Christoph Cardinal Schönborn kicked off quite a discussion with his New York Times essay on neo-Darwinism and Christian faith this past summer. In the forthcoming issue of F IRST T HINGS , he expands on the argument he is making. His article is titled “The Designs of Science.” For instance, there is this:
"Instead, my argument was based on the natural ability of the human intellect to grasp the intelligible realities that populate the natural world, including most clearly and evidently the world of living substances, living beings. Nothing is intelligible¯nothing can be grasped in its essence by our intellects¯without first being ordered by a creative intellect. The possibility of modern science is fundamentally grounded on the reality of an underlying creative intellect that makes the natural world what it is. The natural world is nothing less than a mediation between minds: the unlimited mind of the Creator and our limited human minds. Res ergo naturalis inter duos intellectus constituta ¯’The natural thing is constituted between two intellects,’ in the words of St. Thomas. In short, my argument was based on careful examination of the evidence of everyday experience; in other words, on philosophy." (To become a subscriber to F IRST T HINGS , check out the “Subscribe” button above.)
A reader says he’s weary of being badgered to support F IRST T HINGS . Far be it from us to badger anyone. But permit me to suggest, ever so gently, that the satisfaction of the F IRST T HINGS experience is enhanced by becoming a subscriber and receiving all the good stuff long before the previous issue is posted on this website. And people tell us it is deeply gratifying to know that they are helping F IRST T HINGS to survive by responding generously to the annual appeal that is now in the mail. Thank you.
Time is short, so I’ll be direct: FIRST THINGS needs you. And we need you by December 31 at 11:59 p.m., when the clock will strike zero. Give now at supportfirstthings.com.
First Things does not hesitate to call out what is bad. Today, there is much to call out. Yet our editors, authors, and readers like you share a greater purpose. And we are guided by a deeper, more enduring hope.
Your gift of $50, $100, or even $250 or more will bring this message of hope to many more people in the new year.
Make your gift now at supportfirstthings.com..
First Things needs you. I’m confident you’ll answer the call.
