Creationism vs Evolution

                                            

  Creationism vs Evolution 

 

 Are humans the result of Intelligent Design or random chance?

     

          There shouldn’t  be a dispute between religion and science concerning the origin of life on earth and how it evolved over time. Religion supports that God created life and above all human beings in His image, man and woman. Observing the physical visible world we can perceive His omnipotence i.e. His creative power and wisdom. However, there are so many things which we cannot really grasp about God’s creating a vast cosmos, his plan and motivation. Science’s approach about the creation of the world is based on measurable physical laboratorial evidence related to matter, so taking distance from religion or any sentimental emotional approach. We cannot arbitrarily exclude God from the process of evolution i.e. because we might be atheists. It is an accepted fact nowadays that the Bible uses symbols and metaphors in many cases in order to define time or explain things. One “day” could be thousands of years in the long process of creation. This is only one small example that these two fields can agree on many matters and not oppose each other. 

Fossils prove that evolution is a natural phenomenon that cannot be questioned, while faith is a human phenomenon that is being expressed throughout religious history and is being observed in people’s life and action. Both creationism and evolution have a common basis that doesn’t allow them to undermine each other, but to support each other. We can see “fossils” of faith recorded in human history and tradition throughout the world, from time immemorial. There is an ungodly evolution and a theistic evolution that  justifiably believes that the  God-Creator must be involved in everything and that also includes evolution. Creation follows a purpose and God is the guiding force behind that purpose. Otherwise, how could it be explained that the human being was created at the end of a long circle of time right at the point when everything was there ready to welcome the appearance of man. “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.” - Isaac Newton (1642-1727), Principia (1687) The power of religion cannot be put above the power of a God-Creator whose attributes haven’t fully been revealed by religion. However, it is also appropriate to describe God according to Christian faith, Father or Parent, rather than to totally disclose God from human affairs. A parental figure cannot be abstract. “I belong to the group of scientists who do not subscribe to a conventional religion but nevertheless deny that the universe is a purposeless accident. Through my scientific work I have come to believe more and more strongly that the physical universe is put together with an ingenuity so astonishing that I cannot accept it merely as a brute fact. There must, it seems to me, be a deeper level of explanation. Whether one wishes to call that deeper level ‘God’ is a matter of taste and definition.”

– Paul Davies

Βοth sides, religion and science agree that the cosmos and life are astonishing and mind-boggling. It’s not possible to explain life by sheer scientific knowledge. You cannot but feel fascinated by the incredible harmony, biodiversity and variety in nature, the duality and interconnections within the ecosystems and the relationships surrounded by incredible beauty, and interdependence. And all that should be the result of random chance? To believe that let us follow this analogy, imagine that in a store house there is a sudden explosion and the result is a wonderful mansion with a beautiful garden and swimming pool! Does it make sense? However, if that happens, and you are just an observer who happens to receive this gift of a mansion with a swimming pool, wouldn’t you wish to meet the donor of this property and relate to him as a sign of gratitude. My common sense is affirmative, and I would like to meet that person face to face and express my feelings to him. “They are two windows through which we look at the world. Religion deals with our relationship with our creator, with each other, the meaning and purpose of life, and moral values; science deals with the make-up of matter, expansion of galaxies, evolution of organisms. They deal with different ways of knowing. I feel that science is compatible with religious faith in a personal, omnipotent and benevolent God.”- Francisco Ayala, Evolutionary Geneticist

This debate is endless, because it encapsulates two crucial perspectives which are our trust and acceptance towards science as something tangible and measurable and our approach to religion which incorporates a spiritual dimension that requires faith and spiritual perception. Is there any spirituality in science? It all depends on the worldview and the orientation of the researcher and scientist, if he/she is a devotee or not. Having said so, it is what makes the difference between an atheist and a believer. By the same token, the very essence and meaning of science is knowledge and knowledge should lead to wisdom and higher awareness of the world we live in. Interestingly, the essence and meaning of religion is associated with the connection to God through a love relationship, a very word you won’t find in science. However, it’s only the essence of love which can save the world, lead to a higher awareness and wisdom and finally to peace, inner peace and world peace. This is the difference between science and faith. Nevertheless, true world peace can only be realised if the two sides come together and follow the pathway of convergence and unity.  

        

Diplomacy and Politics

      Diplomacy and Politics

• According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary,“diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations and handling affairs without arousing hostility.”  However, diplomacy is much more than this short definition, because it expands and encapsulates a long array of affairs and issues that need diplomacy to be resolved. The art of negotiating is the pivotal power of diplomacy in order to resolve disputes and crises, sign treaties, agreements and promote economic relations and also foster cultural relationships between nations. It is known that diplomatic relations between nations play an important role in the world today and contribute to bringing the world closer together, avoid tensions and enable better communication and cooperation. In many cases, it is often through the tool of diplomacy that critical conflicts and wars have been avoided by means of diplomacy. An entity that expresses the meaning of diplomacy is the United Nations Organization (UNO) which stands for the ideals of democracy and the human values that is guarantor for world peace and cooperation. However, in recent years it has lost its reputation and needs to restore its identity and worldwide acceptance. 

  
  
  

  Diplomacy cannot be limited to simply conducting negotiations to achieve an agreement or resolve a problem. Diplomacy is the art of bringing together two parties that need a mediator in order to start dealing with each other and come together. Diplomacy is refined language, tactfulness, empathy, common understanding, willingness to listen to the other party, accept the rules and readiness to make concessions in order to achieve a higher goal like peace.  “These, then, are the qualities of my ideal diplomatist. Truth, accuracy, calm, patience, good temper, modesty and loyalty. They are also the qualities of an ideal diplomacy. But, the reader may object, you have forgotten intelligence, knowledge, discernment, prudence, hospitality, charm, industry, courage and even tact. I have not forgotten them. I have taken them for granted.” Harold Nicholson

  
  

  We can easily say that diplomacy begins at home because it is always a means of persuasion, reconciliation and agreement. Parents can apply this tactic sweetened by love and care. If we are willing to avoid conflict and confrontation, we need to apply such tactics and do it with honesty and sincere interest. Never hurt the other party is always a prerequisite to create the conditions which will enable dialogue. “A world without dialogue is a universe of darkness. If people don't get together and share views and exchange ideas, they remain unaware, ignorant, and unconscious. As they live in a space that they don't understand, everything becomes meaningless, incoherent, and forcefully scary. If fear rules our lives, we lose the core of our being, since 'fear' is disrupting the schedule of our existence, and blocks the waves of the good vibrations. ("Beware of the neighbour")”― Erik Pevernagie. Diplomacy without dialogue is like a beautiful tree without fruits. Communication is essential and the beginning of a relationship regardless of the level; starting from the individual, societal or international affairs. Therefore, diplomacy and communication are the vehicles to improve and promote sound dialogue and negotiations which are the warrant to avoid conflict and war and establish peace between two parties.  Along with dialogue, there should be the willingness to open up and break the ice. 

  
  

  Diplomacy without dialogue is like a beautiful tree without fruits. Dialogue and communication are the tools to create a bond, a relationship, and if that fails, there is division and no bridge to connect the two parties.   Therefore diplomacy and good will  can offer solutions and assistance. One needs to be well equipped with the right attitude and disposition and eliminate any selfish and egocentric mindset in order to win the trust of the other party and be convincing as a good partner. As it is known attitudes affect partners and in diplomacy especially we need to approach the other side with honesty and deep understanding. Crucial decisions have lasting effects and some moments in life can create permanent impact for long periods when dealing with peace issues. (Where people of goodwill get together and transcend their differences for the common good, peaceful and just solutions can be found even for those problems which seem most intractable). — Nelson Mandela

  
  

  Human beings are the most sensitive beings, and it often takes only an awkward  or clumsy word or action to damage a relationship. Therefore, we need to use a method which can create a good atmosphere and good fellowship, and it is there where diplomacy and good will become increasingly evident that above all we are here for a supreme cause and we are accountable to bring it to pass. For this to happen, we need to transcend our limits and overcome our fears in terms of our narrow scope of world or national affairs. If we want to make an omelette we need to break the eggs, therefore we shouldn’t be hesitant to stride forward with absolute determination and decisiveness. 

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Sustainable Development

                             Implementing Sustainable Development

                                

Everybody should know by now about the meaning of sustainability as it directly affects our life and the future generations. It’s our responsibility to secure a balance, so that economic growth, environmental concerns and humankind’s well-being are safeguarded. Our planet Earth in spite of its immense resources has already reached its limits. We should not compromise the survival of future generations by ignoring the basic principles that govern the universe and it’s there where sustainability acquires meaning. The natural resources which are available now, will soon come to an end, and it is becoming increasingly critical for the population of the earth to survive. Solar renewable energy, wind power plants, and hydropower are the most effective renewable energy resources that offer green energy and can contribute to creating an environment that is healthy and friendly to humans. 

Our small planet is at risk and sending continuous warnings of its clinical condition that is critical and dangerous. Global warming, climate change, air pollution, environmental pollution, wildfires, iceberg melting, sea level rise, deforestation etc. are serious issues that we have to face and resolve. “The sustainability revolution will, hopefully, be the third major social and economic turning point in human history, following the Neolithic Revolution – moving from hunter-gathering to farming – and the Industrial Revolution.” - King Charles What is most important in resolving such issues is our mentality and responsibility. We cannot exclude ourselves from the healing process that is needed and have to think we are part of the problem and have a collective responsibility toward our fellow man and our vital environment. Economic growth and development shouldn’t happen by means of vital environmental violations and disrespectful practices towards our planet. Our well-being and health are more important than economic indexes and development.  

In regard to modern technology and today's efforts to minimize the use of fossil fuels by replacing them with environmentaly friendly resources, humankind is facing new challenges and impasses. Let's take the example referring to the introduction of electric cars whose batteries are produced by the use of rare earth elements which contain complex components like nickel, lithium, graphite and cobalt. All these materials are very difficult to find and mine from the earth. When the goal is to reduce the levels of pollution in the air, water and soil this goal cannot be achieved if the processes to extract such materials are causing increased pollution to the environment in order to separate these materials from the soil. Τhe result is a complete fiasco. Sustainable development is a must and the way to achieve it should correspond to human principles and values and not jeopardize the prosperity of future generations and the planet. The same is true with the use of wind turbines at a time when a lot of cities around the world are planning to build a large number of them at the city limits or at the mountains surrounding the cities. Some of disadvantages of wind turbines are that cause low-level noise affecting people's health headaches etc., are harmful to wildlife causing thousands of deaths to birds, are aesthetically displeasing etc. So, renewable energy sources should be implemented with care and caution. “Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. Don't sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet.” - Carl Sagan.

Science and modern technology are tools which can contribute to improving human life conditions and creating more environment - friendly products, technological and industrial equipment. Unfortunately, we experience every day that humans behave as if this planet is their property and thereby ignore the fact that this planet is God’s Creation and a gift to us which includes the meaning of a good and dignified administration and respect towards people and all goods and assets. As long as the leading nations of this world act independently, and not in unison with them in terms of resolving the increasingly challenging issues of the world; there is no hope for improvement with lasting effects. The world community should be in the position to tackle any challenge with success and offer a hope that we can guarantee a secure future for the generations to come. The huge gap between the rich and the poor should no longer be so threatening for those in need who cannot survive and live a decent life in a world that is dramatically changing through the amazing effects of the application of modern technology.  “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”   — Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States

Our world needs indeed an ethical and moral philosophy that links to the religious values that have nourished the people throughout history and have been able to advocate and establish profound values like brotherhood, solidarity, peace and cooperation. This is the quintessence that can unite the world despite our religious, cultural and social differences. The world or world village is a unified body, and if one small part of the body is hurt and feels ache, the holy body aches and feels unconfortable. This might show together we can face all challenges and create a world community where everybody feels connected, accepted and above all welcome to participate as a member of the same big family in which we are all included despite all our differences.