Re: [asa] Fw: Fresh look at creation - article

> As far as I can tell this is basically the old gap theory, isn't it?

More or less, though with a few novel twists to it.

> > Winter statement near the beginning that this approach "does not give an
> > inch to the idea of Darwinian evolution" alerts the savvy reader that it's
> > not likely to be very helpful. Skimming the rest verifies that assessment.

On the other hand, it doesn't reveal any clear reason why he's against
Darwinian evolution, though the phrase "Darwinian evolution" itself is
typically a perjurative rather than a well-defined scientific
category.

The 6000 BC impact in the Mideast is described as hypothetical. I
know of no evidence for such, though of course proving a negative is
not easy. I'm not sure about the claimed P/T Antarctic giant crater,
either. Assorted minor inaccuracies in dates and detail (geology,
paleontology, history) suggest that more careful study of the geologic
record would help. E.g., there is evidence of defense and predation
in the very latest Ediacaran; some of the earliest Ediacaran forms
appear to be cnidarians, which in the opinion of plankton (usually
zooplankton) are predators.

The main premise is identifying "natural evil" as evil, which is
debatable. I.e., it is not clear that it is sinful for one animal to
eat another.

The point that fighting against disease, etc. is an important part of
Christian mission is a valid one, though I think he's misunderstanding
most of those who say "accept it as God's will". As far as I know, no
major Christian group has actually opposed medical action. In fact,
some of the Puritans went in for smallpox vaccination while some
unbelievers were still scoffing at it. Rather, some have advised
accepting the failure of medical treatment as a part of God's plan.

-- 
Dr. David Campbell
425 Scientific Collections
University of Alabama
"I think of my happy condition, surrounded by acres of clams"
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