I'm not sure what astronomy has to do with questions of the soul, consciousness, and will, but evolution certainly bears heavily on it. Hundreds of millions of theists around the world today believe in Deity, in the human soul, and in evolution. Neuroscience has a great deal to contribute to our understanding, as the brain is the whole show -- the place where our physical organism and our soul / consciousness interact in all the ways that matter. It's also true that most people of faith and most clergy don't wrestle nearly enough with these vital questions.
I've read research about the "Holocaust rescuers" in Europe -- the people who hid or otherwise helped Jewish people during the Third Reich. Turns out almost all of them did the right thing (and the brave, heroic thing) simply because they thought of themselves as people who do such things. But their actions were rooted in their view of the human being, which usually came from their faith and their spiritual views. Their good deals came from their soul.
I used the examples of Copernicus and Galileo more as views of the Church eventually are accommodated to scientific findings! It was not meant to address questions of the soul and consciousness. In the view of the Church solid scientific findings about nature glorify God.
Wonderful essay, with references all the way to Pope Frank! So good to see you keeping all of these considerations that were so prevalent in discourse 50 and more years ago brought back in the present. Thanks for all you do:)
By the way Kent, I was educated by the Jesuits so I have to plug them in a good way somehow. I am thankful for the education they gave me. Francisco
I'm not sure what astronomy has to do with questions of the soul, consciousness, and will, but evolution certainly bears heavily on it. Hundreds of millions of theists around the world today believe in Deity, in the human soul, and in evolution. Neuroscience has a great deal to contribute to our understanding, as the brain is the whole show -- the place where our physical organism and our soul / consciousness interact in all the ways that matter. It's also true that most people of faith and most clergy don't wrestle nearly enough with these vital questions.
I've read research about the "Holocaust rescuers" in Europe -- the people who hid or otherwise helped Jewish people during the Third Reich. Turns out almost all of them did the right thing (and the brave, heroic thing) simply because they thought of themselves as people who do such things. But their actions were rooted in their view of the human being, which usually came from their faith and their spiritual views. Their good deals came from their soul.
I used the examples of Copernicus and Galileo more as views of the Church eventually are accommodated to scientific findings! It was not meant to address questions of the soul and consciousness. In the view of the Church solid scientific findings about nature glorify God.
Thanks Kent. We really appreciate your comments and encouragement! Francisco Perez
Wonderful essay, with references all the way to Pope Frank! So good to see you keeping all of these considerations that were so prevalent in discourse 50 and more years ago brought back in the present. Thanks for all you do:)
Kent Johnson