In its never-ending quest for the as-yet elusive goal of being on the cutting edge, the headquarters of the United Church of Christ has issued a "pastoral letter" on science and technology (download it here). This is apparently at the heart of a new campaign to distinguish the UCC on progressive grounds from other fellowships. Those who hold that the Bible is not only theologically accurate but also historically and scientifically infallible will simply see this as further proof of the apostasy of the UCC. The rest of the world, whether Christian or not, will likely yawn and ask, "So what?" That is assuming that anyone even notices this "pro-science, pro-technology" push by the United Church of Christ.
Reading the letter, there is really nothing new to be seen. Most of the viewpoints expressed are not even close to revolutionary, and anyone familiar with the writings of C.S. Lewis will recognize that he addressed many of these issues in the first half of the 20th century. He did so fairly effectively as well, in my opinion.
The affirmation of evolutionary theory is the only matter in this letter that may generate controversy, though again I doubt it. At one point the letter puts it as follows:
"Evolution helps us see our faithful God in a new way. Our creator works patiently, calling forth life through complex processes spanning billions of years and waiting for us to awaken and respond in conscious participation in God's own overarching dream for all living things."
While I am not equipped to comment on the science behind the theory of evolution, I do believe I have theological grounds to at least take issue with some of the moral and spiritual implications of the story of evolution as it is told by modern-day scientists and researchers.
The book of Genesis may or may not contain literal history, but it does speak against any worldview that takes the myth of redemptive violence as truth. This myth supposes that order comes from chaos by means of violence. Watch any action movie and you will see this scenario played out. A strictly materialist view of the history of the universe and of evolution embraces this myth, though without stating it in so many words.
Rather than God speaking His creation into existence, it came about through a big bang, the most violent of explosions. Of course God may well have caused such an explosion, but it the Scriptures would have us believe that he was behind it, and he guided the entire process. There was no randomness involved.
Evolution itself, as presented in most texts on the subject, understands the process as one in which only the "fittest" survived. From the chaotic primodial oceans came the first life, then by tooth and claw the various forms of life evolved. Those that were able to adapt to changing environments survived, while those that could not persished. This is certainly a view that stands in stark contrast to the depiction of plant, animal and human life as the loving handiwork of a Creator. Accepting that He may well have worked through a process of evolution, based on the testimony of Scripture we need to proceed with caution before interpreting the data in such a way as to attribute too much value to violence and death.
Scientists do what they can with the evidence they have to work with, and I agree that it would be inappropriate for them to use a strictly literal view of the Bible as a template for interpreting the data. However, the church also needs to be aware of the real issues involved and approach the topic with wisdom and an eye towards God's self-revelation in Scripture and in Christ.
Finally, the pastoral letter of the United Church of Christ addresses the socio-economic implications of technology, especially for the poor throughout the world. Let it first be observed that new technology always serves first the wealthiest of any society, as it is they who are able to pay top dollar for the newest gadgets or treatments. I remember a time when microwave ovens were huge and only millionaires had them. Now it is hard to find a home without a microwave. That said, I agree that ways must be found to share life-saving medicines and procedures with the poorest around the world, means by which those with little or no hope of ever affording assistance can receive it through the outreach of those with better material conditions. If in any way the powers and authorities of this world, whether governmental, corporate or otherwise, obstruct this work of mercy and love, the church must stand in testimony against them and call them to repentance.
Read the UCC blog on this campaign here, and again the article can be downloaded here.
Adam,
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by my blog. I had never thought of the complicity of the myth of redemptive violence with the common understandings of evolution. Good analysis.
I don't think that rules out evolution as good science, but it certainly does change the way we as Christians must understand it if we are going to embrace it.