The Origin of the Species

Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial was the title of a recent episode of PBS’ popular documentary-style science show Nova. The topic centered around a Federal Court case in Pennsylvania which was veritable show-down between Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and the more recently popular notion of Intelligent Design. The judge was basically asked to determine whether or not Intelligent Design should, in fact, be considered a credible scientific alternative to Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

Put very simply, Intelligent Design basically states that life is too complex to have evolved over time, and thus must have been designed by an “intelligent agent,” while Evolution states that life evolved over time based on the process of natural selection. Over the last 150 years, scientists have found various evidence that supports the theory, but not enough to definitively prove it. Intelligent design has no uniquely supporting evidence, but instead attempts simply to discredit Evolution.

Based on this, the judge decided that Intelligent Design should not be considered scientific, and thus cannot be presented as an alternative to Evolution. Of course the this decision was met with mixed feelings — with proponents of Intelligent Design upset, and proponents of Evolution feeling affirmed.

Now, setting aside the fallout from this particular decision (the condemnation of Dover, PA by Pat Roberson, the judge being placed under protection due to death threats, the typical Evangelical Right response to criticism… too far?), what I found to be really intriguing was the case itself. As a Christian, I was taught that Creationism was right, and Evolution was wrong. To believe the book of Genesis at face value, and ignore any evidence that supposedly affirmed Darwin’s theory.

As I watched this story, knowing very little about the science behind Evolution, I found it increasingly difficult to simply dismiss the evidence that seemingly backs up Darwin’s theory, and increasingly more difficult to get behind the pseudo-science of Intelligent Design / Creationism. But at the same time, I was (and still am) unwilling to give up my belief in God’s story of creation.

This got me to thinking, and it is these thoughts that I will leave you with…

Could there be an alternate theory of how life began that the evidence also supports?…

Could it be that all the evidence of evolution really does is show how connected life actually is?…

Should science even factor into the question of the origin of life?…

If you sincerely believe something, does it really matter what the world thinks about your beliefs? I mean, they are yours, aren’t they?

Designed by Apple in California

Well, I’ve joined the ranks of the Mac Nation (is that PC?), with my purchase of a black MacBook yesterday. And contrary to the traditional reasons one buy’s Apple, I did not buy it because it’s hip, or because I suddenly decided to vote Mac (in the proverbial Mac vs. PC election), or because of the funny/cool commercials that make fun of PC’s, etc. Nor have I abandoned my desktop for the more agile and mobile laptop, nor my affinity for Ubuntu and Linux (in fact, I am currently posting from my Ubuntu desktop as I… post). Rather, as I am doing increasingly more freelance work, both for fun and to supplement my income (now that I am working at a non-profit), I find that I am need of some tools which are unavailable (or underdeveloped) in the OpenSource world. Namely, the Adobe suite of design and development applications.

I could very well be chastised for this next statement, but buying this Mac now will actually save me money in the long run. Don’t be too quick to judge now—hear me out. Because of the freelance work I’ve done this year, and the unemployment I had been collecting, I’ve earned a sizable amount of taxable income that I have yet to pay taxes on, but will be required to come April 15th. So, I did some ballpark estimates and based on my estimated total income this year, and various deductions, I found that if I purchased a computer before the end of the tax year (for use with my freelance work of course), it can be considered an expense, and I actually end up owing less taxes. You don’t have to believe me, but that’s the truth.

That said, I won’t deny that Apple has done an outstanding job of designing all of their products. In fact, Apple won’t deny it either (as every item that bares the Apple logo has a sentence that reads “Designed by Apple in California”). Apple is cool. My MacBook is cool. Leopard is cool. But it isn’t cool (to me) because the hipsters say so. It’s cool because Apple has taken great care to developing a product that not only looks cool, but actually works. And it works well. It’s highly usable. It is intuitive. And you don’t need to read a 200 page manual, or take a 3 hour class to learn how to use it (OK, most of you don’t).

Yes, I could have bought Windows and setup my system to dual boot (because there is no way I am running it natively), but that would mean rebooting my computer to switch back and forth. And much to my surprise, I could not have bought a comparable Dell for less; see for yourself: my MacBook, it’s Dell counterpart (you’ll have to choose the “as selected” option and upgrade the OS and the processor). The bottom line is when the rubber meets the road, Apple is a tough act to follow (that doesn’t make much sense, but I wanted to see how many clichés I could fit into one sentence). So far I am enjoying my Apple experience, but will it actually increase my productivity, or will it simply sit and look pretty? Only time will tell. Until then, I’ll continue to enjoy my Mac, designed by Apple in California.

Let’s Get Physical: Week 6 (The Final Cut)

On 06/09, I wrote about my decision to get in shape in a post entitled “Let’s Get Physical.” My decision was based, in part, on the fact that I was out of shape to the point that walking up multiple flights of stairs winded me.I’ll be using a combination of diet and exercise to accomplish my get-in-shape-semi-quickly goal, and I’ll be following the Couch-to-5K Running Plan (starting with week 4), and “Nutrition and Hydration for Runners.”This is a continuation of Let’s Get Physical tracking my progress after the final week of my program.

…

Well, it’s been nearly 3 weeks since I last posted anything, largely because I have been avoiding the inevitable final post of my personal quest of getting physical. I knew that I couldn’t (in good conscience) post anything else lest a month and a half of work and hype simply get swept under the rug. I wish I could say that my last run was a glorious triumph, akin to Rocky climbing the courthouse steps, arms raised and bouncing in a joyous celebration as the angels sang “Getting Stronger!” But alas, it wasn’t.

Instead, I cut out a day early, skipping my final run and heading to Illinois for a friend’s wedding (”Getting Stronger!”). I ended up staying there a while and really haven’t been on a run since. However, this does not mean that all is lost, or that this particular exercise was in vain. Nay!, quite the opposite. I am feeling phenomenally better, and I can walk up stairs, several in fact, without getting winded. I walked the mile or so between my hotel and the conference I attended in St. Louis this weekend several times, and felt great doing it.

It has also come to my attention that the scale I have been using doesn’t work very well at all. Instead of the 190 it was weighing me at, I am actually five pounds lighter. And although 185 is decidedly closer to my goal, I still have a ways to go, not to mention the fact that I don’t really even know what my weight was when I started.

As far as my soda fast, that met its demise at the hands of the sweet nectar of life: Dr. Pepper. This is not to say that I plan on making soda my drink of choice. Rather that I will drink soda, but always in moderation. One thing I certainly learned over the course of getting physical is the importance of water and hydration. Staying properly hydrated is an essential part of feeling good.

So, final thoughts: was it worth it?

The answer is decidedly, emphatically, and whole-heartedly yes. Being able to run a 5K might probably won’t land me any major endorsements anytime soon (fingers crossed!), but I certainly do feel better. Feeling better = living better, and who doesn’t want a better life? I would encourage anyone (and everyone) to heed the advice of Ms. Newton-John like I did and start a wellness project of their own.

Let’s Get Physical: Week 5

On 06/09, I wrote about my decision to get in shape in a post entitled “Let’s Get Physical.” My decision was based, in part, on the fact that I was out of shape to the point that walking up multiple flights of stairs winded me.I’ll be using a combination of diet and exercise to accomplish my get-in-shape-semi-quickly goal, and I’ll be following the Couch-to-5K Running Plan (starting with week 4), and “Nutrition and Hydration for Runners.”

This is a continuation of Let’s Get Physical tracking my progress after week five of my program.

…

Heading into the last week of my program, I’m actually feeling pretty good. The running is getting easier, and I am with out a doubt in much better shape than when I started. I just hope that with winter approaching I’m able to continue to stay fit and don’t backslide too much.

Stats

Weight: 190 lbs.

Once again holding at 190, but still feeling better. As I said before, my hope is that once I’m running 5K on a regular basis and improving my times that the weight will start to come off. So far, its just been moving around (i.e. fat into muscle).

Active Heart Rate: 170/60

For some reason, I decided to run my route in reverse, placing a fairly steep hill at the very end of my route. The effect it had is similar to if I had sprinted the last quarter-mile. So, instead of the steady pace I had grown accustom to (and thus steady heart rate), my heart rate spiked. I expect this to drop again at the end of next week.

At-rest hear rate: 71/60

Staying low.

Run

As I mentioned before, I made the mistake of leaving a steep hill until the end my final run this week. I made it up the hill, but ended up walking the last block to my apartment. To be fair, I had been increasing my distance per the program, so that could have contributed as well. In addition, I ran Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday, so I had a 3 day rest leading into the run, which also contributed.

Once again, deviating from the schedule came back to bite me.

Eat

Again, no problems with soda (though I have been craving a Dr. Pepper, the sweet nectar of life). I have started eating less, more frequently, which may or may not prove to be a good thing.

As far as the nutrition guide I am supposedly following, the one thing I really haven’t been doing is eating a large breakfast, medium lunch, and small dinner. I’m sure this is affecting me, though in what ways I can’t certain. It is entirely possible that my diet is contributing to my very minimal weight-loss, but at least I’m not gaining!

With the last week of my program upon me, I am feeling great and I am getting in shape. I guess I should start thinking about what’s next — do I seek to improve my time, or do I seek to improve my distance? And what diet restrictions, if any to I place on my self? Certainly healthy diet = healthy body, but when is it OK to splurge and indulge? Does the rule of moderation apply to a healthy diet (i.e. too much of a good thing…)?

Time will tell.

The Woodsman

I recently had the pleasure of viewing the independent film The Woodsman, starring Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, and Mos Def. In spite of its dark subject matter, I was surprised to come away from it with a sense of hope and redemption.

The Woodsman centers around Walter (Bacon), a convicted pedophile trying to rebuild his life after spending 12 years in prison for his transgressions, as he struggles with his inner demons, often in very overt and uncomfortable ways. Even though Walter has served his time, and thus considered rehabilitated by the state, he is still seen only as a pedophile by society, most clearly represented by Sgt. Lucas (Def), a police officer who is “keeping an eye on him”.

Lucas, whose visits to Walter borderline on harassment, is not afraid to tell Walter what he really thinks of him. During one of his visits, Lucas asks Walter why there aren’t any woodsman in the world to rescue little girls from the wolves who prey on them, referring to the fairytale Little Red Riding Hood in which little Red Riding Hood is eaten by a wolf, and later rescued when a woodsman cuts open the wolf’s stomach and lets her out, unharmed.

It is this idea of wolves and woodsmen that becomes the metaphor for the film’s central theme of hope and redemption. Hope that people can change and that woodsman do, in fact, exist, and redemption as Walter struggles to be the woodsman, finding that the world is full wolves, including the one inside him.

What was interesting to me about this film was how much of my own feelings toward persons like Walter were captured on screen; how cynical and hypocritical my views were. If I can be forgiven for my transgressions, why can’t I forgive people like Walter? Are there things that are unforgivable, such as preying on the innocent? If I can change, why do I assume people Walter can’t? Or more importantly, as a professing disciple of Christ, what should my reaction be?

I will refrain from using obvious cliché (infamous in Pop-Christianity and stitched onto bracelets), but the question of which character is more Christ-like has been running through my head since I watched this film. Is it Vicki (Sedgwick), who accepts and befriends Walter, even after he reveals his dark secret to her, or is it Sgt. Lucas?

Needless to say, this film had a profound impact on me. And even though it was difficult to watch at times, I honestly feel that I am better off having seen it. I highly recommend this film, and hope that others who see it will walk away with an altered sense of hope that people can change, and that even the most depraved are still deserving of redemption.

Update:

I was reading back over this post and realized that I may not have been clear about Walter’s struggle with “the wolf inside him”. I say struggle, because he knows that what he is doing isn’t right, and I believe he sincerely wants to change. What makes it difficult for Walter is that everyone around him — his family, co-workers, Sgt. Lucas — see him only as what he was/is, instead of what he could be. It is only when he encounters other wolves that he is able to become to the woodsman, and starts down the road to redemption.

Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Love

I recently finished reading Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Love by Saint Augustine, which is a letter written in response to one of his devotees who had asked him for spiritual guidance. It’s actually very interesting once you cut through his brainy and often overly complex writing style (which is indicative of both Augustine’s intellect, and most likely the writing style of that period). Now, I am not exactly sure where the title of “handbook” came from, as it is not like any handbook I have ever seen. It doesn’t have easily accessible solutions (i.e. “Crisis of faith – page 27″), which one might expect from a volume given the title “Handbook…”. Instead, it reads like a letter, with Augustine tackling some very paradoxical ideas, most of which support or affirm the others. His ideas flow almost like a logical succession with each idea building on the previous,  supported by his logic and reasoning.

Here are the main ideas I took away from the book:

1. All which God created is inherently and completely good because it was made by God, in the image of God.
2. Evil is simply the absence of good, just as darkness is simply the absence of light.
3. Because all that God created is good, and evil is the absence of good, one could never be completely evil without ceasing to be (to exist).
4. The only reason evil is allowed to exist is to show God’s mercy, to show that God’s creation can be redeemed.
5. We are saved by our faith in God and God’s redeeming power, but it is only by the grace of God that our faith is even possible.
6. We are in need of redemption because we have been separated from God by the Fall.
7. Since the fall, every human has been born into a life of sin, both original sin, and our own. Thus, we are responsible for not only our own sin, but the sins of our parents, and so on.
8. Jesus Christ, who is simultaneously God (without origin) and human (with divine origin), was sent as mediator to reconcile Gods creation to God.
9. Since Christ was born of Holy Spirit (God’s grace, divine origin), he is free from the bonds of sin, yet because he is born of the flesh, he is called sin (though it is our own, not his).
10. When Christ’s flesh dies on the cross, so to does his connection original sin, and in his resurrection shows us how we can live a life free from sin.
11. Following Christ’s example, it is though baptism that we may also break our connection to original sin, and be reborn into a life free from sin.

I have to say that while most of these ideas aren’t completely new to me (at least in some form), I had never thought about them quite in this way. What I mean is, the main ideas are not new ones, but the logical progression from one to the next is new to me.

For example, the idea that evil is allowed to exist, albeit for a greater purpose, is difficult to wrap my head around. It almost alludes to the popular idea of “God’s Plan,” but without being tied to specific events (i.e. “God allowed my puppy to die so that I could learn a lesson about ________ “). Instead, it remains at a macro level, tying the specific events to evil, not to God. Bad things don’t happen because God allows them to, bad things happen because there is evil in the world, which God allows to exist in order that His grace may be revealed.

We have hope that we can be saved. We have faith that God can save us. God’s redeeming power, God’s grace, is God’s love and it’s God’s grace that both justifies our hope, and saves us.

Note: It is entirely possible that my conclusions are theologically unsound. However, seeing as I am not a theologian, I would expect a little latitude. If you find that I am off, please (in a very kind, and teaching manner) feel free to correct me.

Christian Art = Oxymoron?

So I was cruising around Relevant’s website this morning and came across an article entitled Relevance, Faith, & Art by a singer/songwriter out of Chicago.

In it, she breaks down the major positions that Christians take on art, and critiques the problems that such positions create.

From the article:

Many contemporary Christians tend to make one of three errors when dealing with art: One, we declare anything that doesn’t explicitly proselytize, anything that depicts brokenness without redemption to be depraved or unworthy of Christian notice. Or two, we decide that the secular world really does have better art, so we copy it, boldly and without apology or thought into our own creativity. Or three, we try so hard to be relevant that we adopt the attitude and worldview of the culture that surrounds us—instead of being the proverbial salt and light, we end up as dust with nothing to offer in the way of hope, because there is only a perfunctory difference between those of us who claim to follow Christ and those who don’t.

She couldn’t be more right (righter? immersed in rightness?). In fact, I don’t even have anything to add (a first, right?) — the article speaks for itself.

Read it and let it speak to you.

President of the World?

Today on BBC America’s BBC World News America there was segment entitled “Why Democracy?” in which several persons were asked who they thought should be President of the World, if such a position did, in fact, exist.

Those interviewed were from a variety of counties and backgrounds, and as such, gave a variety of answers. Here’s a few that were named (in no particular order):

• Mahatma Ghandi
• Jesus
• God
• Buddha
• Winnie the Pooh
• Bob Dylan
• Thelonius Monk
• George W. Bush (seriously)
• Bill Clinton
• Jimmy Carter
• Mother Theresa
• Al Gore (an inconvenient truth)
• Paul Kagame
• Jacob Bland (OK, I added this one)

What was interesting about the responses is that those who took the question seriously really had to think about who they considered to be a great (living) leader. One man shared a story about a CEO who was asked to name five great world leaders. He couldn’t think of one.

I’m not sure that I could think of five current world leaders period, let alone to distinguish any as great.

I can name five great actors though. And five great records. Five great films. Five great bands.

So what does it say when I know more about what’s going on in Hollywood than I do about what’s going on in the world? Would I have the same problem if I weren’t American? I’d like not to think so, but I can’t be sure — I’ve never been anything other than American.

One thing I can say, is that the very concept of there being a President of the World is difficult to wrap my head around. I’m not sure that I would want to vote for one, let alone know who I would vote for.

Nevertheless, it is an interesting question.

So, who would you vote for in the World Presidential Election, and why?

Love Is Not Against the Law

My friend Josh informed me of a quite interesting story developing in Orlando, FL. A 22-year old guy named Eric Montanez has been arrested for feeding homeless people. What’s interesting is that Eric didn’t simply hand out an apple or a bottle of water here and there. Montanez, along with the group Food Not Bombs, basically set up shop in a park and provided a cafeteria-style meal for anyone who wanted it.

This story has been developing since the city of Orlando passed an ordinance that bans feeding en-mass in one area back in ‘06. Now the ACLU is getting involved and Orlando’s homeless and Montanez’s lawyer are calling the law itself illegal, a violation of Montanez’s civil rights. You can read the full story here.

As city ordinance’s go, I believe that generally, they must be passed by the popular vote of the city’s residents. So my question is, who heads on down the voting booth, and upon arrival, reads about the proposed ordinance banning giving food to the homeless on the ballot and thinks to themselves, “yeah, that sounds pretty good.”? Would those same people prefer Salvation Army’s and soup kitchens to be closed as well? Why stop with the homeless and food, why not stop the distribution of clothing en-mass as well — might as well close the Good Will’s while you are at it.

Whoa, OK, let me step down of my soap box here. I don’t mean to get carried away, but I really have to wonder what people were thinking? Assuming that most laws are in somebody’s best interest, or are protecting someone, who’s best interest was this law in; who exactly was this law protecting? Are there health concerns? Worry over possible lawsuits?

As I read this article again today, a song on Derek Webb’s record Mockingbird started playing in my head:

Are we defending life
when we just pick and choose
lives acceptable to lose,
and which ones to defend?

‘Cause you cannot choose your friends,
but you choose your enemies.
And what if they were one
one and the same?

Could you find a way
to love them both the same,
to give them your name?

Love is not against the law.

Let’s Get Physical: Week 4

On 06/09, I wrote about my decision to get in shape in a post entitled “Let’s Get Physical.” My decision was based, in part, on the fact that I was out of shape to the point that walking up multiple flights of stairs winded me.I’ll be using a combination of diet and exercise to accomplish my get-in-shape-semi-quickly goal, and I’ll be following the Couch-to-5K Running Plan (starting with week 4), and “Nutrition and Hydration for Runners.”

This is a continuation of Let’s Get Physical tracking my progress after week four of my program.

…

Well, it’s the end of week four and I feel exhausted. The last workout — 2.25 mile, no walking — really pushed me. My legs are dead, and will most likely feel worse tomorrow. But, you know what they say: “No pain, no gain.” Last week’s slacking threw off my routine for this week, really making me realize the importance of setting a schedule, and sticking to it.

Stats

Weight: 190 lbs.

Still holding at 190, but feeling a lit better

Active Heart Rate: 152/60

Well, my active heart rate is steadily decreasing – so that’s good.

At-rest hear rate: 72/60

And now it’s back down again.

Run

Since I’ve been running my route the reverse direction, it has been much better. I’ve really been feeling good, even to the point of running past my last turn without realizing it. I attribute this change to sticking to my schedule.

My legs are definitely burning by the time I hit the last stretch, but generally I feel good.

Eat

I have definitely learned the value of eating regularly throughout the day. When I haven’t, I get really hungry after I am finished running. I guess my body is craving food because I need the energy.

I had heard from some of my friends that while training for a marathon, they craved chicken (for the protein) after running, but never gave it much stock. Now I find that it’s true. So, apparently I need more protein.

 

Only two weeks left in the program, and I am definitely closer the 5K than the couch. I even walked up some stairs without didn’t get winded.

 

Life is good.