Sunday, August 19, 2007

Immaculate Evolution

Replacing the Theory of Evolution in classrooms with "Intelligent Design" seems to me the equivalent to replacing a Biology course with a study of Mythology. While mythology can be an interesting and useful way to interpret the world (the collective unconscious as Jung had said) it isn't the same thing as understanding the world through science. The idea of Creationism in a homogenized Christian form is also an extremely narrow version of the story. There are a multitude of stories on Creationism beyond that. Teaching Theology is one thing and probably a comparative studies class is a fine idea considering the misunderstandings between cultures involving belief systems. It seems the problems arise when there is an insistence on one version being the only way. Theology is not a replacement to Science and vice versa.

I'm personally unsure as to why there is any problem with the idea of being related to the primates?! I find the idea endlessly fascinating! Can you not believe them both? I dont think that mankinds lineage detracts from any teachings about how to lead a loving life.
The classroom is a place of knowledge and Evolution belongs in them. There are aspects of the world and beliefs in particular that Science seems unable to quantify, hence the need for spirituality. Science may not have all of the answers but it is far from being an irrelevant form of understanding.
Acrylics and Colored Pencil on Linen 10 x 12"

12 comments:

Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said...

Your illustration and your words are very thought provoking. Nice work!

L. A. Stern said...

wow! colored pencil and acrylic on linen? how? the results are beautiful. I've used colored pencil with acrylic wash on paper but never on canvas with the full bodied paint. how do you get the pencil stay on/show up on the paint?

cheers

studio lolo said...

This is a fabulous piece Greg!! Great commentary as well. I agree with you. And hey...I came here to congratulate you on your merit award at Portfolios.com. Way to go!!

studio lolo said...

Hi Greg...me again. Thanks for your nice comments. I saw your award on Portfolios.com because I was on there to check out the postcard printing link for my next show. The award thing caught my eye because I didn't know anything about it and I was thrilled to see someone "I know" as a winner!

Unknown said...

terrific piece

Anonymous said...

Great piece! I totally agree with you. I think one of the reasons why people don't want to believe we're related to animals is because then they have to reconsider the relationship.
Not seeing yourself as the total ruler of the animals, but as one of them. Puts eating meat almost in the order of kannibalism perhaps?

P.L. Frederick said...

Wonderful! You have the gift.

P.L. Frederick
SMALL & big

Janice Ykema said...

very thought provoking piece Greg!

Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said...

Just checking back for new work! Hope all is well.

Curious Art said...

Hey, did you know that IF's topic of the week is Theory? This would make a great entry... if you haven't already posted it on IF. (I've been out of the loop for a while.)

Diane Smith said...

I'll pray for you.

Raluca said...

great job and illo for this idea!!