Origins of the Universe
On February 8, the Justice Matters committee held its second panel discussion on the topic of Origins of the Universe. The panel presented the following views:
The Perspective of Intelligent Design, Dr. Scott Reid
Dr. Reid is a professor of chemistry at Marquette University. Although he is not a proponent of intelligent design, he provided an overview of that perspective.
The Perspective of Evolution, Maurizio Murro
Mr. Murro is a doctoral candidate in biology and is currently on the faculty of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.
The Catholic Biblical Perspective, Dr. Lance Richey
Dr. Richey is an associate professor of Religious Studies at Cardinal Stritch University. He has doctorates in both scripture and philosophy.
Below is a brief recap from each of their presentations.
Intelligent Design
Intelligent Design contends that it is a scientific theory based upon the key issue of irreducible complexity. The reality of irreducible complexity is any physical reality that functions as a machine or organism which, if any part is changed, it can no longer be that reality. An example of such a machine would be the mousetrap. In other words, it functions as a unit and is incapable of being reduced to a more basic function, as a motorcycle could be reduced to being a bicycle. Thus if an irreducible complexity could be found that would have no previous source of existence, it would sustain the premise that there was a power that inserted it into existence. ID contends that a fossil record that appeared suddenly without explanation will one day be found.
Evolution
Evolution is a change in the genetic makeup of a population. In other words, an individual cannot evolve. An individual's genetic makeup is static and fixed. But over time a population can evolve, i.e., over time the genetic make up of individuals in a community can change and grow from one generation to the next. Each group can adopt the genetic makeup of the previous generation or adapt that makeup for the purpose of survival.
View of the Catholic Church
Since 1950 and Pope Pius XII the Catholic Church has held that evolution as a theory needs to be respected as the latest understanding of the origin of humans and of the universe. The Catholic Church has not adopted evolution as THE explanation, but it seeks to respect the findings of science to date. Since 1950 various individuals in the Church and various popes (the latest being Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI) have all recognized the need to listen to the unfolding wisdom of science in this regard. In fact, the Church gives greater credence to evolution than it does to Intelligent Design.
Looking for more information?
Please visit: www.talkorigins.org
This is a Usenet group with discussions on the creationism/evolution controversy; mainstream scientific ideas, theories and trends related to evolution; and lots of links to evolutionary theory- and creationism-related websites
The Perspective of Intelligent Design, Dr. Scott Reid
Dr. Reid is a professor of chemistry at Marquette University. Although he is not a proponent of intelligent design, he provided an overview of that perspective.
The Perspective of Evolution, Maurizio Murro
Mr. Murro is a doctoral candidate in biology and is currently on the faculty of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.
The Catholic Biblical Perspective, Dr. Lance Richey
Dr. Richey is an associate professor of Religious Studies at Cardinal Stritch University. He has doctorates in both scripture and philosophy.
Below is a brief recap from each of their presentations.
Intelligent Design
Intelligent Design contends that it is a scientific theory based upon the key issue of irreducible complexity. The reality of irreducible complexity is any physical reality that functions as a machine or organism which, if any part is changed, it can no longer be that reality. An example of such a machine would be the mousetrap. In other words, it functions as a unit and is incapable of being reduced to a more basic function, as a motorcycle could be reduced to being a bicycle. Thus if an irreducible complexity could be found that would have no previous source of existence, it would sustain the premise that there was a power that inserted it into existence. ID contends that a fossil record that appeared suddenly without explanation will one day be found.
Evolution
Evolution is a change in the genetic makeup of a population. In other words, an individual cannot evolve. An individual's genetic makeup is static and fixed. But over time a population can evolve, i.e., over time the genetic make up of individuals in a community can change and grow from one generation to the next. Each group can adopt the genetic makeup of the previous generation or adapt that makeup for the purpose of survival.
View of the Catholic Church
Since 1950 and Pope Pius XII the Catholic Church has held that evolution as a theory needs to be respected as the latest understanding of the origin of humans and of the universe. The Catholic Church has not adopted evolution as THE explanation, but it seeks to respect the findings of science to date. Since 1950 various individuals in the Church and various popes (the latest being Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI) have all recognized the need to listen to the unfolding wisdom of science in this regard. In fact, the Church gives greater credence to evolution than it does to Intelligent Design.
Looking for more information?
Please visit: www.talkorigins.org
This is a Usenet group with discussions on the creationism/evolution controversy; mainstream scientific ideas, theories and trends related to evolution; and lots of links to evolutionary theory- and creationism-related websites
posted by Saints Peter and Paul Parish at Thursday, February 09, 2006
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