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July 27, 2007 I have a tween. She’s between ages 2 and 3, and those of us who have -- or have had -- kids in this age group know that these are the times that try men's souls, and patience. (To avoid being labeled sexist, these are also the times that try women’s souls and patience.) She has entered the “why and what” phase of her life. She no longer accepts that we are going to the library: “What is library, Daddy?” For now, simple answers are sufficient for her, but I can see the wheels turning, her neurons making connections, and more questions will soon be forthcoming. I can foresee the days of "Why is the sky blue?" and "Why is the grass green?" and similar questions, on the horizon.  In today’s day and age of rapidly changing information, it’s tough to keep up. Today’s popular theory is quickly replaced by new discoveries, as we gather new data and formulate new ideas of how, when, what and why. We have been conditioned to accept explanations from experts in the various fields of study. “Because I said so” is not only a standard response from parents, it is also used on adults. Even when we are given what appear to be sufficient answers to our queries, we seem to intellectually accept, and not question further. As a case in point, I was watching a National Geographic special this week, which was covering a species of Hawaiian bird making a comeback. To make a long story short, the mosquito was introduced to Hawaii, the bird had never before encountered the mosquito, mosquito bit bird, and so many birds died that biologists thought the bird to be extinct. It was recently discovered that the bird was making a comeback in its natural habitat. The biologist being interviewed looked directly at the camera and stated “You’re looking at evolution in action”. I guess that in the interest of time, and to avoid what could be a lengthy discussion regarding the differences between micro and macro evolution, she left it at "evolution". I think most people will think this proves evolution to be valid, that Darwin was right, and simply leave it at that. Personally, a more descriptive and accurate explanation would have been to say "natural selection," as in “You’re seeing natural selection or micro-evolution in action.” Micro-evolution is, in essence, changes within a particular species, and there have been numerous examples in history. Those that survived the Black Death plague that ravaged Europe and Asia could be said to have “evolved”. Every couple of years a new strain of influenza seems to come about. Both of these examples are no more than natural selection at work, in which some organisms develop an immunity or a slight change that aids their chances for survival. Those that survive pass along this change to their offspring. Furthermore, selective breeding would also fall under this category. I think our failure to question also extends to the Christian community. The fact that I make such a statement may come as a surprise to some of the long-term readers of this website. The failure to question--to defend one's belief system, has unfortunately led to the formation of numerous cults, some quite comical, and others quite dangerous. This has also led to some very low points in the history of the Christian faith. Doubting Thomas was also Jesus' disciple. I don’t recall Jesus offering the explanation “Because I said so.” We should encourage our children to ask questions. Being inquisitive is the only way our children learn, and learning should be a life-long process. ------------ About the author: Tracey Stevens is a longtime contributor of Useless-Knowledge. Email: phoque62@hotmail.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
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