RE: [asa] The Science = Atheism Meme (evolving society, for Gregory)

Yes, Gordon, I agree with your assessment. In fact, Bernie's statement is more consistent with a karmic worldview than with a monotheistic one. The distance people will go in the Abrahamic tradition to reject their/our uniqueness and specialness is somewhat surprising, though not altogether shocking given the liberalisation of theology in dialogue with science and scientism. What was intimidating or awe-inspiring in the past (during a religious age) is now an easy target for ridicule and claims of 'primitive' in the present day (secular age). "Human beings are a special kind of creature" - but don't say it too loud in American public education! Probably Bernie thinks people don't legitimately have a 'first' name either?

"There is no such thing as a line between human and non-human." - B.D.

There is such thing as a 'human being' and a 'non-human being' - what would Bernie say is the difference other than 'the effects of evolution?' Probably not much...

- G.A.

--- On Fri, 8/8/08, gordon brown <Gordon.Brown@Colorado.EDU> wrote:

> From: gordon brown <Gordon.Brown@Colorado.EDU>
> Subject: RE: [asa] The Science = Atheism Meme (evolving society, for Gregory)
> To: asa@calvin.edu
> Received: Friday, August 8, 2008, 1:25 AM
> On Wed, 6 Aug 2008, Dehler, Bernie wrote:
>
> > I think with evolution there is no such thing as a
> "first man" since all species blur in the grey
> zone. There is no such thing as a line between human and
> non-human... it happened very gradually. Nevertheless, here
> we find ourselves as sinful humans made in the image of God.
> Animals don't sin (even if bears and tigers do kill
> each other simply for territory, rape, etc.).
> >
>
> Bernie,
>
> I don't think you are being consistent here. First you
> blur the
> distinction between human and nonhuman. Then you turn
> around and say that
> humans sin but animals don't. This is just one area in
> Christian doctrine
> where in order to apply it it is necessary to know whether
> a creature is
> or is not human. The answer should not have to depend on a
> physical basis
> for making the distinction.
>
> Gordon Brown (ASA member)
>
>
> To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@calvin.edu with
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Received on Fri Aug 8 00:26:00 2008