ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 4, 2022
In the April issue of Scientific America, there is a fascinating article entitled, “The Quantum Nature of Bird Migration.” I was intrigued to learn that Aristotle thought some birds transformed into other birds during the winter, and thus the reason we did not see them. Aristotle was way off on that idea. Today, we are learning how there are genetically encoded directions birds have within them from birth. Some of the science is rather breath-taking. Of course, it’s not just genetics. There is also observation from which the birds learn. It makes me think about the whole debate of nature vs. nurture. There are certain things encoded into who I am, and very little can change it. The color of my eyes can be modified with contact lenses, but the change is not real. I am rather short, and though I hung from the pull-up bar for long periods of time as a kid, I don’t believe it made any difference to my height… though it eventually got me into gymnastics. Social norms and expectations, often built around what is comfortable, have too often forced people to live against their genetics. We are learning more and more how damaging this can be to the human psyche. Christianity has often been the gatekeeper of those norms and expectations, often having very little to do with the heart of the Gospel. More and more will be learned in the next decade with regard to genetics and what cannot really change, and the question for Christians is whether or not we want to have a seat at the table in the conversations that are coming. Many of them will have ethical implications. Gone are the days when religious voices were automatically granted a seat at the table. This will require open minds and less “end of the world” rhetoric. We need to listen, ask good questions, be willing to see how new discoveries require new theological interpretations, etc. So far, no new science has forced me to let go of the most basic premise of my faith: love is the most powerful and redemptive force in the universe. Borrowing from Dr. King, “I have decided to stick with love,” and so far science has not asked me to give it up.
Gracious God, may the love so central to my existence always make room for new ideas and a willingness to engage questions never previously imagined. Some times the new questions might challenge my understanding of love, or even force me to broaden its definition. Amen.
