Theory One, Evolution: Now, I'm not about to debate this entire quandry at this time; however, though the evolution 'answer' is the most popular these days, it doesn't explain the orgin of life. The process of evolution is simply the way things change over time. It doesn't even touch how those "things" got there to begin with. Here's a joke I once heard that helps explain why:
A group of scientists went up to God and said, "OK, God. We don't need you anymore. We've discovered how to make life! Now man can finally do everything that you can do. You're out!"
God: "OK, so you say you've made life. Show me how you did it."
Scientists: "Alright, we will! You just take some dirt and--"
God: "Get your own dirt."
Remember, there's a natural law that states that matter cannot be created or destroyed. It is simply being converted into another form. So where did we come from? Where did these "particles", that some scientists say slowly caused the Big Bang that hurled us into existence, come from? Evolution completely ignores the beginning of the story.
Theory Two, Aliens: Believe it or not, there are people out there that believe that aliens planted life--our DNA--into the premordial soup that later, through evolution, became us. Have you seen that movie--I think it's called "Red Planet"? That was the theory put forth there. Anyway, again, it doesn't solve the problem of the origin of life. Where did the aliens come from? The problem is still the same, just more complicated.
Theory Three, God: I used to watch Matlock all the time--Andy Griffith playing an Atlanta lawyer who solves a bunch of crimes. It was great! Anyway, he once said on there something I'll never forget. He said, "Sometimes, to solve a mystery, you have to go with the only possible route, even if it seems the least likely." People don't like to admit the possibility that there might be a God. It seems so childish--like believing in fairies or elves. But, as the only possible explanation for the origin of life, it just might be worth setting aside our preconceptions and negative stigmas and giving God another look.
Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good..."
8 comments:
OK. So it occurred to me rather late in life, -- I mean (!) just last year, -- that it doesn't matter what I think about things like the origin of the universe or if God exists, because what I think just lets others know a bit about how my head works. No more; no less. There is some Reality and my brain doesn't change that reality. I mean, the universe exists. What I think about its beginning doesn't and can't change what actually happened. So whether or not I believe God or evolution or aliens started it all doesn't change the way it actually began. Brass tacks: what I believe about God's existence or who He is cannot change whether or not He actually exists or Who He really is.
Nice to see you, Susan E.T., in blogger-land.
Jean,
You're right, of course. My belief or disbelief changes nothing other than my own life. However, I also feel very strongly that truth is of the utmost importance. If what you believe is not the truth, then it is a lie. I believe that deception is worse than any other kind of evil--here's why: Deception can turn an otherwise moral person into an arrogant fool, a cruel jerk or, even, a murderer. Just feed someone the 'right' lie and if he believes it, he's yours. A good man will kill if he thinks he's doing it to protect his family. So, I think that, though your belief doesn't change Reality, Reality can change you. So, what you believe is important--if only to you.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful, wise response!
Susan
Hey,
thanks for the comment. Actually, I think God might have had something planned for me after all...
I actually met a single mother in the last week who is maybe the most wonderful woman I've met in a long time.
She is close to God... much closer than I've been in recent years... and she has treated me with respect and with understanding as I've done the same.
While our relationship is still new I can't help but feel that God has protected me through a rough spell and that I was wrong to have complained about my own little greivances when so many worse things are happening to others every day.
A small lesson learned.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
The alien theory is actually more popular than most places here in the Portland, OR area. You find a lot of weird people who hold to a lot of weird things. Maybe it is true for Moscow also, I don't know. Never been there or Pullman before.
Not quite sure what you mean when you say "A good man will kill if he thinks he's doing it to protect his family." Are you postulating that it is wrong to kill to protect the innocent? Some clarification on that statement would be appreciated.
Jared,
Yes and no. I think killing is wrong. I think it would be worse to stand by and watch your family victimized (or anyone else) and do nothing. So, it is sometimes necessary (unfortunately) to kill to protect your family. However, what I was referring to here is this: wouldn't it be a terrible thing to have killed someone, thinking you were doing it for noble reasons, and then realize that the person you killed was innocent--all because you were fed lies? Sorry for the confusion.
Susan
Mr. Kendleton,
That's a pretty amazing coincidence (if you believe in such things). I'm glad you are excited about this new relationship. One bit of advice for anyone who is getting into a relationship with someone who has a "past" (we all do, anyway, right?) is to not ask a lot of questions about specific failures. In other words, don't ask her about her old boyfriends and stuff unless there's some very important link from those relationships to yours (like he shows up on your doorstep and wants to punch your lights out). Most of the time, if a past relationship has been severed, it's best to leave it alone. If she wants to share that stuff with you, she will in time. I know that when I met my husband I was worried that he might make me relive every single mistake I'd ever made. He never did, though, and I can't tell you how much that has helped our relationship. We've been very happily married for 8 1/2 years now and there are still some "secrets" that we both have. So, if it's in the past, leave it there.
God bless you both with wisdom and understanding as you get to know each other better. Also, one way to build a solid intimacy is to be very open about your spiritual beliefs. Who knows, maybe you can encourage each other in that area.
Sincerely,
Susan
Ah, makes sense now. On its own, it wasn't clear, but with your further explanation it makes sense.
Albert, Thanks so much for your comment. You are right, of course, that once we get past the origin of life question, even if we all agreed that some sort of Supreme Being (or Beings) was/were the cause of life, there are then a myriad of other theories about what He (or She) might be like. Just acknowledging that there is a God, doesn't necessarily mean that everyone would automatically jump to the God of the Bible. However, I think this is the best place to start for people like atheists and agnostics who often forgo this particular step altogether.
Thank you again for your comment. I will be addressing other issues related to the God of the Bible, other religions and other spiritual and philosophical issues in the weeks to come. If you have anything specific that you would like discussed, please drop a comment on one of my posts.
Thanks!
Susan
Post a Comment