Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Brain Evolution and Theistic synthesis

Brain evolution is a perfect road map of brain development through epochs of time. At our base stem our brains are most like reptilian, and then emotional centers like dogs and cats, then into the neo-cortical regions found in other apes. Ours are the most developed. Does this mean that we are directly descended from these species? Perhaps, but not necessarily, but there is strong correlation to show similar genetic patterns that have emerged through time, and through the development of species. We could share common ancestors all along the way. We were never Chimps; however, we diverge from a similar genetic lineage, and the clues are in the genes. There have been some eyebrow raising finds in the fossil record more recently (in the past 9 months) to suggest that we share lineage, and that is the new idea in evolutionary science, and not that we are or were ever chimps. Looking for direct evidence in the fossil record is like searching for a needle in a haystack; inasmuch, where we will find the direct evidence of the process of evolution will come from our modern technical advances in being able to read the genetic code. The evidence is to be discovered right here in each of us, in our genes and by looking at the development of our brains. It does leave room to suggest that there are more general or common genetics shared by many species, and that through time and development we could share common ancestral genetics. Or one could even muse (from a theistic evolutionary point of view) that these genetics are common for the above reasons, and that they also act as a map or blue print of brain development through species as intended by a divine source of creation. The arguments between "Aquinas Creationism" and "Atheistic Evolutionists" are inexhaustible, full of holes, and rather boring. They are not supporting arguments for or against evolution as much as they are clinging desperately to narrow world views that are grasping at straws. Sad to me is that one would ever be caught in such desperation of belief that they couldn't even entertain possibilities, ever find commonality, or see beyond the intellectual smog and fallacy of reductionism. Both extremes are mistaken, there is a bigger picture, and it is called "Theistic Evolution". I contend that the contradictions raised in such arguments are perceptual contradictions, and not real contradictions. Because we can or can not perceive of something doesn't mean it doesn't happen or exist. This is the key to faith, because I can believe in the product without seeing the equation, or I can believe in the hand of creation without being able to put a glove on it. As far as I'm concerned there is no contradiction between theism and the observations of biology known as evolution. There is room for both theism and evolution to coexist.So really, evolution theory (variance, isolation, natural selection) can coexist with the concept of divine creation. Simply that, all of our observations in the sciences (cosmology in the times of Galileo, and biology now) are as accurate as our system of measurements and statistics; together these powerful tools of our minds are able to find "probability" in nature, A nature which was created and is perpetually being created by a divine omnipresent consciousness, God. So, I can believe in God, and that God created me with a mind to use and make sense of this amazing creation he placed me in... perhaps so that I can advance my civilization; enjoy the beauty; be amazed; and glorify him in all of it. Perhaps...

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