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| Claude Monet's spring garden at Giverny |
I recently read a thoughtful treatise on evolution, which
is, strictly speaking, a highly regarded theory of biological adaptation and
survival through mutable processes. However, the theory had been stretched in
the essay to include the workings of the moon and stars, political parties, economics,
transistor radios, the function of dwellings and the fear of flying, presumably
to make the point that it appears there is no God. That the “dead hand” of evolution
is more about results than progress and biological processes decree that
life is cheap. As presented, that assertion does not negate for me the universally
recognized existence of the divine.
Evolution, survival of the fittest, is a process whereby the
more offspring produced, the more likely a genetic aberration, which helps
assure an organism’s fitness for the future -- the best adapted thrive, the least die out. The essay cites the example of the
protozoan (a huge organism by biochemical standards) that survives for a
nanosecond longer than other cohorts in the same puddle by shifting to a
darker, wetter spot. It executes a futile response, however, absent
reproduction and progeny that would take the same protective action in the
future with ever increasing efficiency, theoretically leading to
improved rates of survival. Natural selection is the only known cause of
adaptation, but not the only known cause of evolution, random mutation or gene
creep, are others. Evolution is based on quantity of similar organisms for
natural trait selection from the largest possible gene pool. The more there is of a species, the better the chance for survival.
Mixing scientific and theological theory, the essay suggested evolution might have easily
conferred the gift of awareness, thought, and personal purpose on sharks or
dinosaurs or field mice, as on a particular branch of the primates. But, I suggest it's
possible the molecular building blocks for self-awareness are ever present in
amino acids, universally shared in complex organisms. I suppose, using the
notion of conference, awareness also could have been added to tulips and
daffodils. This ability could be carrying forward in these species right now, waiting
for the moment when the right biochemical combinations coalesce to enhance
survival and the biochemical ability—to yearn for, appreciate and celebrate awareness
of self and the divine—God consciousness, it’s a mystery that knocks us to our
knees and drives us forward in reverence. Who knows?
From Anne Sexton's poem:
"The Awful Rowing Toward God"
"The Awful Rowing Toward God"
like a pig in a trenchcoat I grew,
and then there were many strange apparitions,
the nagging rain, the
sun turning into poison
and all of that, saws
working through my heart,
but I grew, I grew,
and God was there
like an island I had not rowed to,
still ignorant of Him,
my arms and my legs worked,
and I grew, I grew,
Answer: Since all species are continually evolving, surviving
and dying, who knows the image or intentions of God? Who says God is static? Who
says an awareness of God exists only in humans? Evolution is cruel and messy,
yes. As Anne Sexton said, it's an “awful rowing” toward our own genetic destiny. It
occurs because of the drive for survival, which is the biological imperative to
achieve stasis, procreate and satisfy the perpetual yearning for the divine: Our
raison d'être.
If you regularly visit the Word Garden, you know I don't often indulge in theosophical rants. I sincerely respect each person's right to their own beliefs and don't feel at all qualified to speak about the mysteries of God. This post stems from reading a provocative essay first thing Sunday morning, a time I normally reserve for quietly contemplating a Higher Power and writing to you. Your reactions to this post and comments on the Divine are most welcome, but know that this is a very sensitive subject for most people and comments will be moderated before posting.
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