Today, humans can gaze out upon the fascinating complexity of the universe with the Hubble Space Telescope, even as we discover that the elemental components of our bodies are recycled star dust. Today, humans can explore and edit the intricate chemical structures of life, even as we understand that the cellular structures of our organs are condominiums for DNA-replicating microorganisms. Today, we can log on to the Internet and share in rich technological and cultural legacies, even as we learn that this negentropic exchange of information is as ephemeral as the vibrating subatomic particles, which beam across fiber-optic cables and bounce off satellites.
Modern humans are an event in evolution of geological proportions.
Perhaps our rich genetic and cultural legacies provide a framework for a moral, creative and meaningful life. The extraordinary capacity to even pose the question is itself an indication of something profound, hard-wired in our brains and woven into the fabric of the cosmos. Humans are a Lamarckian wild card in the epic of evolution. We stand at a threshold in the cultural evolution of our species and the natural history of our planet. The dialogue between science and religion touches on all aspects of our lives and wanders through every academic discipline.