AMWolfe
November 13, 2018, 10:27pm
10
RyanBebej:
Mark, you might be interested in checking out a book by another marine mammal paleontologist. Daryl Domning (the world’s expert in the evolution of sirenians like manatees and dugongs) co-wrote a book with Catholic theologian Monika Hellwig called Original Selfishness: Original Sin and Evil in the Light of Evolution . One of the arguments Domning makes is that selfishness in and of itself is not evil; in fact, it is selfishness in the natural world that has helped generate the adaptation and biodiversity that we see on this planet. However, these selfish tendencies lie at the root of our sinful natures, and when we willingly give into these tendencies and act on them, despite being called to something greater, that’s when our biological selfishness becomes sin. It’s a well-written and interesting book well worth exploring.
True story: @DarylDomning made a brief appearance on here last year when I twisted his arm to respond personally to some ill-informed critiques of his Pezosiren discovery. It was a delight to have him weigh in! Glad to see his work come up again here!
(If you’re curious… What's your favorite transitional fossil? - #49 by DarylDomning )
P.S. In edit: I can’t recall a more-liked Forum post than that one of his. 13 likes! Popular post!
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