The Episcopal Church embraces evolution
Transcript of today's show: Sound Off: Science & Faith. Our point/counterpoint regulars Shelley (the voice of science) and Peter (the voice of faith), comment on the story.
The Episcopal Church has made a public statement that the theory of evolution is entirely compatible with an authentic Christian faith. The statement urges schools to establish science education standards based on real scientific knowledge. That knowledge includes Darwinian evolution and the fact that the earth is over 4 billion years old. The Church says that real scientists must be consulted—and listened to—by those who decide what will be taught in science classes.
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The Voice of Science: Shelley Greene, Ph.D., comments:
Here is yet another affirmation of the sanctity of science, issued by churchmen themselves. All people in our country are free to live by a literal interpretation of the Bible; however, it MUST NOT encroach on science and public education. Bringing Biblical theory into school cirricula would become a cancerous growth on the science standards that are essential to the education of our children.
The Voice of Faith: Peter Williamson, M.Div., comments:
Episcopalians do not speak for the majority of Christians in America. They have always been a small religious sect supported by the wealthy elite, so it comes as no surprise to me that such an organization would endorse evolution. They are tithed by liberal non-believers, even atheists themselves. My disappointment in the Episcopalian church has never been greater.