War on Embryology
Speaking at a banquet held at a Hartwell church last week, US House Representative Paul Broun declared his own personal Holy war against the study of embryology.
According to an Associated Press article Saturday, Rep. Broun stated "All that stuff I was taught about evolution and embryology and Big Bang theory, all that is lies straight from the pit of hell. And it's lies to try to keep me and all the folks who are taught that from understanding that they need a savior."
As a Christian, I have, with deliberate and careful thought, come to terms with my attitudes about evolution and the “Big Bang” that allow my faith in God and my personal need for Jesus Christ to remain unquestioned.
When it comes to embryology, however, I’ve never felt or understood the need to decide whether I’m “for it or agin it.” Yet, for someone in such stature as Rep. Broun to be so demonstrative, it really concerned me.
I immediately sought to educate myself. What is embryology? (I know what you’re thinking, and you can stop right there. It’s got nothing to with Joan Embry’s family tree.) How is it immoral? Can someone be delivered from embryology? Can you be cursed and not know it? What happens if you’ve lived your life thinking embryology is just a science, and that it must be okay?
All seriousness aside, the first thing I discovered was quite disturbing, and it gave me immediate pause. Maybe Broun was on to something. According to Embryology, humans start with anuses, and pardon the pun, go from there. It’s true, look it up.
I realized that in my search for a better understanding, I might take myself to places I really shouldn’t go. Yet, my quest for understanding had taken shape – I felt pulled to learn more. Was that how this supposedly evil lie would take root? With an abundance of caution, I considered my next move.
I needed someone who could guide me - what exactly were the downfalls of understanding and potentially accepting embryology? Fortunately, I was able to find a specialist in the field with experience in what he calls “embryological aversion intervention”.
His name is Dr. Richard H. Thorndyke. Many years ago, he was an administrator for a renowned Psychoneurotic Institute on the west coast.
After speaking with Dr. Thorndyke, (he only accepts Paypal), I came to a better understanding of what the embryology controversy is all about. As a result, I am happy to say today, that I am at peace with myself in that regard.
The main thing I got from the session was that regardless of who we are, we’ve all been there, we've all gone through the same growing process, and we’ve all moved on to bigger and better things.
Dr. Thorndyke indicated that he finds it disappointing and regrettable that a public figure like the Broun would choose to attack embryology. He’d prefer the Congressman pick on a science his own size – he identified myrmecology as an example.
North Georgia Weather
9:33 pm on Sunday, October 7, 2012
Interesting... Never ever even thought about it.
ToJo
7:17 am on Monday, October 8, 2012
I am hugely concerned about the proliferation of radical religious views in our society. While i adamantly support the right of all people to practice religion as they see fit, their practice should not be pushed on those that feel differently. When the conversation turns to subjects such as "legitimate rape" and "embryology" it should be obvious to everyone that irrational thought processes are in play. No one knows the true meaning of life, we have beliefs. Forcing one's beliefs on others is immoral and should be illegal. We rant about radical Islam and condone radical Christianity. "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" for all, not just those the believe as i believe.
Amy L
8:30 am on Monday, October 8, 2012
Maybe someday people will realize that they get what they vote for. In the meantime, go read some Jefferson!
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Congress thus inhibited from acts respecting religion, and the Executive authorised only to execute their acts, I have refrained from prescribing even those occasional performances of devotion, practiced indeed by the Executive of another nation as the legal head of its church, but subject here, as religious exercises only to the voluntary regulations and discipline of each respective sect. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.
-Thomas Jefferson, from his reply to "The Danbury Letter."
ToJo
10:38 am on Monday, October 8, 2012
Amy, thanks that pretty much says it all
Sherilu
5:43 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
I shutter to think what William Buckley would have to say about Paul Broun and his ilk. At least he is not practicing medicine on innocent people.
Amy L
10:20 pm on Monday, October 8, 2012
He may not be practicing medicine on people but his committee assignments are:
Committee on Homeland Security
Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security
Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence (Vice Chair)
Committee on Science and Technology
Subcommittee on Energy and Environment
Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight (Chairman)
Yes, the guy who thinks that the Earth is 9,000 years old sits on the Committee on Science and Technology.... Go figure.
Grant
3:13 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Not to worry ,
Broun has a fellow genius on the Science and Technology Committee to help him out when the words become to big. Todd Akin, renowned amateur gynecologist is right by his side....
Together they have the brain power of a Boston Fern
George Wilson
4:31 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
@All
Anti-intellectualism is a strain that runs through the GOP especially in the Deep South.
You start with South Carolina, Georgia Alabama, Louisana, Mississippi...these are the worst. That is why these states rank first in all the wrong categories and last in all the right categories.
North Georgia Weather
5:01 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Uh... so you must resemble those remarks George?
George Wilson
5:01 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
@David & North Georgia Weather
I'm from North Carolina ...they are a little more advanced.Notice that I started with South Carolina
Tammy Osier
7:46 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
George, I've noticed somethig when you write. You write in generalizations. For instance:All southerners ________________ (fill in the blank). All who vote republican _________________. All blacks ___________________. All hispanics ___________________. All whites (that vote republican) _________________. And they all have to do with judging someone by their race or where they live, and is negative (stupid, not intelligent) only if they don't agree with you. Lot's of nice (and not so nice) people live in those areas. Lot's of good (and bad) people are in every race and creed. It's hard to have a conversation when you are so judgemental and personal attacks. it's like talking about somebody's mama and expecting them to not punch you in the nose. No offense, but I and others see that. It works better when you deal in facts and actual conversation that is being respectful of the other person's point of view.
George Wilson
5:02 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
@ Tammy
OK Some!
George Wilson
5:05 pm on Thursday, October 18, 2012
@ Tammy Osier
So ,do you agree with Rep.Broun?