Robertson has interestingly spoken out against creationism, claiming that to go against science is to "lose your children." He also says that the 17th century Archbishop of Ireland James Ussher who posited the idea that the earth was created 4004 B.C was wrong and not following the word of God.The statement seems to put Robertson in the 32% of Americans (poll also mentioned in the CNN blog) who believe God assisted human evolution but did not create them in their present form. Robertson did not directly state support for the theory of evolution, but in saying dinosaurs did exist, he sort of indirectly supports the evidence of the fossil record which has a lot to do with evolutionary theory. Regardless, the comment seems a little hypocritical considering this remark made back in 2005 that warned a town in Pennsylvania that removing supporters of intelligent design from it's school board would provoke the wrath of God. It seems like sometimes even the most deeply held beliefs can change over time. Fortunately, our country protects the rights of those with big voices like Pat Robertson to say their thoughts. Even if it is potentially disastrous for their political careers (Akin, Mourdock).
3 comments:
Yay! Pat Robertson has finally acknowledged that the scientific data and theories we've come up with over the last century actually means something! Anyway, this is a good sign for the conservative Christian right. While there may still be tons of ultra-conservative creationists out there, Pat Robertson is a huge leader for these conservatives. Hopefully they'll take the hint and start acknowledging science.
This is an interesting development because its rare for an important religious icon like Pat Robertson to go against the seemingly traditional Christian ideals in the country. Robertson's statement may help lead a shift in thinking, but probably on a small scale. Interestingly, this is actually a regression in religious thinking, to some extent. Until the Reagan administration, Christian evangelicals didn't have the same stereotypical bible thumping opinions that they hold now; in fact, many major evangelical leaders were in favor of the ruling in Roe v. Wade because they decided that until a fetus could be born by C-section, it couldn't be considered truly alive.
This was the traditional thought, and it wasn't until Reagan that the current Christian Right and evangelical blocs formed. Moderates were denounced and driven away, leading to the state of things now.
Maybe Robertson's comment is the beginning of a shift back to the center? It might be a stretch, but that's always reassuring. It would certainly be a way to save the Republican Party from the Tea Party. Side note: Jon Huntsman, despite his Mormon faith, tweeted his faith in evolution and global warming during the Republican primaries. If more moderates like him come into the spotlight, the Republican Party would likely garner middle-of-the-road voters.
Robertson makes a good point through his new way of thinking. As scientific data continues to expand and scientific theories gain evidence, people of faith should adapt their beliefs to agree to some degree with those facts that are pretty much undeniable. As Robertson says in this article,"If you fight science, you are going to lose your children, and I believe in telling them the way it was.” Strictly adhering to beliefs established thousands of years ago is simply not feasible in a continuously changing world.
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