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Author Topic:   Pope John Paul II address to the Papal Academy of Sciences
Apostle
Inactive Member


Message 1 of 16 (74326)
12-19-2003 3:57 PM


The Papal Address
A. Introduction
On October 22,1996, both scientists and theologians were shocked and confused by Pope John Paul II’s address to the Papal Academy of Sciences. In his address, he was viewed as giving his support to the Theory of Evolution.
The initial feedback was incredible. The Pope was portrayed as a relatively enlightened religious leader; a leader willing to adjust his own faith beliefs in order that they might agree with scientific facts. He was portrayed in sharp contrast to the intolerant, Protestant fundamentalists. (Why I include the word ‘intolerant,’ I know not, for it may seem superfluous given that the term ‘fundamentalist’ has such a negative connotation that it easily extends to include the intolerant). The praises continued the next day in which various headlines read: Pope enlists Darwin, Evolution agrees with Faith, Science applauds the Pope, After Galileo, Rehabilitation and Man’s Animal Origins, and finally, Pope: ‘Evolution More than a Hypothesis’.
The fanfare eventually ended and the Pope went back to being continually criticized in the press. Eight years later some important questions remain unanswered. Did the Pope embrace evolution? Did he come out and accept Darwin’s theory? Does the Roman Catholic Church now admit that man is a descendant of apes?
B. What did the Pope say?
The Pope began by exchanging some pleasantries. He then extended an invitation to all to take part in what could be a fruitful and trustful dialogue between science and religion. (No 1).
The Pope then expressed a certain amount of pleasure over the chosen subject, the origin of life and evolution, because he stated that it interested the Church due to its mention of general Revelation. He then said that truth could not contradict truth, meaning I believe, that a correct understanding of both science and religion should lead to the same conclusion. (No 2).
The he reminded his listeners that Pius XII already made pronouncements in Humani Generis, that there is no opposition between evolution and the doctrine of faith so long as both sides do not lose sight of several indisputable points. (No 3).
The Pope cites Pius XII in Humani Generis as saying that general themes of evolution are serious hypothesizes worthy of investigation, as well as studies are of opposing views. He quotes Pius XII as setting two conditions. First, Pius XII stated that his own opinions not be considered certain and second is that Pius XII insisted that there is no room in the Catholic faith for those wishing to embrace any of the materialistic theories of evolution.
The Pope then states that 50 years after Humani Generis evolution is no more a mere hypothesis. He expresses amazement that so many researchers in various fields of knowledge have accepted the theory of evolution. Such convergence, he adds, is in itself an argument in favor of evolution. But he then warns that the theory of evolution’s validity depends entirely on whether or not it can be verified. He goes on to state that a theory shows its limitations and unsuitability when it cannot explain the facts. When such happens, a theory needs to be rethought.
The Pope then clarifies by saying that rather than talking about one Theory of Evolution, one should speak of various theories of evolution for different theories arise due to disagreements over both the mechanisms and philosophies inspiring them. To prove this he mentions the fact that there are materialist, reductionist, as well as spiritualist interpretations. (No 4).
The Pope then repeats the importance of the question of evolution, because it includes the conception of man. The Pope explains that Revelation teaches that man was created in the image and likeness of God, and so any notion that man can be subordinated as a pure means or instrument either to society of species, in unacceptable.
The Pope reminds us that Pius XII theoretically did concede that even if man’s body did take it’s original form from pre-existent matter; the spiritual soul was still immediately created by God. John Paul II then both warns and reminds his listeners that certain theories, which are based on the philosophies inspiring them that consider the mind as having emerged from the forces of living matter, are incompatible with truth, nor do they truly reflect the dignity of man. (No 5).
To conclude, the Pope credits the Bible with giving an extraordinary message of life. He credits it with giving a wise version in as much as it describes the ‘loftiest forms of existence.’ (No 7).
C. Analysis
Why did I summarize the Pope’s statement by noting almost everything he said? Because to just take what I felt were important statements would put me in the same boat as those individuals who, either in their newspaper headlines or opinion pieces, wrote such phrases as ‘Pope enlists Darwin’ or other statements implying that the Pope lent his support to Darwin or evolution. It would be good to deal with some of those misconceptions.
1. Pope Enlists Darwin
Charles Darwin, who was criticized even by his own wife for his lack of faith, believed that all beings evolved from casual mutations. The purpose of this paper is not to discredit Darwin but I cannot help but ask, can anyone except an atheist really believe that man is a product of mere chance?
Interestingly the Pope’s message contains no specific recognition of Darwin or even of his theories. The headline, ‘Pope enlists Darwin’ likely surprised both the recruiter as well as the recruit.
2. Evolution is more than a Hypothesis
Much of the media’s attention focused in on the quote, More than a half a century after this encyclical, new evidence has led us to recognize in the theory of evolution more than a hypothesis.
Whether there was a translation error, or whether a Catholic creationist took offence at what seemed to be an endorsement of evolution, a new translation did appear in the English edition of the Vatican’s L’osservatore Romano. It read, Today, almost a half a century after the publication of the Encyclical, new knowledge has led to the recognition of more than one hypothesis in the theory of evolution.
Obviously the translation is important so we must determine whether it should be ‘more than a hypothesis’ or ‘more than one hypothesis.’ It does little good, however, to state that which was intended if one is unable to see the difference between the two. If evolution is ‘more than a hypothesis’ then the Pope is implying that it is somewhat true in the scientific community. But if there ‘is more than one hypothesis’ then the Pope is merely stating what is common knowledge among all, that there is more than one scientific theory.
Having dealt with the differences we must now deal with which interpretation is correct.
The address, which was given in French, reads, Aujourd’hui, pres d’un semi-siecle aprs la parution de l’encyclique, de nouvelles connaissances a reconaitre dans la theorie de l’evolution plus qu’une hypothese. (My apologies: I was unable to discover how to insert French accent marks over the appropriate letters. If any administrators know feel free to edit this part).
Possessing a certain familiarity with the French language, I can comfortably read and understand the above sentence. Ask me though, whether the second last word ‘qu’une’ refers to ‘a’ or ‘one,’ and I am unable to respond with any authority. According to James Akin, who wrote ‘What the Pope really Said,’ the vast majority of non-native French speakers are unable to differentiate between the two, while all native French speakers are agreed that in the Pope’s address, ‘une’ translates to ‘a.’
If any doubt remains, then it should have been cleared up shortly after the papal address. On November 19,1996 a Catholic News Service story dealt with this issue, and the ‘more than a hypothesis’ interpretation was confirmed. That same day Father Robert Dempsey, who is the editor and chief of the English edition of L’osservatore Romano, stated that his paper had translated an overly literal interpretation that had obscured the real meaning of the text. Having established that the Pope did say that evolution was more than a hypothesis, we must now ask
3. Does that mean that the Pope endorsed Evolution?
Many cite a phrase in this same quote as evidence that the Pope does support evolution. It is the same touchy quotation. Today almost half a century had led us to realize that the theory is more than a hypothesis.
I must again appeal to the appropriate authority when I state that native French speakers have stated that had the Pope wanted to include him among those who supported evolution then French idiom would have required a different construction. Native French speakers state that the English translation of this speech should not read ‘led us to recognize’ which would imply that the Pope also recognized it. Instead it should read ‘has led to the recognition,’ which implies nothing about who recognizes it. These translators say that the wording in this line is such that the Pope quite deliberately sidesteps the question of whether or not he believes.
All he is doing is merely stating a fact about how the theory is regarded in the scientific community.
Another line is also seen as evidence of the Pope's support of evolution. "It is indeed remarkable that this theory has been progressively accepted by researchers following a series of discoveries in various fields of knowledge." Does this show an endorsement? No, for he is only stating that the general acceptance of the scientific community is remarkable. Indeed it is, given the amount of evidence. Saying something is remarkable is often just a positive and polite way of saying something without committing yourself to it. Nonetheless, he is right in saying that when such a consensus arises after research, then it does constitute as an argument in favor.
4. If the Pope does not Endorse Evolution, Then does he attack it?
The Pope does not attack the Theory of Evolution. It does not seem to be the general theme of his address. The main point of the address was not for the Pope, a theologian, to criticize scientific theories. Rather it was to warn scientists to be wary of the theologically unacceptable versions of the theory. For one who is a believer, he may accept evolution, so long as he ponders the following points. First, he must not accept evolution as though it were a certain, proven, doctrine that one could totally take from Revelation and find answers to the questions that arise. The second requirement is that the theory of evolution must be reconcilable with the Biblical fact that 'man was made in the image and likeness of God,' and that God also creates the soul.
5.Neither Sought Nor Fabricated
Much has been made of the line, "There convergence, neither sought nor fabricated, of the works that were conducted..."
Many have questioned this and asked for a clarification as to whether the Pope believes that there have been no examples of dishonesty or bad science. I think to ask for such a clarification, shows a general misunderstanding at best, and an attempt to distort one quote in an attempt to discredit the Pope at worst. I am quite sure that that Pope is well aware of the dishonesty and bias that is demonstrated at times in the scientific community, as it is in every other human quest for knowledge.
5. Evolution May Be a False Hypothesis
The Pope asks, "What is the significance of such a theory? To address this question is to enter the field of epistemology. A theory is a metascientific elaboration, distinct from observation but consistent with them...A theory's validity depends on whether or not it can be verified; it is constantly tested against the facts; wherever it can no longer explain the later, it shows its limitations and unsuitability. It must then be rethought.
All scientific theories must be continually tested and re-evaluated and if they stop working as an explanation of the observed data then they need to be dropped. If evolutionists are uncomfortable with these procedures, they may do what the creationists have been insisting on for years: that the evolutionists remove the term 'scientific' when describing evolution as a 'scientific theory.'
D. Conclusion
My goal is not to place primary blame on the media. Rather the primary blame belongs to the man that gave the speech. Pope John Paul II is responsible for the uncertainty among Catholics with regard to evolution.
The Pope made several crucial warnings. However all of his criticisms were put from the middle to the end of a speech whose primary concern was reconciliation with science.
The Pope is often viewed as a dictatorial-like individual who imposes his views on abortion, contraception, divorce, homosexuality, and women priests, on his one billion fellow Catholics. While I feel that these criticisms are unfair, I do think that he did not do enough to state his views on evolution. To leave no doubt, at the beginning of his speech he should have said that evolution as understood by Sagan or Asimov or Dawkins, or Lewontin or Futuyma and so many others is completely unacceptable to the Roman Church. Rather than put a rebuke in the middle as he did it should have been at the beginning.
However had he done this, the headlines the next day would have read, "Pope attacks Science," and an exponential number of opinion pieces would have reminded the world that the Church did after persecute Galileo, while numerous liberal Catholic professors would have given interviews highlighting the Pope’s increasing rigidity.
Still I do expect more from the Pope. He is a man of great courage and for him to show such weakness makes me think that it would have been better for him not to comment at all.
Nobel Laureate Leon Lederman summed things up well. "When people ask me to talk about spirituality, I tell them to go see the people across the street." Perhaps the Pope feels the same, just about science.
Where does the Catholic stand after hearing the Pope’s address. Right where they did before!
(I hope that despite the length, this piece can still be used as a source for clarifying what the did and did not endorse).
Apostle
{Footnote from Adminnemooseus:
Two place the text of the Pope's message can be found are:
http://www.newadvent.org/docs/jp02tc.htm
and
http://www.cin.org/jp2evolu.html}
[This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 12-19-2003]

Replies to this message:
 Message 2 by MrHambre, posted 12-19-2003 4:31 PM Apostle has replied
 Message 3 by PaulK, posted 12-20-2003 3:06 AM Apostle has not replied
 Message 11 by coffee_addict, posted 04-03-2004 11:30 PM Apostle has replied

  
MrHambre
Member (Idle past 1393 days)
Posts: 1495
From: Framingham, MA, USA
Joined: 06-23-2003


Message 2 of 16 (74340)
12-19-2003 4:31 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Apostle
12-19-2003 3:57 PM


Rhetorical Questions
Apostle claims:
quote:
I do expect more from the Pope. He is a man of great courage and for him to show such weakness makes me think that it would have been better for him not to comment at all.
Would it ever occur to you that the Pope might have a much stronger faith than you? Is it possible that a mature believer could consider the evidence for macroevolution and come to an informed decision without abandoning his religion? Are you accusing prominent biologists like Kenneth Miller and Terry Gray of being bad Christians because what they see in the lab every day tells them that all life shares common ancestry? Isn't your faith pretty weak if it can't survive contact with reality?
------------------
The dark nursery of evolution is very dark indeed.
Brad McFall

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Apostle, posted 12-19-2003 3:57 PM Apostle has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 4 by Apostle, posted 12-21-2003 12:46 PM MrHambre has replied

  
PaulK
Member
Posts: 17822
Joined: 01-10-2003
Member Rating: 2.2


Message 3 of 16 (74407)
12-20-2003 3:06 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Apostle
12-19-2003 3:57 PM


I can see several problems with your claims.
Firstly the Pope clearly goes beyond simply warning people away from theological problems. In fact he clearly limits the theological problems to the origin of the human mind and spirit. There is no bar on accepting any other evolutionary hypothesis.
Secondly the Pope clealy accepts that the natural sciences can inform the correct interpretation of scripture.
"It is necessary to determine the proper sense of Scripture, while avoiding any unwarranted interpretations that make it say what it does not intend to say. In order to delineate the field of their own study, the exegete and the theologian must keep informed about the results achieved by the natural sciences..."
In short the Pope clearly favours an evolutionary framework over a literal intepretation of Genesis - and even the more metaphorical versions preferred by the various versions of old-Earth creationism.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Apostle, posted 12-19-2003 3:57 PM Apostle has not replied

  
Apostle
Inactive Member


Message 4 of 16 (74553)
12-21-2003 12:46 PM
Reply to: Message 2 by MrHambre
12-19-2003 4:31 PM


Re: Rhetorical Questions
In no way do I mean to question the courage of any individuals who believe in macroevolution. Nor would I question the courage of any Christian who believes in such a process. Courage does not even come into play.
What I do question is the way Pope John Paul II stated his concerns. It is obvious that he does not openly embrace evolution. Rather he is more cautious. I am questioning his courage as a Christian, for not being more clear in condemning the evolution that is taught by Dawkings, Lewontin, Futumya, and so many others.
For him not to give a clear position on evolution, is where I question his courage. Yes, he did state reservations about the theory, but they came halfway through a paper whose whole purpose was to reconcile.
Apostle

This message is a reply to:
 Message 2 by MrHambre, posted 12-19-2003 4:31 PM MrHambre has replied

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 Message 6 by MrHambre, posted 12-22-2003 6:13 AM Apostle has replied

  
Chiroptera
Inactive Member


Message 5 of 16 (74557)
12-21-2003 1:25 PM
Reply to: Message 4 by Apostle
12-21-2003 12:46 PM


Re: Rhetorical Questions
Why should the Pope embrace evolution? Everything that I have read is consistent with the interpretation:
The Catholic Church is not a scientific organization, and the Pope is not a scientist. Therefore, the Church does not take a stand on the theory of evolution. The theory is the currently accepted scientific theory of the material origins of the present species, including humans, and so the Church accepts that it is the best explanation of the diversity of life. But, since all scientific ideas can be modified or discarded as new data comes in, the Church cannot state the the theory of evolution, or any other scientific theory, is the absolute truth lest it has to change its doctrines if and when new theories arise.

This message is a reply to:
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MrHambre
Member (Idle past 1393 days)
Posts: 1495
From: Framingham, MA, USA
Joined: 06-23-2003


Message 6 of 16 (74645)
12-22-2003 6:13 AM
Reply to: Message 4 by Apostle
12-21-2003 12:46 PM


Re: Rhetorical Questions
Apostle,
Why should the Pope condemn any theory of evolution? What scientific basis do you have for claiming that evolution is not a valid construct?
You should have some courage yourself and tell us what Christians should believe concerning evolution. I've given you examples of Christians (Kenneth Miller and Terry Gray) who not only understand the facts about evolution, but have made names for themselves in the field of evolutionary biology. Since the creationist thrives on the assumption that evolution and religious belief are incompatible, I wonder what you make of this simple fact: many, many believers accept the scientific evidence of common descent without any effect on their faith.
------------------
The dark nursery of evolution is very dark indeed.
Brad McFall

This message is a reply to:
 Message 4 by Apostle, posted 12-21-2003 12:46 PM Apostle has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 7 by Apostle, posted 12-26-2003 12:35 AM MrHambre has replied

  
Apostle
Inactive Member


Message 7 of 16 (75162)
12-26-2003 12:35 AM
Reply to: Message 6 by MrHambre
12-22-2003 6:13 AM


Re: Rhetorical Questions
Mr Hambre
If the Pope feels that part of the Theory of Evolution disagrees with the Roman Church's interpretation of Scripture then he has two options. First he could condemn the theory as heresy. Second, he can adjust his church's interpretation of Scripture so as to bring it into agreement with the Theory of Evolution. Whether or not you accept his authority is irrelevant, for as the head of the Catholic Church he has that right.
As for your comment on my courage, I have never hidden my beliefs. I am a Biblical Creationist who takes the Genesis account as truth. My beliefs on Creation are consisten with an excellent essay posted on this website. It should be under the Miscelleneous section entitled Biblical Creationism. (Perhaps an administrator can post a link to it?)
Also, dimensions of evolution are in fact facts. The observable change and variation among species is an example of microevolution and is disputed by no one. The macroevolutionary transitions are what creationists take issue with and they are not facts. Please do not confuse the issue, and this post is not to discuss such anyway.
Apostle
[This message has been edited by Apostle, 12-26-2003]
[This message has been edited by Apostle, 12-26-2003]

This message is a reply to:
 Message 6 by MrHambre, posted 12-22-2003 6:13 AM MrHambre has replied

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NosyNed
Member
Posts: 8996
From: Canada
Joined: 04-04-2003


Message 8 of 16 (75171)
12-26-2003 1:15 AM
Reply to: Message 7 by Apostle
12-26-2003 12:35 AM


macroevolution
The macroevolutionary transitions are what creationists take issue with and they are not facts. Please do not confuse the issue, and this post is not to discuss such anyway.
Care to demonstarte that you know what you are talking about?
http://EvC Forum: Is The Fossil Record an indication of Evolution? -->EvC Forum: Is The Fossil Record an indication of Evolution?
That one might be a good thread to read over. We had one on macro and micro evolution but it filled up and we haven't started a sequel yet.
That's this one, you could review some of it perhaps?
http://EvC Forum: Macro and Micro Evolution -->EvC Forum: Macro and Micro Evolution
[This message has been edited by NosyNed, 12-26-2003]
[This message has been edited by NosyNed, 12-26-2003]

This message is a reply to:
 Message 7 by Apostle, posted 12-26-2003 12:35 AM Apostle has not replied

  
MrHambre
Member (Idle past 1393 days)
Posts: 1495
From: Framingham, MA, USA
Joined: 06-23-2003


Message 9 of 16 (75235)
12-26-2003 4:56 PM
Reply to: Message 7 by Apostle
12-26-2003 12:35 AM


Re: Rhetorical Questions
Apostle,
I assume you mean you agree with The General's manifesto on Biblical Creationism, which is all religious and philosophical theorizing completely devoid of any scientific support. Why do you even mention 'facts' if this constitutes your viewpoint?
I told you there are believers who accept the scientific explanation for the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. The successful research that Kenneth Miller and Terry Gray have performed in the field of cell biology has not made them less devout Christians. You have made the choice to refuse to accept the validity of a scientific theory on the grounds that your beliefs won't allow it. I assert that you're proposing a false dichotomy between religious faith and scientific understanding.
Either accept all the facts or admit that you've chosen to refuse them. People can be scientifically educated and still be devout believers. If you're satisfied with shouting that evolution is a lie because God says so, don't be surprised when plenty of folks (believers included) disagree with you.
------------------
The dark nursery of evolution is very dark indeed.
Brad McFall

This message is a reply to:
 Message 7 by Apostle, posted 12-26-2003 12:35 AM Apostle has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 10 by Apostle, posted 04-03-2004 12:58 PM MrHambre has replied
 Message 15 by RAZD, posted 04-06-2004 1:24 AM MrHambre has not replied

  
Apostle
Inactive Member


Message 10 of 16 (97492)
04-03-2004 12:58 PM
Reply to: Message 9 by MrHambre
12-26-2003 4:56 PM


Re: Rhetorical Questions
Mr Hambre,
As it has become common in your debating style, I accept that the strawman arguements, combined with the ad hominen ones will be used in an attempt to silence those you disagree with.
I have stated again and again, that I accept that some believers will accept evolution. If they are Christians, I am stating that their is a conflict in their beliefs. (See my paper on the Gap Theory). At this point I am working on a paper, showing the proper understanding of creation and the Bible.
I have several comments on your last paragraph. The 'facts' you refer to are not facts, and that you insist on calling them that tells me something about your the faith, even though you were just criticizing mine. Two, nowhere, did I say that people cannot be scientifically educated and still be devout believers. Your stating that I said this, in done in an attempt to discredit me and show me as unreasonable. As I stated before, let your arguements do that, because when you adopt poor debating techmiques, it discredits you, and shows how unreasonable you are. Again, I did not say evolution was a lie, and when did you find me shouting? Same old tactics, hey Mr Hambre?
Apostle

This message is a reply to:
 Message 9 by MrHambre, posted 12-26-2003 4:56 PM MrHambre has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 12 by MrHambre, posted 04-04-2004 10:40 AM Apostle has replied

  
coffee_addict
Member (Idle past 477 days)
Posts: 3645
From: Indianapolis, IN
Joined: 03-29-2004


Message 11 of 16 (97617)
04-03-2004 11:30 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Apostle
12-19-2003 3:57 PM


Somewhat off-topic
This is not a response to any particular issue. Just so people are aware that Pope Pius XII was a supporter of the Nazi. He even made anti-semetic comments in public while millions of Jews were gassed to death with the knowledge of the Vatican. Popes are far from infallible!
I've made it my mission to make people aware of historical figures that contributed to crimes of genocides.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Apostle, posted 12-19-2003 3:57 PM Apostle has replied

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MrHambre
Member (Idle past 1393 days)
Posts: 1495
From: Framingham, MA, USA
Joined: 06-23-2003


Message 12 of 16 (97660)
04-04-2004 10:40 AM
Reply to: Message 10 by Apostle
04-03-2004 12:58 PM


Even the Pope Knows Creationism Is Not Science
Apostle,
Instead of sticking around and trying to engage us, you just seem to want to post your ramblings and then leave. The post with which you take issue is over three months old. If I misrepresent your position, it's because I can't figure out what you're saying.
What is your issue with the theory of evolution by natural selection? In this thread you have referred to it as a false hypothesis, and as unscientific. You stated that the Pope should declare that the theory of evolution (as stated by Dawkins, Futuyma, et. al.) is unacceptable to the Catholic Church. However, you also say you accept everything except macroevolution. You say that believers can be scientifically knowledgeable, but that if they accept the validity of evolutionary theory, there is a conflict there.
Ths issue is this: there can't be two sciences, one for believers and one for non-believers. There's only one methodology for guiding responsible scientific inquiry. I wrote a post on this subject recently, and maybe you should read it if you're unaware of the requirements of scientific method. You have the right to believe anything you like, but you can't call it scientific unless it explains the evidence through testable, verifiable mechanisms and controlled research. There are millions of believers who accept the validity of evolution on scientific grounds, and aren't very concerned that people like Apostle have a problem with that.
regards,
Esteban Hambre

This message is a reply to:
 Message 10 by Apostle, posted 04-03-2004 12:58 PM Apostle has replied

Replies to this message:
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Apostle
Inactive Member


Message 13 of 16 (98017)
04-06-2004 12:53 AM
Reply to: Message 11 by coffee_addict
04-03-2004 11:30 PM


Re: Somewhat off-topic
Lam,
Those who know me well, no that that few support Israel more than I. Having said that, when I look to enemies of Israel and Jews, I think of men like Hitler, or Arafat, even bin Laden. Pope Pius XII never crosses my mind as a enemy of Israel. I want to take issue with the points you make, not because I would like to debate them with you (at least not here), but because it is important to realize that many feel the same way I do on this topic.
Pope Pius XII did not support the Nazi's. I also think you would have trouble coming up with those anti-semitic comments. And while you suggest that millions of Jews were slaughtered with the knowledge of the Vatican, I must remind you that, while there is nothing that the Vatican could have done to have stopped such slaughter, the Vatican is credited with saving 800 000 lives. This is an incredible number, and a far greater contribution then any other. No less an Israeli than Golda Meir, publicly praised Pope Pius XII after his death, stating how much she appreciated the work he did during World War II to save Jewish lives.
No doubt, you may will disagree. However, On this forum, I would like to have the last word on this topic. If you wish to discuss it further, either set up a topic about it, or email me and we can discuss it from there.
Apostle

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Apostle
Inactive Member


Message 14 of 16 (98021)
04-06-2004 1:12 AM
Reply to: Message 12 by MrHambre
04-04-2004 10:40 AM


Finally, A Reasonable Response
Mr. Hambre
I see a relatively reasonable response. Not completely reasonable (ad hominen arguements again in the first paragraph), but it is considerably more respectable. I have never left, and the reason the response is to a three month old post, is because the topic was closed until recently. If you ever do not understand what I am stating, then please ask me to clarify. However I try to be very clear, and so I hope this is not a consistent problem.
I stated that believers could be scientifically knowledgable. However I did say that if they accepted the validity of the TOE then a conflict arises between their interpretation of science, and their interpretation of Scripture.
There certainly cannot be two sciences, I agree. I ask people to choose which origins model appears more reasonable to them, whether it is an evolutionary model (labelled scientific by some) or whether is is a creationist model (based on the Biblical account, which makes it more theological). I have always loved science. I beleive a creation model better describes our origins, then the evolutionary, supposedly scientific one. And I believe the Pope ( a man I admire) should have come out on the side of the Biblical approach, an approach that he, as a theologian, should appreciate. My whole desire, is to show that the Bible and the Theory of Evolution are irreconcilable. It does not bother me, if a person chooses to accept one. The problem is in choosing to accept both. It cant be done. Do you take issue with this?
Apostle
Apostle

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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1405 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 15 of 16 (98024)
04-06-2004 1:24 AM
Reply to: Message 9 by MrHambre
12-26-2003 4:56 PM


Re: Rhetorical Questions
which is all religious and philosophical theorizing completely devoid of any scientific support.
... to say nothing of it's strawman arguments and arguments of incredulity in the dismissal of other faiths. I wonder what Thomas Jefferson and other founding fathers would say to his portrayal of deism as "a very childish belief to think that we can do whatever we want and suffer no consequences" for that is not the point at all.

we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
RebelAAmerican.Zen[Deist
{{{Buddha walks off laughing with joy}}}

This message is a reply to:
 Message 9 by MrHambre, posted 12-26-2003 4:56 PM MrHambre has not replied

  
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