If you ask an evolution scientist about the origin of life and the law of evolution, you will get a completely different answer than if you ask a Jehovah’s Witness. Both perspectives are backed by logic and reasoning, but there are blatant contrasts between the two. One is a creationist, the other a scientist. One believes that God had a hand in the creation of life because it is much too complex and precious to be a spontaneous chance; the other is deep rooted in data, theories, and laws. This contrast is quite evident in a recent lecture held by Curt Stager, a renowned climate scientist, and a Jehovah’s Witness guest speaker. Professor Stager, who teaches evolution, backs his theories with centuries of hypothesis testing, fossil records, carbon dating, and geology. To him, evolution is a natural process that has been occurring for millions of years resulting in millions of different species, and the Earth is 4.6 billion years old. The guest speaker, however, uses biblical interpretations, arguing that there is not enough sufficient evidence to support Earths old age, macroevolution and spontaneous generation. Although Jehovah's Witnesses do not follow the bible precisely, they believe that biblical events were the ultimate cause of life on earth. Even though both these lecturers are close companions, they have stood in disagreement for over 30 years.
Since the beginning of mankind, humans have been plagued with war. Partisan and discord runs through our veins, along with the need to make everyone share the same belief as ours. But the most prominent divide known to man is between scientists and believers. Science is a noble pursuit that allows our kind to prosper in an ever-changing environment. Scientists are tunnel visioned on the physical realm: landscapes, climate change, human anatomy, elements, chemicals, ecosystems, life on Earth. Aesthetics do not exist, and the world is full of practicality and skepticism. Believers, on the other hand, are convinced natural processes are controlled by the hand of gods; it is much too complex to be mere chance, and fate is predetermined for every being. To them, the bible is their science textbook and Noah’s Flood is the origin of life. Their faith brings connection to the mind, the soul, and communities. Humans would be lost without either of the two, yet these contrasting viewpoints divide communities across the globe apart.
Despite the divide, when the lecture was said and done, I was blessed with a wave of optimism. What I experienced reminded me that reconciliation is possible, and crucial, for peace. Although there were two contrasting viewpoints, a scientific and religious perspective, they were able to come together to civilly discuss their sides. Vastly different concepts of the world, but both are needed for fulfillment and prosperity of a complex society like ours. Both cling to a view of the world, allowing them to navigate through a chaotic and busy society. The development of science has led to an extended life span of the average human, cancer curing medicines, advanced life-saving technology, transportation allowing us to travel across the globe in a matter of hours. Religion has provided comfort to many for centuries, as well as giving people faith in times of crisis.
I went into the lecture hall not knowing what to expect. Although my mother grew up catholic, she quickly turned her back on faith when her interests pointed towards engineering. My father went into the occupation of firefighting, which faced him with a reality that no faith could fight. I grew up with a lack of religion and understanding of the metaphysical world, being left to my own devices to explore this aspect of my life. Finding no concrete connection with any religion, I inevitably turned to the sciences. So, when I attended this lecture and heard the perspective of someone who is guided by the preachings of the bible, I was introduced to a different outlook on life. I did not specifically resonate with the evolutional beliefs of the Jehovah’s Witness speaker; I am a firm believer that evolution is natures work and simply chance. However, I can understand his point of view, specifically his relationship with religion. He clings to his faith and will use anything to back what he sees, allowing his followers to connect with him. A worshipper of any kind is led by faith stronger than a carnivore's bite. This faith guides their world view, sending them in a path that ends in the hands of God or a higher power. And for some people, a lifetime without a god to preach to or faith to cling on is purposeless.
Science is a passion of mine, and I believe that a deep understanding of the world around us will save every organism on this planet. But after this lecture, my perspective has changed. These two contrasts no longer divide my perspective but allow me to interconnect two fundamental aspects of life: the physical realm and the spiritual realm.
