Notre Dame priest: Creationism debate unique to U.S.

The Bozeman Daily Chronicle ^ | 2003-05-11 | Walt Williams

[Junior]

Despite movements across the nation to teach creationism in public schools, a science historian said Monday that Christians haven't always used a literal interpretation of the Bible to explain the world's origins.

"For them, the Bible is mostly to teach a religious lesson," said Ernan McMullin of the earliest Christian scholars.

McMullin spoke to a crowd of about 60 people at Montana State University on "Evolution as a Christian theme."

McMullin, a professor at the University of Notre Dame and a Catholic priest, is recognized one of the world's leading science historians and philosophers, according to MSU.

He has written about Galileo, Issac Newton, the concept of matter and, of course, evolution.

It's a subject has been hotly debated ever since Charles Darwin first published "On the Origins of Species" in 1859.

Christian fundamentalists have long pushed the nation's public schools to teach creationism as an alternative, which in its strictest form claims that the world was created in six days, as stated in the Bible's Old Testament Book of Genesis.

But McMullin said creationism largely is an American phenomenon. Other countries simply don't have major creationist movements, leading him to ask: "What makes it in the U.S. ... such an issue (over) evolution and Christian belief?"

The answer probably lies in the nation's history, with the settlement by religious groups, he said. Also, public education and religion are more intertwined here than other countries.

McMullin discussed how Christians have tried to explain their origins over the past 2,000 years, using several examples to show that many viewed Genesis as more of a religious lesson than an exact record of what happened.

It wasn't until the Protestant Reformation of the 16th Century that Genesis started to be taken literally. Then theologians started using nature - and its many complexities - as proof of creation.

Charles Darwin spoiled that through his theory of natural selection, and the battle lines have been drawn ever since.

"It replaced an older view that had sounded like a strong argument for the existence of God," McMullin said.

[Junior]

Despite movements across the nation to teach creationism in public schools, a science historian said Monday that Christians haven't always used a literal interpretation of the Bible to explain the world's origins.

Tell that to some of the folks on this forum.

[PatrickHenry]

Ping.

[This ping list is for the evolution -- not creationism -- side of evolution threads, and sometimes for other science topics. To be added (or dropped), let me know via freepmail.]

[Junior]

Ping

[supercat]

Despite movements across the nation to teach creationism in public schools, a science historian said Monday that Christians haven't always used a literal interpretation of the Bible to explain the world's origins.

What is meant by the term "day" in the parts of Genesis before the creation of the Sun and Moon?

[PatrickHenry]

I know, I know.

[Junior]

You know how it is with automatic ping lists...

BTW, what do you want to bet the creos ignore this thread?

[balrog666]

Christians haven't always used a literal interpretation of the Bible to explain the world's origins.

Yes, but we're dealing with the snake-handling, speaking-in-idiocy, totally-close-minded, ultra-fundamentalist-without-a-clue, illiterate Christian wunderkinds!

[PatrickHenry]

BTW, what do you want to bet the creos ignore this thread?

The smartest will stay away. But that still leaves a considerable number who will visit.

[BeAllYouCanBe]

"What is meant by the term "day" in the parts of Genesis"

Sadly, I'm old enough to remember that science taught that "In the beginning" couldn't be possible and a "fact" since the universe is "infinite" -- on-going so to speak. Then we got the "Big Bang" theory and well after that then Christians had to explain what does 'one day' mean in Genesis. OK, who was wrong and who was right about the "Big Bang".

I'm not all that worried about "days" if you need a response I'm sure that many here will help you but I wouldn't let that influence my quest for the truth. The truth may not be revealed in your life-time -- ask and seek answers (YES!) -- it doesn't mean you will get a valid answer though.

[txzman]

Uh, so maybe the fact that the Bible tells us God exists, that may or may not just be a story.

These people need to get a CLUE about Christianity. Either that or take off the darn collar and go do something productive!

[nickcarraway]

Why can't schools just explain what creationism is, and it's history. Then explain evolution to the children and it's history. Then explain the newer biochemical theories to the students. That way the kids know itn all, and undrestand the history of ideas.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Uhm, obviously that would be way too logical.

[sinkspur]

Christians haven't always used a literal interpretation of the Bible to explain the world's origins.

What's more, most Christians don't, today. Literal interpretations of oral history and tradition (handed down over hundreds of years) is a tricky business.

[ContentiousObjector]

They sure ignored this one, not even Gore 3000 would try to defend this,

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/894768/posts

P.S. Dear Creationists, I still eagerly await you telling me where I can find living dinosaurs, we are looking for a family pet and what could beat a Veliciraptor?

[rmvh]

re your # 6...

What does it matter? Cognitive recognition of anything will be the same for each of us as consciousness was in 1899...Religion requires the need for self important immortality.... and amusing concept in and of itself.

Religion of all kinds remains the opium of the masses......... and an ocassional horror to civilized humans as now exemplified by the Muslum lunatics and their current display of insanity.

[sinkspur]

Why can't schools just explain what creationism is, and it's history. Then explain evolution to the children and it's history. Then explain the newer biochemical theories to the students. That way the kids know itn all, and undrestand the history of ideas.

Nick, you're a wise man.

[jlogajan]

who was wrong and who was right about the "Big Bang".

Science can be wrong for decades. The Bible is wrong forever.

[jwalsh07]

You might want to take another look at 20th century history and fellows by the name of Marx, Stalin, Pol Pot and Mao.

[JeepInMazar]

You are assuming that public education is a quest for the truth and and open minded forum for ideas.

[JeepInMazar]

Try the Congo. Really. I dare you check it out.