His reponse was as thoughtful as it was theistic. I'll quote just tow
paragraphs from his letter:
"I believe in a Creator who fashioned and set in motion our world
and universe. I don't believe in Archbishop Ussher's
biblical chronoology placing the date of creation at 4004 BC.
Nor do I believe the God made all that we see around
us in six days, at least nor as we presently define a 24 hour day.
but given the scope of geologic time, which any
reasonable reading of the Bible allows, nothing known to science
rules out a creation in which biological natural
selection plays an important part.
Let's not overlook the fact that throughout history, millions (at
least) of intelligent, reasoned, informed people - including
scientists - have believes and still believe in a Creator...
Many, including me, would suggest that this "power explanatory
scheme" is the work of a wise, omnipotent and
beneficient Creator whose essence is reflected in scriptures and in
nature itself."
How many of us have the courage to post such a letter to the journals that
our unbelieving colleages read ? Many times I have thought of sending a
letter clearly stating the theistic conclusions one can draw from the Big
Bang to Sky and Telescope (I realize that S&T is not where the action is,
but it is widely read). It is far easier and safer to preach to the choir.
Al McCarrick