What do you think of this Quote from St. Augustine regarding Genesis 1 (before the evolution debate)?

Question

"It is a disgraceful and dangerous thing for an infidel [unbeliever] to hear a Christian, presumably giving the meaning of Holy Scripture, talking nonsense on these topics; and we should take all means to prevent such an embarrassing situation in which people show up vast ignorance in a Christian and laugh it to scorn … If they find a Christian mistaken in a field which they themselves know well, and hear him maintaining his foolish opinions about our books [Scriptures], how are they going to believe those books in matters concerning the resurrection of the dead, the hope of eternal life and the kingdom of heaven, when they think their pages are full of falsehoods on facts which they themselves have learnt from experience and the light of reason?"

(Quoted by Francis Collin, Evangelical Christian who headed the Human Genome Project, but who accepts evolution because the "evidence is overwhelming.")

http://www.asa3.org/ASA/PSCF/2003/PSCF9-03Collins.pdf

THEPAXILMAN and others:

Your cynicism regarding someone else's faith is saddening. I strongly encourage you to read the paper referenced above. It describes his strong faith and his dialogue with intelligent design and creationism.

.

Answer 1

I think more christians should memorize it. They make their religion laughable with their ignorance. And even worse, they do it with pride!

Answer 2

I accept as true with St. Augustine wholeheartedly. that's why we've leaders interior the Church to help us comprehend what the Bible is surely approximately. that's actual that the Holy Spirit classes us in examining the Bible if we ask, yet no person knows the Bible greater helpful than devil. He can placed innovations in human beings's heads which will shake the foundations of Christianity. additionally, i hit upon it humorous that an Evangelical is quoting Augustine, because of the reality Augustine became into Catholic, you will think of Collin may well be appalled by using Catholic teachings.

Answer 3

I think I tried to make that point yesterday.

I'm not a Christian, but I think that people should know what it is that they are talking about. People talking about things that they don't understand diminishes the arguments of the rest of their group; whatever group that might be. It just gives more fodder for their detractors.

Some groups that I'm involved with ask newer people to avoid giving advice before they have had sufficient experience. I don't think that's a bad point of view as one can't offer what they don't yet have.

In matters of faith, speaking out on issues you don't fully understand, using the rhetoric from sensational sources, such as Chick Publications, without studying for yourself leaves both you and your Church open to ridicule by those who've actually done some homework.

St. Augustine was a remarkable and very learned man. He spoke wisdom that was far ahead of his time, and for good reason is known as a Doctor of the Church in Catholocism.

I hope that some take note of what you've written.

Answer 4

I would come to the opposite conclusion from that comment

the natural language of Genesis would not lead to macro evolution or long ages and Augustine was not criticizing the accurate use of scirture but a non informed use

in point of fact, ironically, Augustine believed the 6 days of creation were faster than 6 days which no one agrees with now showing however brilliant and gifted a Christian is they can make mistaks

Answer 5

I’ve read another quote by St Augustine to the affect that Christians should accept the scientific evidence of their day. Many scientific advancements were made by Christians. I think this belief that every word of the Bible is literally true, as apposed to being inspired by God, is a fairly new concept.

Answer 6

It was his attempt to have soul authority over the reading and translation of the scriptures, which means he thought we were to dumb to understand. Thats how they kept the flock in line. Where else do we get such classics as purgatory, no birth control. Its only about the control and power.

Answer 7

I am Muslim, but I think he is speaking truth. No one should just talk on subjects they don't understand and use Scripture to back it up. Many people use scripture to try to validate their ill-informed ignorant opinions of things they have no knowledge of.

Answer 8

I say, "thank all that is perceived to be divine," that there's at least one Christian (St. Augustine) with intelligence and the ability to reason critically.

Answer 9

I think they will feel embarrased, although I know they shouldn't. We've all been wrong about some major things in our life, and this will be one of them. Cut them some slack. You should already know it'll all come out in our lifetime.

Answer 10

Scientists have to accept evolution, else their grants will be rejected. Grants = salary = food = reproduction.