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→Philosophy of Science: Sir Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn
:However, this OrthodoxWiki article is about whether the dominant scientific theory of biological origins is compatible with Orthodox faith; it is not about the scientific validity of the dominant scientific theory. The latter should be argued in another forum, one on the subject of "boundary issues" in philosophy of science. --[[User:Basil|Basil]] 14:33, September 30, 2010 (UTC)
::Many Thanks Basil. You hit the nail on the head twice here, in identifying the main task and purpose involved:
::# "whether the current state of evolutionary theory counts as science"; and
::# stating that "This OrthodoxWiki article is about whether the dominant scientific theory of biological origins is compatible with Orthodox faith".
::Provides excellent clarity and focus, and a clear base to go forward from. Archbishop Hilarion recently made an important statement in this regard, in: ''[http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6584JX20100609?feedType=RSS&feedName=lifestyleMolt Russia Church wants end to Darwin school "monopoly"], REUTERS, Wed Jun 9, 2010 3:44pm EDT'':
:::''"The time has come for the monopoly of Darwinism and the deceptive idea that science in general contradicts religion. These ideas should be left in the past," senior Russian Orthodox Archbishop Hilarion said at a lecture in Moscow.''
:::''"Darwin's theory remains a theory. This means it should be taught to children as one of several theories, but children should know of other theories too."''
::(Aside): I will also note something I heard from a recent Bible Study from the Orthodox Proto-Presbyter conducting the session, that historically, the "sciences" were not divorced from "theology", as they are today; and this divorce is a very recent phenomenon. As late as the 19th century, he mentioned as an example, that St Theophan the Recluse was in possession of the most advanced telescope in his day, as well as having an entire library of philosophical/scientific?? books. In addition, the first several books/chapters of one of St Gregory Palamas' writings is completely devoted to science. The fathers used the Sciences and Greek Philosophy as tools, however the difference is, that ''it was ONLY with proper Orthodox theology that God could be approached''. The divorce of the sciences & philosophy from theology is a recent phenomenon, and as a result, mankind today is actually far less intellectually capable than even a hundred years ago, putting us as a society and civilization in a very precarious and dangerous state. Incidentally the text we had originally began to discuss was from 1 Corinthians 1:23 "..but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles..".
::In relation to this theme of a post-literate society, there is an interesting book on current affairs that has been sold out for quite some time in many stores, written by former New York Times War Correspondent Chris Hedges, called: ''"Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle."'', which considers some interesting and disturbing themes if true.
::Cheers, [[User:Angellight 888|Angellight 888]] 23:54, September 30, 2010 (UTC)