Science & evolution

[Robert Mesibov]

Ken Kinman's 'indirect creation' post reminded me of a conversation I had
nearly 40 years ago, when I was young & silly (as opposed to old & silly).
I was talking with a Jesuit who was also a very fine marine biologist. A
reconstruction:

'You believe,' I asked, 'that Man was specially created?'
'Without a doubt,' he replied.
'So what's this "special creation" and how does it tie in with evolution?'
'Man,' said the priest, 'was specially created at the precise moment he
first recognised the existence of God. A great deal of evolution took place
before this wonderful moment.'

I don't know if the Jesuit was expressing a personal view or explaining
Church doctrine, but his answer was very satisfying, and I have never since
been uncomfortable with the idea that science and religion can be friends.

Dr Robert Mesibov
Honorary Research Associate
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
Home contact: PO Box 101, Penguin, Tasmania, Australia 7316
(03) 64371195; 61 03 64371195