CED debate as probe into relationship of science and theology

[rmwilliamsll]

One of the reasons i find the dicussion of these topics not just interesting but important is that the CED debate is this probe into relationship of science and theology.

I would both suspect and hope that others share this interest and concern.
But there are other bigger issues where the relationship of theology to science is of great importance but not anywhere as clear. I'm thinking of economics and environmentalism in particular.

well. i came across this essay:
The Godly Must Be Crazy
Christian-right views are swaying politicians and threatening the environment
at:
http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2004/10/27/scherer-christian/?source=daily

so perhaps those that share my wider interests in the topic would be fascinated by this article. if anyone knows of decent discussions, like this board, on the issues of economics and environmentalism, i'd appreciate PM with the link. thanks.


but what does this have to do with origins theology?

i would contend that the same hermeneutic- literal, plain, common sense, man in the pew etc. is responsible for what this article says:

A kind of secular apocalyptic sensibility pervades much contemporary writing about our current world. Many books about environmental dangers, whether it be the ozone layer, or global warming or pollution of the air or water, or population explosion, are cast in an apocalyptic mold.
- Historian Paul Boyer

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale; the sky vanished like a scroll that is rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place ...
- Revelation 6:12-14

Abortion. Same-sex marriage. Stem-cell research.

U.S. legislators backed by the Christian right vote against these issues with near-perfect consistency. That probably doesn't surprise you, but this might: Those same legislators are equally united and unswerving in their opposition to environmental protection.
...

Inhofe's staff defends his backward scientific positions, no matter how at odds they are with mainstream scientists. "How do you define 'mainstream'?" asked a miffed staffer. "Scientists who accept the so-called consensus about global warming? Galileo was not mainstream." But Inhofe is no Galileo. In fact, his use of lawsuits to try to suppress the peer-reviewed science of the National Assessment on Climate Change -- which predicts major extinctions and threats to coastal regions -- arguably puts him on the side of Galileo's oppressors, the perpetrators of the Christian Inquisition, writes Chris Mooney in The American Prospect.

just like the CED debate, Galileo pops up as the quintessential science VS religion figurehead.

the big point is that THEOLOGY has consequences, part of that theology is your hermeneutics, studying YECism and it's relationship with modern science ought to cast some light on the same hermeneutic when applied to a different field such as economics or environmentalism.

so, does it matter what you believe about Genesis?

sure does, maybe not as a salvation issue, but as the nuts and bolts as you operate in this world until then.

....

 

[Gold Dragon]

I don't know about any current discussions but here are some evangelicals who have recognized this problem and are trying to do something about it.

Evangelical Environmental Network