. I know many scientists who believe in God and evolution.

 

No matter what you believe, if someone is taking offense they need to take a chill pill Honestly, in the church you should be able to do thought experiments like day-age, evolution, post-tribulation rapture without being labeled a heretic.

 

Like the alien stuff, I think that notion is sort of out there; I personally don't get UFOs from the bible. But I also don't believe in UFOs, bigfoot, and all that stuff. I don't think that anyone can really extrapolate UFOs to being angels in the bible. I've heard people say that but I think its a far stretch. But people should be able to explore it without being branded a heretic.

 

One thing that Christians really NEED stop doing is saying evolution is "just a theory". Theories are very powerful and tantamount to a gold standard in science. Theories are greater than just facts: theories can predict and explain phenomena. Facts don't do that. Saying it's "just a theory" doesn't undermine it, it just makes us look like laymen. I don't agree with much of Dawkins, but he is right about theory and science.

 

 

When it comes to evolution, many of us have a very low understanding and talk way outside of our expertise. Yeah, you can have an opinion, but if you are going to question its validity you better do you homework first. Just my 2 cents!

[NXS]

 

the reason you have the computer you're typing on is that we have a strict means by which information is passed from generation to generation, because the whole of human knowledge can't be learned in a lifetime. so you have to have a means by which discoveries are proven, accepted, and worked on from that point forward by the next generation.

 

No, the reason I have this computer to type on is because it's a fact, not a theory, a fact. See the difference? Now if you tried to sell me a computer that was missing huge parts to it, like say a CPU/RAM/ROM and keyboard then it wouldn't be a computer, it would be just a bunch of chips and wires that didn't do very much. If you also think that this computer theory should be taught in school then guess what?.... people would laugh in your face.

 

if you don't 'believe' in that, do us all a favor and throw the computer out the window, and go back to sending your messages by carrier pigeon.

 

Lol, I don't have to 'believe' in this computer it's here right in front of me doing what it's supposed to do. Again, see the difference between a fact and a theory?

 

we can make snide remarks about creationism because it didn't happen. if you want to state otherwise burden of proof falls on you,

 

Eh, the burden of proof is all around you, where do you think everything around you came from? What was the first cause? Did it all just magically appear out of nothing?

 

and bible quotes aren't gonna cut it.

 

See this is typical of the kind of intolerence and false choice ideologues set up to promote their new religion. It doesn't matter what the new religion is it's the same old strategy time and time again. In this case if your not an evolutionist then you must be a bible thumping zealot.

 

and the answer to the OP is no, religion cannot coexist. it'll be dead/dying in future generations and those who cling to it will be left behind.

 

Oh and this too, I'd say you would have been one of the fiercist defendants of Mao's Cultural Revolution or the Bolshevik Revolution. Always "looking forward" and if anyone doesn't agree with the new ideology then they're obviously backward peasants.

 

Evolution has not been proven. When Dawkins was asked how life first began on this planet he hadn't a clue how to answer it and said it probably started with molecular matter coming from space. Lol, you couldn't make this crap up.

[NXS]

You missed the point of thier whole response. Why is the computer there. Because of sciecne and technology that has been tested and we can explain it.

 

No you're missing the point, the computer is here because it's not just a theory.... it actually works! and having this dialogue is proof that it works. Oh and the computer was CREATED, it didn't just evolve out of a completely random exchange between Silicon and Copper molecules.

 

You on the other hand assume because something is here that means God created it, so prove it, but you cant!

 

Well leave aside the 'G' word for a minute, if something isn't there and doesn't exist in one second and then is there and does exist in the next second then guess what? It was created. The fact that you're living in a world that actually contains 'stuff' clearly shows that this 'stuff' was created. So what do you want me to prove? That there's actually 'stuff' here?

 

 

Sciecne is uncovering new things all the time just because it doesnt have the answer for everything like your fairy tale book claims to have, doesnt mean it wont stopn getting closer to those answers.

 

'Science' is full of lies and deception, scientists are paid for their work and are beholden to their paymasters just like every other employee. Evolution is junk science, they have never got even close to understanding how life began and they can't even recreate the most basic of life forms.

 

There was a time when we didnt know what caused things like lightning, earthquakes, sickness, or just about anything that was hard to explain. When people couldnt figure things out, they made things up. Sciecne does not do that and call it facts, but your book does. And it is because of sciecne, not your fairy tales, that everybody on this planet has the understanding of our world. If it doesnt fit with your stories, oh well. Sciecne isnt trying to fit your mold. It reveals facts and evidence, the truth.

 

It's not my book, I haven't once mentioned the Bible in this thread, it's your ideology that has you convinced that because I don't believe in your evolution junk science that I must be coming from a biblical perspective.

 

As for lightening, earthquakes, sickness etc does science explain where all the atoms and molecules that create these phenomena come from? No, it just explains the effects based on the observable laws of nature. But where did these laws come from? Is science ever going to explain that?

Edited July 16, 2012 by NXS

[misternoname]

I think the real issue here is not whether religion and evolution can co-exist but can the religions being practiced today co-exist with evolution (that's a HUGE distinction).

 

Simple answer...yes and no, science and the possibility of some sort of devine intervention can work together but science and Judeo Christian beliefs cannot. The Bible was written a long time ago by men that were simply seeking answers to life's mysteries. It also set out a good road map for civilizied behavior. Beyond that it's a bunch of interesting fiction. I mean really??? Adam and Eve? heaven and hell, angels, demons, man in the sky watching our every move? Doesn't seem very plausible to me.

 

Maybe someday humans in the future will get the straight skinny. I'm in no way denying the possibilty of a higher power I just don't think it jives with anything being preached today.

[thatone]

No you're missing the point, the computer is here because it's not just a theory.... it actually works! and having this dialogue is proof that it works. Oh and the computer was CREATED, it didn't just evolve out of a completely random exchange between Silicon and Copper molecules.

 

just like evolution works.

 

 

Well leave aside the 'G' word for a minute, if something isn't there and doesn't exist in one second and then is there and does exist in the next second then guess what? It was created. The fact that you're living in a world that actually contains 'stuff' clearly shows that this 'stuff' was created. So what do you want me to prove? That there's actually 'stuff' here?

 

read up on quantum mechanics and get back to us.

 

'Science' is full of lies and deception, scientists are paid for their work and are beholden to their paymasters just like every other employee. Evolution is junk science, they have never got even close to understanding how life began and they can't even recreate the most basic of life forms.

 

no it isn't, that's all BS. if you wanna write the rules, as suggested, prove something to us. they can, you can't.

 

It's not my book, I haven't once mentioned the Bible in this thread, it's your ideology that has you convinced that because I don't believe in your evolution junk science that I must be coming from a biblical perspective.

 

As for lightening, earthquakes, sickness etc does science explain where all the atoms and molecules that create these phenomena come from? No, it just explains the effects based on the observable laws of nature. But where did these laws come from? Is science ever going to explain that?

 

again, evidence says you're wrong.

 

yes, it does explain where they come from.

 

Particle Physics Discovery: Clues to Origin of Matter - TIME

[taiko]

its seems all religious people take great offence with the topic of evolution.

 

now im a firm believer in science. it really scares me that there are school who dont teach evolution. i have no problem with people believing in creationism, you can learn about it in your church, mosques, temples, where ever else, you wish.

 

All?

 

You should not confuse "the religious" with their fundamentalist brothers who believe in the infallibility of their sacred text