Vatican defends Darwinian Evolution, poo-poos Intelligent Design

In other news... HELL HAS FROZEN OVER
I am so glad at least *some* sects of Christianity have their head well attached to their shoulders.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,17162341-13762,00.html

i was tempted to post this a couple days back, but it represents a middle ground that this particular forum has no room for

Wow! Finally the Catholic church does something I approve of. They're actually surprisingly progressive when it comes to science these days. I think they're still pretty embarassed about that whole "the earth is the center of the solar system" thing, hehe. Stephen Hawking had an audience with the pope once at the Vatican's request. The pope told him it was okay to investigate the big bang, but nothing before the big bang because that would be the domain of god. Silly, but almost progressive under the circumstances.

So does that mean christians will now put those Darwin fish on thier cars?

So what's all this "if you read the bible correctly" business? How does HE know he's the one reading it correctly? Shows some intolerance to go round throwing insults at anyone who believes in creationism - automatically dismissing them as a fundamentalist. Pfft!

or the bible for that matter, you seem to have read neither.

He says they are "compatable" ideas.

What is cast down is "inteligent design" not "creationism"

btw.. as far as who he is to interperate the bible.....

Cardinal Paul Poupard, head of the Pontifical Council for Culture

and your point?

Not to be confused with Cardinal Zippy Montague, head of the Pontifical Council for Silly Hats.

Catholicism has always been more compatable with scientific belief than the Evangelical stuff. There is a long tradition of it I believe.

Of course, Catholicism has been on the wane for a while in terms of popularity, and has for the most part lost out to the newer religion brands. I think that there is so much over-saturation of the market however, and so much brand confusion that if they could get behind this new product they could be perfectly placed to win the whole thing in the upcoming quarters.

People are really looking for a religion that "works with science" and the first religion to come to market with a science based explanation could easily dominate. I would put my money on Catholicism to win the religion game over the Muslim and Protestant groups easily with this new move.

Buy Vatican shares now before they go up!

nahhhhh. Jews got all ya'll beat on this one.

Well, it took us Catholics about 500 years to acknowledge that Galileo was correct, and now only about 150 to admit that Darwin had the right idea. So, we're doing a bit better than before.

Much ado about nothing, in the long run I would guess.



Consider Buddha's teachings.

In the original writings there are statements by Buddha telling people that he did not have cosmic answers.

Now, many consider Buddhism a religion... and why?

Because many of his followers wanted it that way.

Ultimately, belief is in the heart of the believer, and they are going to choose an interpretation of their own liking.


The Middle Path,

- Desmond Shang

Well Judaism is a big outift and their share prices have been steadily rising for decades now, (possibly for the same reason.) People seem to crave the mumbo jumbo aspects of a good religion, but also be able to do science. Judaism is certainly a strong fit to that need.

The problem is Judaism is kind of a "closed shop" for a lot of the public, and while they have an interesting product, they have suffered from image problems and the perception that they don't cater to the low end of the market. IMO they are not really looking for market share per se, just protecting what they have now.

I would certainly expect them to outperform the Muslim group however, as they are at least focussed on todays market and not following a plan based on pushing antiquated and defective products.

I still think Catholicism has the best position in the market and has the potential to be the Nike of the religion world with this new development!

Nah, not until they get rid of the silly hats, incense, and all the other goofy rituals. Confession isn't a big selling point either. If they ever go back to selling indulgances though, watch out.

True. Judaism is the Apple Computers of the religious world.

I am for *more* silly hats and goofy rituals. The Pope should wear a chicken hat next time he waves from that balcony.

Ulrika might be able to help with that.

Hmm, I do remember something called herecy. I also remember people being put to death for sceintifically correct theories. I do have to say that this article shows promise though. I do have to say the new pope is impressing me now. I think he is getting to the point where I could take him on as a drinking buddy now. Pope, if you're playing SL like we think George Bush is; you should know that we'll keep a beer here in your honor. Hope to see you soon.