What are the lessons of evolution? (ritual, spiritual, Christian, Christ)

[arthra]

Only 55% of states in the USA have evolution included in their science education standards.

This is from an article at:

http://www.space.com/searchforlife/s...on_050210.html

I've participated in at least a few internet discussions where some people stoutly maintain a six thousand year earth... bringing up scientific arguments about how fast light travels and how you can account for a six thousand year old universe doesn't seem to phase them.

The same people insist on a totally literal interpretation of the first chapter of Genesis...

As a Baha'i I have pretty much accepted evolution as the means used by the Almighty to effect His Will...this sometimes places me between theists and some others who deny God has much of a part in creation.

Abdul-Baha said:

"To recapitulate: as man in the womb of the mother passes from form to form, from shape to shape, changes and develops, and is still the human species from the beginning of the embryonic period--in the same way man, from the beginning of his existence in the matrix of the world, is also a distinct species--that is, man--and has gradually evolved from one form to another."

And

"Then it is clear that original matter, which is in the embryonic state, and the mingled and composed elements which were its earliest forms, gradually grew and developed during many ages and cycles, passing from one shape and form to another, until they appeared in this perfection, this system, this organization and this establishment, through the supreme wisdom of God."

February 12th is also Charles Darwin's birthday and an interesting way i think to bring up the topic of evolution.


- Art