Vertical section of the human dna.
Ravi Zacharias and Francis Collins. ht/Joy
___________________________________________________
Showing posts with label Francis Collins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Francis Collins. Show all posts
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thoughts for the Atheist and the Agnostic...
"What About Those Who Don't Believe in G-d ?"
Vertical section of the human dna.
Ravi Zacharias and Francis Collins. ht/Joy
___________________________________________________
Vertical section of the human dna.
Ravi Zacharias and Francis Collins. ht/Joy
___________________________________________________
Monday, January 11, 2010
THYME Magazine
Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor
Volume II, Issue II
Designer Genes
Francis Collins calls the genetic code "The Language of G-d." Indeed there is a beautiful blueprint for life that causes us to wonder.There is the predictability that is the hallmark of great design but there is more to this wonder than meets the eye. Science suggests that environment and choices we make can have an effect, positive or negative, on how the design unfolds.
The science of epigenetics suggests that our environment and the choices we make in light of it may shape the direction of our development and that of our children. The code, it would seem, is written in such a way as to allow for the creature to be 'modified' to better function in an ever changing environment.
For years biologists assumed that Alaska had two distinct species of brown bear. More recently they discovered that the large Kodiak and the Grizzly were really genetically the same animal. The bigger bears enjoyed a diet rich in salmon and their smaller cousins' diet was a mixture of forage and small game. Environment and diet obviously contributed to the difference in execution of the same genetic plan.
Scientists studying human biology have discovered similar findings. The children of one people group that endured alternating periods of want and plenty showed that the offspring of those who endured famine tended to live longer lives than those born of those who could eat all they wanted. The implication is that we can make the tough choices in the way of diet and lifestyle and better that of our sons and daughters.
But on a deeper level, is it possible to look beyond the "Language of G-d" and be influenced by the designer's mind of the Creator. Can it be that our beings, made in the manner perscribed by our DNA, may begiven to the noblest of purpose or the basest?
History is full of people who have experienced some sort of personal redemption. That is to say they have moved from lives of dark deeds to noble ones. A prime example is John Newton, an English slave trader. He repented of the foul business of trading in human lives and wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace" to explain the redemptive experience that changed his life. Newton would go on to be a major encourager of William Wilberforce, the Parliamentarian who fought for decades to end the slave trade.
Newton, so well depicted by Albert Finney in the film "Amazing Grace" clearly had the capacity to destroy human lives by enslaving them --yet it was Newton who discovered himself to be the slave to the wretched life of a slaver. There is a line in his famous hymn where he says "[I] was blind but now I see!" If man has a spiritual aspect to his character, described by some 'spiritual DNA,' Newton's was clearly and forever altered for the better.
Dr. Francis Collins.
Healthcare: The Saga Continues
On January 6th about 200 Virginians [click to read] showed up at the local offices of Senators Warner and Webb to voice their concerns about so-called healthcare 'reform.' As you know, the President who promised 'transparency' is now pushing for the conference in secret to work out the differences between House and Senate versions of the bill.
Our Senators didn't want to meet with us for town hall meetings so the people had to go to them. ht/SWAC Girl
We tried. David Karaffa set up a forum for the Senators to expain the healthcare legislation but both declined.
Creating a Race of Thugs
Yankee Phil [click to read] Reports on a disturbing trend in British law enforcement... arrest the self-reliant citizen and give rights and protections to the criminal. What kind of citizenry and society will emerge from this trend?
We now have 750 RSVPs. Help push us over 1,000!!!!!
Email at rsvp@richmondteaparty.com [click to respond] and simply put in the subject line how many people you will bring. It is that easy!
Here is the 'companion' TIME Issue [click to read]. I was told that since many Conservatives don't bother to look at the 'Professional' weekly news magazine anymore, someone might miss the full impact of my 'cover commentary.'
Volume II, Issue II
Designer Genes
Francis Collins calls the genetic code "The Language of G-d." Indeed there is a beautiful blueprint for life that causes us to wonder.There is the predictability that is the hallmark of great design but there is more to this wonder than meets the eye. Science suggests that environment and choices we make can have an effect, positive or negative, on how the design unfolds.
The science of epigenetics suggests that our environment and the choices we make in light of it may shape the direction of our development and that of our children. The code, it would seem, is written in such a way as to allow for the creature to be 'modified' to better function in an ever changing environment.
For years biologists assumed that Alaska had two distinct species of brown bear. More recently they discovered that the large Kodiak and the Grizzly were really genetically the same animal. The bigger bears enjoyed a diet rich in salmon and their smaller cousins' diet was a mixture of forage and small game. Environment and diet obviously contributed to the difference in execution of the same genetic plan.
Scientists studying human biology have discovered similar findings. The children of one people group that endured alternating periods of want and plenty showed that the offspring of those who endured famine tended to live longer lives than those born of those who could eat all they wanted. The implication is that we can make the tough choices in the way of diet and lifestyle and better that of our sons and daughters.
But on a deeper level, is it possible to look beyond the "Language of G-d" and be influenced by the designer's mind of the Creator. Can it be that our beings, made in the manner perscribed by our DNA, may begiven to the noblest of purpose or the basest?
History is full of people who have experienced some sort of personal redemption. That is to say they have moved from lives of dark deeds to noble ones. A prime example is John Newton, an English slave trader. He repented of the foul business of trading in human lives and wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace" to explain the redemptive experience that changed his life. Newton would go on to be a major encourager of William Wilberforce, the Parliamentarian who fought for decades to end the slave trade.
Newton, so well depicted by Albert Finney in the film "Amazing Grace" clearly had the capacity to destroy human lives by enslaving them --yet it was Newton who discovered himself to be the slave to the wretched life of a slaver. There is a line in his famous hymn where he says "[I] was blind but now I see!" If man has a spiritual aspect to his character, described by some 'spiritual DNA,' Newton's was clearly and forever altered for the better.
Dr. Francis Collins.
Healthcare: The Saga Continues
On January 6th about 200 Virginians [click to read] showed up at the local offices of Senators Warner and Webb to voice their concerns about so-called healthcare 'reform.' As you know, the President who promised 'transparency' is now pushing for the conference in secret to work out the differences between House and Senate versions of the bill.
Our Senators didn't want to meet with us for town hall meetings so the people had to go to them. ht/SWAC Girl
We tried. David Karaffa set up a forum for the Senators to expain the healthcare legislation but both declined.
Creating a Race of Thugs
Yankee Phil [click to read] Reports on a disturbing trend in British law enforcement... arrest the self-reliant citizen and give rights and protections to the criminal. What kind of citizenry and society will emerge from this trend?
We now have 750 RSVPs. Help push us over 1,000!!!!!
Email at rsvp@richmondteaparty.com [click to respond] and simply put in the subject line how many people you will bring. It is that easy!
Here is the 'companion' TIME Issue [click to read]. I was told that since many Conservatives don't bother to look at the 'Professional' weekly news magazine anymore, someone might miss the full impact of my 'cover commentary.'
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Why Knowledge of the Divine Matters
Our Place and Purpose are Defined by It
I am listening to a series of messages by Ravi Zacharias, one of the great minds of our time. The message series is called Is There Meaning in Pain and Suffering and one of the reasons the series is so powerful is the panel discussion at the end. A leading scientist represents the atheistic perspective. A hindu scholar joins him as well. Such discussions, when carried on with integrity and mutual respect, are a valuable part of understanding the human experience.
Francis Collins, I feel, adds similar depth to our discussion of origins. Can you imagine peeking into the Divine's working drawings? Although Collins does not promote intelligent design he sees G-d's hand in things, perhaps more as architect and less as builder. The writings of C.S. Lewis influenced Collins who was not a believer earlier in his life, to come to faith. There is no testimony more powerful than that of the honest inquirer's.
Belief, or non-belief, colors our discussion of such matters as purpose, pain and suffering and even how should we live our lives.
Here be Dragons
Really old maps fascinate me. You see the well-rendered survey of known lands and the nebulous shapes of imagined and unexplored realms. I love how the old mapmakers would draw very imaginitive sea-serpents cavorting in the margins with the notation: "Here be dragons." So what has changed? We render well what we know and imagine what we don't. Yet navigation has always been a matter of life and death.
My son and several friends were venturing to New York City for New Year's eve in Times Square and I asked them if they needed any directions. The fellow in their group from Australia announced decisively "we've got GPS!" We didn't have that in the 1970's when I did the same trip.
I wonder if he was driving when the car, registered to me, went through an EZ-pass lane? I got the missed toll bill later? There is always a point where our knowledge is limited even though we see more than our forefathers. Knowledge should be freely sought, but we shall never come to a point where it will eclipse our need for faith and further exploration.
I am listening to a series of messages by Ravi Zacharias, one of the great minds of our time. The message series is called Is There Meaning in Pain and Suffering and one of the reasons the series is so powerful is the panel discussion at the end. A leading scientist represents the atheistic perspective. A hindu scholar joins him as well. Such discussions, when carried on with integrity and mutual respect, are a valuable part of understanding the human experience.
Francis Collins, I feel, adds similar depth to our discussion of origins. Can you imagine peeking into the Divine's working drawings? Although Collins does not promote intelligent design he sees G-d's hand in things, perhaps more as architect and less as builder. The writings of C.S. Lewis influenced Collins who was not a believer earlier in his life, to come to faith. There is no testimony more powerful than that of the honest inquirer's.
Belief, or non-belief, colors our discussion of such matters as purpose, pain and suffering and even how should we live our lives.
Here be Dragons
Really old maps fascinate me. You see the well-rendered survey of known lands and the nebulous shapes of imagined and unexplored realms. I love how the old mapmakers would draw very imaginitive sea-serpents cavorting in the margins with the notation: "Here be dragons." So what has changed? We render well what we know and imagine what we don't. Yet navigation has always been a matter of life and death.
My son and several friends were venturing to New York City for New Year's eve in Times Square and I asked them if they needed any directions. The fellow in their group from Australia announced decisively "we've got GPS!" We didn't have that in the 1970's when I did the same trip.
I wonder if he was driving when the car, registered to me, went through an EZ-pass lane? I got the missed toll bill later? There is always a point where our knowledge is limited even though we see more than our forefathers. Knowledge should be freely sought, but we shall never come to a point where it will eclipse our need for faith and further exploration.
Monday, April 28, 2008
A Tale of Two Mapmakers
The Shenandoah Valley was Home to Both
As a child, I was always fascinated by the Nineteenth Century maps drawn by Jedadiah Hotchkiss. The Civil War mapmaker provided detailed surveys of many places in the Valley and they were works of art. I drew a modern map that imitated Hotchkiss' style for Rob Hewitt's history of the Church in Rockingham County. Modern surveys allowed me to see fairly detailed massings of topography where Hotchkiss had simply placed ridge lines. Modern mapping methods have given us a greater knowledge of the physical features of our world but we produce few maps as beautiful and informative as those of Jedadiah Hotchkiss.
Francis Collins
In our time, another Shenandoah Valley native has mapped the human genome. Francis Collins calls this complex code "The Language of G-d" and has authored a book by that name. Originally a chemist, Collins went on to study microbiology, fascinated by the complex nature of DNA. His boyhood was spent on a farm in the Valley and his mother homeschooled him up until the sixth grade. He was initially drawn to study chemistry at the University of Virginia and sought to avoid what he called "the messy field of biology." Collins wrote The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief and calls scientific discoveries an "opportunity to worship." Collins believes in a process of Theistic Evolution, where the process is divinely directed. Collins sees what amounts to the design documents for life in the DNA.
The work of Francis Collins holds great promise for understanding and conquering many of the diseases that trouble us. He is in every way a modern pioneer.
As a child, I was always fascinated by the Nineteenth Century maps drawn by Jedadiah Hotchkiss. The Civil War mapmaker provided detailed surveys of many places in the Valley and they were works of art. I drew a modern map that imitated Hotchkiss' style for Rob Hewitt's history of the Church in Rockingham County. Modern surveys allowed me to see fairly detailed massings of topography where Hotchkiss had simply placed ridge lines. Modern mapping methods have given us a greater knowledge of the physical features of our world but we produce few maps as beautiful and informative as those of Jedadiah Hotchkiss.
Francis Collins
In our time, another Shenandoah Valley native has mapped the human genome. Francis Collins calls this complex code "The Language of G-d" and has authored a book by that name. Originally a chemist, Collins went on to study microbiology, fascinated by the complex nature of DNA. His boyhood was spent on a farm in the Valley and his mother homeschooled him up until the sixth grade. He was initially drawn to study chemistry at the University of Virginia and sought to avoid what he called "the messy field of biology." Collins wrote The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief and calls scientific discoveries an "opportunity to worship." Collins believes in a process of Theistic Evolution, where the process is divinely directed. Collins sees what amounts to the design documents for life in the DNA.
The work of Francis Collins holds great promise for understanding and conquering many of the diseases that trouble us. He is in every way a modern pioneer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
