i hear what u say. however u are also aware of the other factor, namely identity-type issues... farrakhan's NOI is headquartered in chicago... zulu nation... the basis for ingroups is a common definition of ennemies, in these cases white supremacist groups, and their lingering influence in all sectors of the economy, incl education... is this still justified? dunno... one wld've thought that the existence of prominent blacks at all levels of biz, gvt, etc in the US wld have changed the scene for the best, but no... or not yet? why the widespread "acting white" syndrome in the US? http://www.hoover.org/publications/ednext/3212736.html http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2005/08.25/99-fryer.html can't think of ANYTHING similar in the EU... and same goes for NOI etc type movements, we just ain't got any, or none that has achieved such size, "recognition" etc that i wld be aware of dunno... not saying its "their" fault whoever "their" is but its kinda mind-boggling isn't it? whats the way forward? why are atlanta's 2004 crime stats double the nation's average?
Rob, those are opinions. I could easily make the case that Darwinism is compatible with Christianity (or any theism). Easily. I just can't be bothered writing that much at the moment, especially since this thread is on its last legs (since loZZzzer and his characteristic illogic made their appearance). But just consider this: don't such 'blind' forces engender humility on our part? That we can't control everything in this world ought to make us a little more humble and appreciative of the things we can control. That some people will be born smarter or better looking, while others less so, some healthy, some sick, affirms the theistic viewpoint on life that we are all given a role to play in this world but it is up to discover it (at which point prayer for divine guidance makes sense). So in this sense while it may 'suck' that fate seems to have cruely ruled some people out of ever reaching certain socioeconomic outcomes, we can take religious solace that there is some divine reason for it and some divine purpose given to such people's lives that overrides the seeming unfairness of their circumstances. at the same time, the social engineering perspective, that anyone could become anything if only given the right environment is thoroughly invalidated; the old adage is true, you can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear.
I agree about the futility of social engineering. But those "opinions" are in agreement with the most respected scientists in evolution biology. William Provine: âEvolution is the greatest engine of atheism ever inventedâ (keynote address at the 1998 Darwin Day celebration at the University of Tennessee). He also suggests trying to join evolution with theology, as in beliefs that God(s) somehow started creation but is now out of the picture as being âworthless.â Those type of God(s) âdonât give life after death, they donât answer prayers, they donât give you foundations for ethics. In fact they give you nothingâ (ibid, 1998).
Arbitrary?????? ar.bi.trary \'a:r-b*-.trer-e-\ aj 1: depending on choice or discretion; specif : determinable by dec ision of a judge or tribunal 2a: arising from will or caprice 2b: selected at random and without reason 3: DESPOTIC, TYRANNICAL then why would there not be literally BILLIONS and BILLIONS of stories and images and notions? For every man that has lived on this earth, from the begining of time, they would each have their own version correct?
and there actually are billions of variations over times in personal interpretations of this of that, for each of the thousands various religious & philosophical systems that the human mind has concocted... gotta run