Creation vs. Evolution; what do you choose?

[Boleslaw]

I was reading Lev Shestov's Athens and Jerusalem and came across this interesting point made in regards to issues about evolution and religion:

"If one had proven to the Apostle with all the required evidence, like "two times two makes four," that man is descended from the ape, neither proofs nor evidence would have convinced him. He would perhaps have repeated Dostoevsky's words, "but what does it matter to me?" Probably, however, he would have recalled the Bible: "...as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." In other words, if you believe that you are of God, you are of God; if you believe that you come from an ape, you come from an ape: "the righteous shall live by faith.""

http://shestov.by.ru/aaj/aj3_8.html

This is a very interesting line of thought. So let's say the evidence is completely irrelevant to the issue; what truely matters is what one chooses to believe. In such a situation, what would you choose: to be created in God's image, or to be the descendant of the ape?

[Starr]

If it is at all possible that there is a higher "divine" power at work in evolution, the ideas do not need to conflict. I do not disbelieve there is a higher power at work in any regard.

Of course I would want to choose to believe I was created in some supreme being's image, but who would want to choose the other alternative?

Longinus, explain.

[Aule]

The idea that the Creator of the universe looks like a human being is probably the most idiotic and arrogant thing ever imagined. Even Islam rejects it. So what if humans and apes evolved from a common ancestor? I personally have no problem with the idea.

[klipgeit]

Originally Posted by Aule

So what if humans and apes evolved from a common ancestor? I personally have no problem with the idea.

I am so glad you corrected the idea we have evolved from apes,we are not.
We had a common ancestor.
I would say that God(whoever-whatever) evolved from our imagination right through te ages.
In 100 years from now his image will be adjusted to our idea of how a God should look and act.

[shanemac]

Theories A and B are available.

A: An invisible ghost in the sky made the universe in 6 days (out of what we're not told). The evidence for this is a few scrolls and stories that were written by a tribe of wandering jews 2,000 years ago.

B: The Universe began from a reaction that has been proven feasible by theoretical physics. Then after billions of years, biological material formed when the conditions favoured the creation of organic chemicals, and life evolved through a well researched and scientifically proven mechanism.

Hmmmm... tough choice.

[Vindex]

Depends the rhp belief is a strange mixing of a man grafted image with priestly dictates onto the ether, where the ancients originally understood that the flesh and blood Gods had created them. And where kin to them.

[artrokil]

I like beer!

[Longinus]

Originally Posted by Starr

Longinus, explain.

I am satisfied with the simple truth and don't feel the need to comfort my self with enhanced 'truth' and flattering lies.

There's nothing truly uplifting in false auto-suggestion that you are created in god's image. Quite contrary, I would not feel pride or comfort if I felt that I owe my existence to some other, superior entity. There's nothing truly shameful about acknowledging your own animal descent. It can only help you to understand the true nature of yourself and your true place in nature.

[Angler]

Originally Posted by Longinus

I am satisfied with the simple truth and don't feel the need to comfort my self with enhanced 'truth' and flattering lies.

There's nothing truly uplifting in false auto-suggestion that you are created in god's image. Quite contrary, I would not feel pride or comfort if I felt that I owe my existence to some other, superior entity. There's nothing truly shameful about acknowledging your own animal descent. It can only help you to understand the true nature of yourself and your true place in nature.

Extremely well said.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Starr

Of course I would want to choose to believe I was created in some supreme being's image, but who would want to choose the other alternative?

If it were just a choice, then I would choose the alternative. I would prefer to believe that the universe operates under a strict set of laws, and that man is capable of comprehending them. I would prefer that over the notion that life and the universe will always be an impenetrable mystery.