The Blind Watchmaker
The Blind Watchmaker - I need to read this book. As an adament believer that God and evolution easily coexist, I am intrigued by how I could help others to at least understand (not necessarily agree with) my view.
Part of a customer review reads:”If one doesn’t believe in the power of natural selection after reading this book, then that person is not rational.”
Comments
Brent
Just curious: according to the sub title of "Blind Watchmaker" evolution reveals a universe without design. Do you then conclude that God exists, yet had no part in the design of the universe? Or are you more of a theistic evolutionist (Just to be certain about which version of "theistic evolution" I am referring to: the version that says God created the universe but used evolution to do it.) If you have concluded the former, then could you write a little about what role you see God playing in the universe, in our lives for that matter.
Alexander Micek
Thank you, I certainly appreciate your thoughtful contribution. While I would like to continue discourse, you have plumbed the depths of my knowledge on the topic.
That is to say …
I have yet to read this book, so I linked it, that I would remember to read it later when I have more time. For this reason, I can only point to the book as a intriguing exploration of the topic, but can not either agree or disagree with specifics in its content.
Nevertheless …
I can wax about the topic for a moment: I think the rabid nature of America's approach to the relationship between evolution and religion is the result of a fundamentally flawed interaction. That is to say, I believe religion and science always should have and always should coexist peacefully. (An important caveat to 'always should' - if we find a way to stop death and preserve a person indefinitely, religion and science are going to be at loggerheads: all of the religions I can think of rely on death as a fundamental part of their structure.) Anyhow, I think the 'barriers' placed between religion and science are fabricated by zealots who have been searching for a chord that would resonate; these people have found that chord, and pound away, without variation.
Interesting question regarding what role God plays in our lives: I see God (I'll avoid him/her language) as a divine beacon, a magnet for our moral compasses, but also a very real and personal savior. This dual nature (not in the philosophical sense, because I see God as one being) is part of the way that God is always relevant in our lives.
Deep thoughts, I'll clarify and expand in a post at some point.