Thursday, March 30, 2006
Spare Them Not
One of our readers has commented, anonymously, that, "... knowledge has increased, and mankind remains more ethically backward than ever. What was once unthinkable is now accepted, and scientists who build the weapons that could destroy us all are praised as heroes. Progress?"
Supporters of creationism and intelligent design often assert that modern science, particularly Darwin's theory of evolution, is responsible for all the ills of Western Civilization.
Is it really true, as anonymous asserts, that what was once unthinkable is now accepted. Perhaps the Bible's 1 Samuel 15:1-3 can help us shed some light on the question:
In citing this Bible passage, RSR does not assert that the LORD's command to Saul that he "spare them not" demonstrates that Christianity, rather than science, is the root of the problem. Rather we suggest that many of the problems we face today are of long standing, and the causes a bit more complicated than our brothers and sisters in the creationism and intelligent design camps would like to admit.
By the way, we can't help noting that Saul was a practical man. He had no problem slaying both man and woman, infant and suckling. In the end, however, he couldn't quite bring himself to do the same to the livestock, which after all, were valuable.
Saul also got on the LORD's bad side by erecting a few statues of himself to commemorate his victories.
Supporters of creationism and intelligent design often assert that modern science, particularly Darwin's theory of evolution, is responsible for all the ills of Western Civilization.
Is it really true, as anonymous asserts, that what was once unthinkable is now accepted. Perhaps the Bible's 1 Samuel 15:1-3 can help us shed some light on the question:
15:1 Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD.
15:2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt.
15:3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
In citing this Bible passage, RSR does not assert that the LORD's command to Saul that he "spare them not" demonstrates that Christianity, rather than science, is the root of the problem. Rather we suggest that many of the problems we face today are of long standing, and the causes a bit more complicated than our brothers and sisters in the creationism and intelligent design camps would like to admit.
By the way, we can't help noting that Saul was a practical man. He had no problem slaying both man and woman, infant and suckling. In the end, however, he couldn't quite bring himself to do the same to the livestock, which after all, were valuable.
Saul also got on the LORD's bad side by erecting a few statues of himself to commemorate his victories.
