Evolution by Religion
Today, I have been thinking about evolution. One of the principles upon which evolution relies, and the requirements for it to occur, are either geographical or physical isolation. Through out history, some religions have encouraged physical isolation by their emphasis on exclusivity. This is not such a terrible thing, as some groups, to foster development needed to isolate and remain by themselves to perpetuate themselves and for purposes of growth and survival.
As a Jew, my religion is old, rich and complex. Some people claim that its roots can be traced back to four women. Throughout history, we have insisted, to some extent on exclusivity, for a variety of reasons, one being self-preservation. But by being so exclusive, I wonder if we, as Jews, have started defining ourselves as a race rather than a religion?
Here is what I mean. There are certain genetic markers that distinguish us as a group from others. Moreover, there is a particular type of DNA test that can be conducted to determine if an individual is a member of the High priests, or Kohaniam Tribe. There are also certain physical illnesses that are predominately exclusive to Jews in general, such as Tay Saks. Yesterday, I read a study that claimed that their may be a particular genetic marker in Azhkenazi Jews for the mental illness, schizophrenia.
This is an area of particular interest to me for several reasons. One has to do with the fact that there are only about 14 million Jews world-wide left on the face of this earth. What, if anything does this do to the future population of our people, given the large rate of inter-marriage and assimulation? Secondly, Jews, unlike Mormans or Jehovah Witnesses, do not solicit converts. In fact, in the Book of Ruth, there are particular laws that relate to what needs to be done for an individual to convert to Judaism. I am not suggesting that we go door-to-door, but might it be necessary to have our own people go on mission work? For example, Chabad, a wonderful outreach program, extends their services and resources to Jews only. Would it not be beneficial, and perhaps even necessary, to have some of this outreach extend towards soliciting converts as well? If not, why not, and what, if any chance is there 500 years from now for our own people to survive?
Is it truly the case that some religions have become defined as a race because of evolution? Would the solicitation of converts make a religion less likely to turn into a race?
As you can see, I spend my free time spinning my intellectual wheels in many different directions.
On a side note, my beloved cousin, Amy, who lives in Miami and has pancreatic cancer is back in the hospital. I am sending you many prayers each and every day, twice a day, and you are inside of my heart.
For those of you who missed the post with the picture of my beloved Astro, it is down below.
Thank you for your minds.
