I am reminded, if any such reminder were necessary, that mathematics is skeptical of evolution.¹ Evolutionary Biologists cannot legitimately bypass the problem of probability by simply stating that the math does not matter.  For our existence here does not prove that we got here via evolution.  Rather, evolution, as a theory, must demonstrate how it compensates for the massive improbability of our existence.

In genetic algorithms, we do allow “random” mutation and we do have selection.  But we have intelligent selection.  We select for criteria that we have chosen.  Thus our programming more closely resembles breading than it does nature;  we intelligently select from random developments in algorithm just as the farmer intelligently selects from random developments in his stock or produce. 

Darwin posits that survival itself can provide a selection that can rival intelligent selection.  That may be, if so demonstrate it.  But even then, it still takes time for these random developments to occur.  As a result, even if evolutionists can demonstrate the viability of natural section as a replacement for intelligent selection, they will still only have done half of the job.  Beyond that, they must also prove that there exists sufficient time, that the mutations happen at a sufficient rate, for the complexity we see, and not only the complexity but the diversity (complexity must not develop just once, but many times), to have developed.

Some have advocated the solution to this that given sufficient time and given sufficient attempts, an event, no matter improbable, is bound to happen.  Perhaps, if so, demonstrate that we have sufficient time and sufficient attempts to override the improbability of each single attempt.

But in doing so, you cannot escape from the fact that we have left the field of biology far behind us.  We have entered into the fields of mathematics/statistics (probability), and of cosmology, physics, astronomy and geology (demonstrating that attempts at complex life have happened elsewhere).  We have the SETI search moving from the fringe of science to its core and forefront.   Evolution must be opened to critique and investigation outside of biology or it cannot be substantiated.

All of that being said, I will again stipulate that my objections here have nothing to do with my faith.  Were evolution to be proved, my faith would be unchallenged.  My difference from the secular evolutionist though would remain, for I would posit that evolution was yet still directed.  I would assert that it was the hand of God, acting not through the massive violation of the laws of nature that are the miracles we discover in the lives of the saints, but in a careful, unnatural (and thus outside the realm of science), and undetectable manipulation of the laws of nature, and of the interaction of particles, that shaped the history that brings us to being.  His intent need not operate in ways we can detect.

My objection to evolution is that it does not make sense.  It does not explain satisfactorily.  My questions meet with inadequate answers. 

“I think we Christians should exercise wise stewardship over God’s creation, but when stewardship becomes reverence we’ve crossed a dangerous line.”^[1] Wise words to consider.

1. Mr. Tony Perkins. “Warming to Bill Clinton’s View?” Washington Update 2006-06-22.

The following comes primarily from Fr. Gabriele Amorth’s An Exorcist: More Stories^[1] though a few Catholic Encyclopedia articles might technically be the origin of some fact or two. It comes as a result of needing to research the topic for the summer education at St. Veronica’s, where the teens are to watch “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” this evening.

1. Ghosts and/or poltergeists exit: FALSE. These are believed to be the “spirit” or soul of a dead person who has somehow not gone on to heaven, hell, or purgatory. This does not in fact ever happen. All souls go to one of these three destinations.
2. Demons or devils exist: TRUE. Demons or devils are fallen angels, Satan and those who followed him in rebellion against God. The Catholic Encyclopedia writes

   According to Catholic belief demons or fallen angels retain their natural power, as intelligent beings, of acting on the material universe, and using material objects and directing material forces for their own wicked ends; and this power, which is in itself limited, and is subject, of course, to the control of Divine providence, is believed to have been allowed a wider scope for its activity in the consequence of the sin of mankind. Hence places and things as well as persons are naturally liable to diabolical infestation, within limits permitted by God

3. Demons can only possess the sinful: FALSE. The bible lists at least one instance of a child having been possessed from birth, thus we know that no action on the part of the person is necessary. Conversely, the need for exorcism persists through the Acts of the Apostles, and in the writings of the early Church. Exorcists still act under the direction of the bishops today, and those they aid include both Catholics and non-Catholics, both those with strong prayer lives and those with- out.
4. Possession is really just mental disease: FALSE. While there have, historically, been mistakes in diagnosis, times when mental disease was wrongly taken to be the result of demonic influence or possession, it is not the case that demonic possession is always the result of mental disease. Just so, there have times when people have been wrongly convicted of murder, we do not dis- regard the possibility of murder. Further, even in the Bible, we see a distinction made between possession and mental disease. For example, Matthew 4:24 reads

   His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them.

   Here we see a distinction made between the insane, the paralyzed, and the possessed. Yet possession, in other parts of the Gospels, is linked with symptoms that could be caused by mental illness or paralysis. If possession were not a separate phenomena, Matthew would have had no need in 4:24 to make the distinction. This is not to say that there has never been a misdiagnosis in either direction. There has, but that does not negate the reality of both.
5. Exorcisms always work: FALSE. Matthew chapter 17 contains a story of a boy whom the Disciples could not exercise. Jesus, after driving the demon out, tells the disciples that their failure resulted from a lack of faith. Else where, Jesus says that some demons can only be exorcised by prayer and fasting. For this reason, the bishops should exercise care in choosing exorcists, to pick priests with a strong faith, and who live holy lives. Even then, exorcists have related that it sometimes takes years for complete healing.

Some further notes gleaned:

Ordinary activity is essentially temptation, to which we are all subject, and is not covered by him.

He breaks extraordinary activity down into 6 categories: 1)External Pain caused either directly or indirectly (as by the demon causing an object to fall would be a source of indirect pain) 2)possession continuing presence of a demon in the person. typically alternating between periods of rest and activity (by the demon) and involves the suspension of “mental, intellectual, affective and volatile functions.” It can include the knowledge of languages the person would not normally know, superhuman strength, superhuman knowledge, and/or the ability to read thoughts. A strong temptation to suicide is often present as well. 3)oppression random discomfort, often appearing very similar to severe depression, with inexplicable rages, and a strong tendency to isolation and a strong temptation to suicide. 4)obsession almost a split personality. the will remains free, but thoughts, often very illogical ones, persist in the mind, and cannot be dispelled by the person. there is often a strong temptation to suicide. 5)infestation demonic activity directed at places (houses, offices, stores, fields), objects (cars, pillows, mattresses, dolls), or animals. 6)subjugation a voluntary pact with a demon, either implicit or explicit. Otherwise similar to one of the first 4.

he lists 4 categories of ways in which one of these comes about: 1)Pure divine permission the person has done nothing, is in fact growing in virtue. God grants permission much as happens with Job in the bible. 2)subjection to a curse one person requests a demon to harm another. 3)grave hardening in sin such as Judas Iscariot, the person who has abandoned themselves to sin of any sort is at greater risk of demonic harm. He also lists abortion here. 4)proximity to evil associating with satanic cults, with magicians or fortune tellers, dabbling with magic or witch doctors. He also includes the effects of pornography, some rock (and especially rap) music, some horror movies, and other, similar parts of popular culture.

1. ISBN 0-89870-917-2

Air Pollution in Athens Greece has been blamed for a noteworthy development in mosquitoes.^[1] Apparently, the mosquitoes there are growing larger, with better vision and better smell. They are also growing faster. The end result is that they can detect you at 25-30 meters instead of only 15-20. And the faster speed makes it more likely they will reach you. This makes me want to go to Athens oh so much, how about you?

1. AFP. “Air pollution, cramped living in Athens breeding ’super mosquitoes’” Yahoo News 2006-07-05. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060704/hl_afp/greecehealthdisease

I went out to lunch today with my wonderful girlfriend today. She chose to give me her gift today rather than tomorrow, as this was our time together. So lo and behold, she has given me The Small Woman.^[1] Lately I have been reading a book on Shakespeare, given to me at Christmas this last year, but I have decided to put that on hold for now in favor of this. The story of this unlikely missionary intrigues me in a way that Shakespeare does not.

Which is not to say that a book attempting to demonstrate the Cathlicity of Shakespeare is uninteresting; I was finding the book well worth reading. But lately I have been wanting something far more a story, and yet not really knowing what I want to read. I do not really want to read my staple science fiction or fantasy right now. This non-fiction story should hit the spot nicely. ☺

1. Mr. Alan Burgess. The Small Woman ISBN: 1-56849-184-0

This^[1] sort of development always makes me worry. Puerto Rico is going forward with plans to implant some sort of RFID chip in patients experiencing memory loss. From the headline, you might think this chip is supposed to help the patients in some way. If so, I really do not see it. Rather, this chip appears to contain identity information and/or medical records.

The aged and infirm, such as Alzheimer’s patients, are some of the most vulnerable in our society, after the unborn. It is natural that they would be targeted before any other group for such “advances.” Perhaps there is even some legitimate gain to this.

It brings us inevitably closer to a universal survalence society though. As such tags gain increasing “optional” usage, the day comes closer where they will become mandatory in some place and situation. From that point on, the use of them and the requirement of them will spread. I feel sure that we will all come to regret it.

1. The Associated Press. “Fla.-made microchip to be used in volunteers with memory loss” theledger.com 2006-07-02. http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060702/APF/607020769