Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Is It Really Either/Or?

Good question/response article from Brian McLaren's website on the fusion of religion and science:
Here's the Q:
i've just finished reading “The Story We Find Ourselves in” … it was captivating … the ideas r creative … 8)

Just one question: evolution states man evolved from primates but the Bible states God created man from dust – how to u reconcile them? Thks.
Here's the R: Thanks for your question. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book - people often ask me which of my books is my favorite, and I usually say, "My most recent book - and Story We Find Ourselves In."
On how to reconcile the Bible and the theory of evolution: I don't try to reconcile them for two reasons. First, you don't need to reconcile friends, and I don't see the Bible as an enemy of science or vice versa. And second, the Bible is a special kind of library (as I explain in New Kind of Christianity) ... but it is not a science textbook. So if I have a disease, I'll consult a medical library. If I am getting sued, I'll consult a legal library. If I'm having trouble in my garden, I'll consult a horticultural library. If I'm interested in the origin of species, I'll consult the literature on evolution. And if I'm on a spiritual journey, I'll consult the biblical library ... They aren't in competition at all - unless we erroneously try to turn them against each other.
Bold-emphasis mine. Article quoted from Brian McLaren's website: http://brianmclaren.net/archives/blog/q-r-primates-or-dust.html

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