Study: Hominids walked on two legs to save energy
ASSOCIATED PRESS, July 17, 2007WASHINGTON – (Article summary)
ASSOCIATED PRESS, July 17, 2007WASHINGTON – (Article summary)
Why did humans evolve to walk upright? Perhaps because it's just plain easier. Make that “energetically less costly,” in science-speak, and you have the conclusion of researchers who are proposing a likely reason for our modern gait. In the latest attempt to find an explanation, researchers trained five chimpanzees to walk on a treadmill while wearing masks that allowed measurement of their oxygen consumption. “What we were surprised at was the variation,” he said in a telephone interview. “That was pretty exciting, because when you talk about how evolution works, variation is the bottom line, without variation there is no evolution.” Walking on two legs freed our arms, opening the door to manipulating the world, Raichlen said. “We think about the evolution of bipedalism as one of first events that led hominids down the path to being human.” Theirs is the latest of several explanations for walking upright. Among the others have been the need to used the arms in food gathering, the need to use the upper limbs to bring food to a mate and offspring and raising the body higher to dissipate heat in the breeze. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the L.S.B. Leakey Foundation.
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Wow, I'm so glad to finally learn why we chose at some random point to start walking upright. Although if you hit Garnet Ave. on most weekend nights after 12am you may wonder if we are not de-evolving with all the drunks stumbling around. If it's all about doing what comes easiest, the indeed we are de-evolving, doing what takes the least amount of effort. Hence, the nations child obesity rate and mindless hours in front of video games etc. We adults are guilty too. We drive one tenth of a mile to the store and watch plenty of TV ourselves. What really bugs me about the evolutionist approach to mankind is that it flies in the face of the creation account in Genesis. Either it all started with Adam and Eve, or we can consider any other option. I do believe in evolution as a process, but not as a point of origin for all living species. Lots of living creatures have evolved over time into variations of what they used to be, but not jumping from a fish to a bird.
I have the same problem with the homosexual community. (Which by the way, I don't hate. This is not a rant against homosexuals as much as it is an attempt to point out what the Bible has to say. I may not understand it on their level, but I do have love and understanding for any one who is in this lifestyle. I recognize the huge and intense struggle this is for many Christians, especially for those who feel they have not chosen this lifestyle.)
For someone to consider that homosexuality ok, they have to completely disregard what the Bible clearly says. What really bothers me is those Christians who claim a biblical basis for their homosexual lifestyle. I see parallels in the belief of evolution and homosexuality. To accept both is to disregard clear teaching from the Bible. Let's pray for those who are trying to find a Biblical basis for the homosexual lifestyle (in the midst of their honest struggle) as well as those trying to match evolution with the Biblical account of creation.
For someone to consider that homosexuality ok, they have to completely disregard what the Bible clearly says. What really bothers me is those Christians who claim a biblical basis for their homosexual lifestyle. I see parallels in the belief of evolution and homosexuality. To accept both is to disregard clear teaching from the Bible. Let's pray for those who are trying to find a Biblical basis for the homosexual lifestyle (in the midst of their honest struggle) as well as those trying to match evolution with the Biblical account of creation.
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BREAKING NEWS! I just ran across this article and thought I'd post it. It's an interesting read. I'd love to hear your comments.
Skepticism Over Validity of Ex-Gay Story Prompts 'Confessions'
By Lillian Kwon
Christian Post Reporter
By Lillian Kwon
Christian Post Reporter
A former gay rights activist's "coming out" story about his path to becoming straight and his experience of a personal encounter with God has drawn skepticism, prompting the ex-gay to attempt to set the record straight. "[I]t wasn't internal homophobia that caused my so-called 'hatred' of my own homosexuality. It was God," said Michael Glatze, former editor of Young Gay America magazine, who recently announced in a column that he is now a heterosexual.
(To read the rest of the article, click here.)
Mahony apologizes, hopes S.D. settlesLos Angeles cardinal admits mistakes, looks for Brom to resolve claims soon
By Sandi Dolbee and Mark SauerSTAFF WRITERSand Matt KrasnowskiCOPLEY NEWS SERVICEJuly 16, 2007
Cardinal Roger Mahony apologized yesterday to hundreds of victims who will share a $660 million settlement, admitting he made mistakes in his handling of the clergy sex abuse scandal in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.Mahony also said he hopes San Diego Bishop Robert Brom will soon settle some 150 lawsuits.
Cardinal Roger Mahony apologized yesterday to hundreds of victims who will share a $660 million settlement, admitting he made mistakes in his handling of the clergy sex abuse scandal in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.Mahony also said he hopes San Diego Bishop Robert Brom will soon settle some 150 lawsuits.
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It's good to see the Catholic church at least taking a step in the right direction with the sexual abuse cases. Cardinal Mahony is making some sort of attempt to clear things up. However, if you've been reading the news, many of the victims are taking little solace in the monetary compensation. What a stinkin' mess. I'm sorry, but I've got to put this issue right up there with the Pope's announcement last week that the Catholic Church is the only true church etc. etc. (Which by the way has 17 comments now on my blog if you'd like to read the latest.) I realize that all Christians make mistakes, but it seems like the Catholic Church is in need of digging itself out of some big piles of trash. I don't mean to shoot arrows here, but this stuff just happens to be current. Believe me, when the Protestants (or some "great" evangelical leader) do/does something wrong, I'll be just as quick to point fingers in our direction and comment on that.
Wal-Mart to test Bible action figures in 425 storesby Marcus KabelASSOCIATED PRESS11:29 a.m. July 17, 2007Wal-Mart said Tuesday it will test sales in some stores of biblical action figures whose makers say they are aimed at Christian parents who prefer their children play with Samson, David or Noah rather than with a comic book character or Bratz doll. The toys, based on biblical stories, include a 3-inch figure of Daniel in the lion's den, a 12-inch talking Jesus doll and 13-inch Samson action figure.
Not really sure what to say about this. I'm going to lump this into the category of "Jesus junk" that so many Christian bookstores sell today. The biggest problem I have with this is that it smacks of "Jesus on a tortilla". We don't even know what Jesus actually looked like. Most likely he was darker, shorter and more middle eastern than our western European images of him today. Don't expect to find the Jesus action figure jumping into the pool with the boys at our house.
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Finally, ending on a lighter note. Summer is here and that means weekend overnighters for the Lauer boys (and girl eventually when she gets a little older). Sunday after church we packed up the RV and drove down to the beach for an afternoon, evening and next morning of fun. We surfed, played in the Ocean, cooked hot dogs and S'mores over the fire and even got to share our meal with a homeless guy. I am truly blessed with a great family. Time with Kelley and the children keeps me focused on why I'm really here, to
be the best Father and husband I can be.
be the best Father and husband I can be.
4 comments:
Wow, the article abouthe the, "Skepticism Over Validity of Ex-Gay Story Prompts 'Confessions'"
was pretty interesting.
There's a number of different takes on that one. I guess the first would be skepticism on the 'pro gay' croud. I'm thinking that the reason why they're so upset is that there is a lot of fear among them. What Glatze says about being healed from homosexuality really challenges what homosexuals believe. It is basically a former homosexual saying that he chose to be gay (rather than homosexuality being a natural thing) and to live in sin.
Now the part about Glatze being baptized into the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon church) is pretty interesting. From his testimony, it appears that he truly did have an experience with the true Jesus Christ and was healed. However, he does confess to being baptized in the Mormon church. There seems to be a lot unknown here and some things that Glatze wanted to keep private. I can only come up with theories as to why he chose the Mormon church.
If anyone has ever encountered a Mormon, they appear to be very nice and inviting. The Mormon church near my house often offers free car washes to everyone willing to come. My guess is that perhaps Glatze was looking for a place where he could be embraced after living 2 decades in homosexuality. Perhaps Glatze felt accepted by the Mormons and decided to be baptized. Was there a true Christian church that reached out to him???
I really think Glatze's experience with the true Jesus was real. However, perhaps he's been misguided during this time. Let's hope and pray that he can seek the truth and get out of the Mormon cult.
Neil makes a good point. Thank God Glatze is out of the homosexual lifestyle. It's a bummer to think that the reason he landed in the Mormon church is because he may not have felt love from the nearest Christian church.
Unfortunately that could have very well happened. Most Christian churches have no idea how to minister to the gay population without driving them away. Certainly something for all Christian churches to think about.
I totally agree about the evolution thing. There is some evolution, but to say a bunch of chemicals mixed together and these inanimate objects gave way to life, is way more out there than a belief in a supreme being (God) that created the world. How can these people believe those evolutionary stories but not the bible. Who knows.
I also have no clue how someone can justify homosexuality using the bible. I think the word "abomination" is used several places in reference to it. Yes we should love the sinner but hate the sin. Of course, I think sometimes Christians can get so caught up in damning that sin, that we miss the planks in our own eyes. I know I'm not living a sinless life, but one thing that separates me from people like homosexuals who justify their actions, is I do feel guilt and remorse about my sins and seek to do better.
See you Sunday,
Ty
Howdy from Seattle, Evan. I'm glad to see you guys thriving in every way that's important.
So, I have to be the disenter here on the homosexuality topic. There's a number of problems I see.
First off, your blog is about connecting with non-church people but then you say "thank God XXX is out of the homosexual lifestyle". It reveals the disconnect non-Christians have with the church and the assumptions Christians have about the world. What exactly is a "homosexual lifestyle"? Janece and I just went to a gay-friendly storefront church last Sunday (we're looking around for a church home, specifically gay-friendly churches). It was a normal Protestant storefront church - small, enthusiastic, guitar worship and familiar choruses. Only, it was loaded with older lesbian couples. I felt like I was in a church full of Moms, not some sweaty back-alley gay massage parlor. Being gay looks like a helluva lot of things, including a pastor and churchgoer. Clinging to the idea that it's some kind of easily definable "lifestyle" because it fits their theological ideas just makes Christians look silly. We publicly proclaim baseless assumptions that are easily disproved by a child.
Second, gay isn't a choice. Period. I have gay friends, and they didn't "choose" anything. While scientists haven't located a gay gene as such, I can say from first hand anecdotes that people who are gay just *know* they are -- from very early ages and in consistent ways, the same way that you know that you liked looking at hot girls when you were a teen. While I'll freely admit that some people choose sexual partners, that simply isn't the case in the majority of gay people's lives. The rule has to work 100% of time or the rule is wrong - simple as that. It just makes church people look wierd to ignore the large body of evidence in front of their faces.
Third, gay is, in fact, natural. Many mammals exhibit exclusively gay/same sex attraction and behavior. A quick Google search will show it's well-documented. So it's not "unnatural" in any biological sense of the word to be gay.
Fourth, Christians act like the Bible is "clear" and has "never changed". Again, reality check. If it's so clear, why are there so many divisions on so many crucial issues among committed Christians? The Bible is a murky book about may specifics, and often times we've made up the difference thinking that our current Protestant intepretation in the 21st century is the way it's always been. Far from it. Take a quick walk back through church history. Many theological stances we take for granted now weren't norms in the past. For instance, Leviticus calls lots of things "abominations" that we do all the time -- eating pork and mixing fibers in clothing. Here's a quick Google search - check it for yourself:
Google Search for 'Leviticus and abomination'
Either Christians have to stop using that word and passage to refer to gays, or they have to admit that they, themselves, are also abominations for eating that sausage and cheese pizza. They can't have it both ways.
When I got saved in 10th grade summer camp, I did it very deliberately. I prayed, "God, I will believe in you but I will not believe what anyone says about you unless I feel it is 100% percent correct in all situations for 100% of the people 100% of the time, whether now or in the past or future." And I've stuck to that. I've come down on this issue where I have because I've done a lot of study on this, and more important, I have actual relationships with gay friends that have informed my view -- not by what they've said, but by who they are.
Where Christians trip up is making stuff like sexual orientation a central defining issue of whether you're in or out of the Kingdom. It isn't. Like Christ said, your actions - including sexuality - are an outward expression of your inner spiritual health. Like Paul said, if the fruit of the Spirit is present, the Spirit is there. It's an issue of aligning the heart with God and walking daily with Christ. Our sexual relationships - gay or straight - will naturally produce good fruit. If a gay person is exhibiting all of the spiritual fruits and consistently being more Christian than you (which I've experienced a number of time), then who's farther away from the Spirit -- them, or you?
To anyone that wants to make a serious inquiry of this, I can point to where I started - a book called "Stranger At The Gate" by Mel White (more at SoulForce.org).
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