Editor,
Regarding Mr. Rich’s letter “Doubting Darwin” June 16, I would like to say that when it comes to how the physical universe was formed, we most likely have the answer in the Big Bang Theory. What Mr. Rich’s problem is with the spiritual formation of the universe of which we have no observable clues if any exist.
Mr. Rich also tries to harmonize the scientific with the biblical by suggesting that the Bang lines up with the Abrahamic creation myth (myth as in a story, not a lie) even though the concept of evolution blows the days of creation of creatures out of the water since animals such as dinosaurs are not accounted for. It’s disheartening that he subscribes to this way of thinking even while admitting the presence of hoops to jump through and then knocking out the possibility of a different form of creation simply because they’re too “pagan.”
Not all non-Abrahamic creations are violent displays of gore. The Japanese Izinami and Izinagi fished up islands creating land and gave birth to the gods of the world. The Greek Chaos spontaneously gave birth to matter and the gods Tarturus, Gaia, Erebus and Nyx whose couplings from love formed the world. The Australins believed we and the land were carved by spirits in the plane of the Dreamtime. All of these and more are beautiful narratives and they aren’t better than the Abrahamic creation because there is no such thing as the “best” creation.
Lastly, I would like to add that as a former Christian myself (now a Hellenist), there are a lot of diverse philosophies within Christianity. Just because Mr. Grocott doesn’t believe in evolution does not make him less of a Christian than you, Mr. Rich.
Tyler Fuller-Battles
San Mateo
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
Only subscribers can view and post comments on articles.
Already a subscriber? Login Here
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
(2) comments
Of course, all gods and associated religions are made up! Just look at the absolutely impossible stories like Noah’s Arc and Adam & Eve! Many of the biblical stories seem to have been cooked up by ancient writers trying to outdo each other by coming up with scarier stuff than their competition. Since there are no contemporary writing confirming the Jesus stories, they are also in all likelihood made up later, - much later. On the other hand, religion is important for those who need to believe in something beyond to make it through life, while feeling close to, and a part of, nature is enough for others.
Indeed, there is a legend that predates Christ by centuries, of a man who performed miracles and was crucified and rose from the dead.
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.