Respond to other quotes. We also invite you to visit our Take Part section where you'll find additional opportunties to offer feedback and engage in dialogue with other viewers.

Poster: Sylvia C.Schroll
Caption: I totally agree,and I'm happy we are talking about this. I enjoy the program tremendously, So sorry I will miss it next Friday.

Poster: D.B. Chornomaz
Caption: Precisely! The scriptures provide revealed spiritual information otherwise inaccessabile to mankind.God gave man sufficient mental resources to think, explore, and understand much of the physical/scientific world around him. It is the spiritual knowledge that man lacks.

Poster: Doug Cochrane
Caption: No doubt,the bible encompasses much truth both in scope and detail. To say that everything in the bible is literal and not metaphorical is of course to stand too much on a desire to be factual at the expense of realizing that much is not included in its descriptions just as much is not included in any description or metaphor. This was a beautiful conversation and revealed excellence in cosmic,scientific and biblical thought. Climate is indeed a subject informed by these areas of thought and wisdom

Poster: B. Vissers
Caption: This rings true, actually making the Bible more approachable in that you don't have to suspend all logic and reason to explore it. Sir John Houghton sparked in me an interest in religion that has been dormant for decades.

Poster: Geraldine Martinez
Caption: As Mr. Moyers said, many people, myself included, have struggled over the apparent contradictions of poetic or figurative interpretations of the Bible and factual interpretations. The conversation between Mr. Moyers and Sir Houghton has given me much on which to meditate. I am very appreciative of Mr. Moyers' entire series on Faith and Reason.

Poster: Joyce MacDonald
Caption: I was raised an ultra-conservative and it has taken a marriage and a life with a man far to the left of that(who is a committed believer in Jesus Christ)to bring me out of this self-inflicted ignorance. Thank you Dr. Houghton for putting this in digestible form. God will never be threatened by science-He created it!!

Poster: Irina Nikitina
Caption: Not a scientific textbook?.. What if the seven days of creation are described not in the human dimension but God's? I see the Bible as a historical record of spiritual revelations and actual events infused by the spiritual forces. Once we accept the dual nature of the human kind as spirits placed in the physical bodies, many religious and cultural conflicts may become resolved more or less easier. And, I believe, it is time to broaden up our understanding of the natural limits. If what we can understand through our natural senses is perceived as the so-called natural world, then the whole radio, electro, and magnetic effects should be placed under the label of supernatural. Yet, we regard them as natural all because we have found the way to measure them up. There is enough of scientific research data and repeated scientific experiments suggesting that supernatural / spiritual realm can be observed and measured as a subtle energy field. So, as soon as we advance in technology we’ll be able to accept spiritual life as an advanced part of the natural life and many of us would be able to recognize the Bible as the number one scientific textbook or, at the very least, as one of the first and the greatest.

Poster: kenneth de noble
Caption: thank you for airing sir john houghton's christian belief and his scientific commitment.

Poster: Thomas Robison
Caption: Perhaps the way to state the case Houghton makes in a slightly different way is to appreciate how the Bible speaks to deeper truths. Science investigates and hypothesizes. Faith is that upon which we base our being. Both are needed for a healthy world.

Poster: dolores schoppman
Caption: A great program and so good to hear a meaningful discussion about the most important issue in our life.it was wonderful to have an opportuniyy to hear a discussion about thoughts that ive had myself.god bless

Poster: Paul Tabolinsky
Caption: A truth for sure but remember that God created science to give us humans a better understanding of where we fit in the Universe.

Poster: Bob Lupo
Caption: I guess I'm going to stand out a little here. While Sir Houghton made a lot of conflicted individuals feel good he was essentially preaching to the choir. The Bible, like tomes from other religions, acts as a guideline for life in a very brutal world via story telling and metaphor. Indeed, many of the tales are lifted from pre-Christian literature and influenced by the persecutions that often afflict early and minor religious movements. A recent example would be the Mormons. As a scientist I had no problem listening and respecting Sir Houghton's beliefs and his faith. But some of the responders have made it quite clear who really is in charge. The fundamentalists of all religions that would - if given the power - kill you rather that have Science that contradicts their beliefs. You are with us or against us. The World will not see peace for many centuries to come. And quoting contradictory Scripture or prayer (Margaret Atwood) will not save us.

Poster: Shannon K.
Caption: I found this interview very fascinating. As a college student of deep faith who also thinks it is important to examine the Bible and understand what is literal and what is not, Houghton was a breath of fresh air. Too often there are opposing sides: those who take the Bible literally and will hear no contraditions; and those who believe it is just a storybook not to be taken seriously. It was nice to hear a middle ground. My only question is: where can you find Houghton's books? I've searched libraries and online bookstores, and so far I can only find his science books. Anyone have any ideas?

Poster: George
Caption: Genesis maybe a wonderful metaphor describing evolution that is scientifically correct in the general sense. Here is a possible “mind doodle:” God creates…once. Yep it’s a lot more marvelous task than creating each and everything piecemeal. The result is self-creating energy, matter, life, plants, animals, monkeys, and finally man. Pro-man Adam lives in the wild – he fends for himself just fine - like one of today’s modern animals in their natural habitat. The Garden provides what he needs; like a modern jungle taking care of its inhabitants today. Adam is comfortable and unashamed. Better yet, like a wild animal, he is not aware of himself and doesn’t know the difference between good and evil... we would call him content maybe even blissful; hence, he’s living in the Garden of Eden… quite literally in the physical and spiritual/intellectual sense. Maybe it’s nice to have a small brain. God is a personality and experiences the full gamut of emotions. And since he made man in His own image, He loves Adam. God knows the consequences if Adam becomes a little more like Himself or… self-aware/knowledgeable. So, God gives Adam the instruction that he should not eat the fruit of the tree of good and evil. But even God can’t work outside His own laws and does not stop the slow but inevitable evolutionary process he initiated Himself. Evolution grinds on and Adam continues to evolve. His brain grows; becomes more complex and finally he (humankind) becomes aware of himself. This is exactly the moment when Eve eats from the tree of good and evil. Eve eats the apple and this act represents Mankind evolving and getting a brain big enough to become self-aware…to become knowledgeable. Now Adam is a little more God-like (remember God made him in His image). As he becomes knowledgeable, Adam realizes he is naked. He is ashamed and clothes himself. He must toil for his food; it’s hard work. Adam knows good and evil and is capable of it. Adam can be joyful, sad, angry, stressed, etc. Is he still in the Garden of Eden? Could God help but kick him out? Some refer to this as original sin. Or, did Adam just “get his brain?” And, that’s when his troubles started. See Cain and Able, and the rest of the Bible for more proof. But remember, Adam did not eat from the tree of eternal life. Hence unlike God he died. But that was before Jesus came.

Poster: Kathryn Heeszel
Caption: I presented a report with a group of students on modernism and architecture for our 20th century literature class. The person my part of the report was on was Louis Sullivan. He had some interesting ideas in relation to the buildings he created. Nature was very important to him. Now I'm wondering what his religious ideas were. Kathy Heeszel

Poster: sue
Caption: I found Sir John Houghton simply fascinating. He is so wise and understanding.

Poster: Frank Butz
Caption: Their can be no doubt that many inconsistances in the Bible prompt any thinking person to the conclusion that if the Bible is to be under stood it must be subjected to intepretation as a sometimes poetic writing, sometimes a literal writing and sometimes a metaphysical writing. Lacking this conviction one is subject to misunderstanding of the grossest nature.

Poster: ajlewis
Caption: I've thought this same thing for years and have been waiting for someone with some clout to verify it. With so much shallow sillyness going around with regards to Christian faith we really need more people like Sir John Houghton

Poster: ella rank
Caption: AAAAHHHHMMMMEENNN

Poster: charles connor
Caption: Very comforting, Yes. Comfort does not equal validity. Cf. Hitlerian Aryan supremacy doctrines ( very much still in vogue and very comforting indeed but valid????? )

Poster: Godfrey Gustave
Caption: I didn't see this entire segment, but I was interested in Sir John Houghton.

Poster: David Lewis
Caption: Thank you John. God is the esotaric scientist. He is existence itself and the creator of existence and someday science will prove He exist.

Poster: Teresa O'Connor
Caption: Like Einstein said, The Bible is a Book of Poetry. It will have, like poetry, a different meaning everytime you read it; this is why you can't always have absolute, literal interpretations of the Book.

Poster: Daniel Middleman
Caption: What I want to know, please tell me, Sir Houghton, is why do you bother believing in the Bible. Why do you believe Christ died for our sins if you don't believe in Genesis. Do you believe Christ died for Cavemen? Do you believe Christ died for the sins for the sins of cats, dogs, amoebas, etc? What you believe are things that totally contradict each other. I would never say that I understand in total how God created the earth and it's creatures. I simply say that I believe we are not related to the other creatures that inhabit the earth. But scientists say without equivocation that they believe all creatures are descended from same simple organisms that inhabited the earth perhaps billions of years ago. I simply don't see how you can reconcile this with a belief in the Bible.

Poster: Dianne
Caption: Amen!

Poster: Stephen Gustafson
Caption: I am not a fan of Bill Moyers, but thank you so much for interviewing these two men. I found Sir John Houghton entirely refreshing. Most discussion today is so shallow. To hear a Christian interviewed on national TV who has the wit and clarity of this man is much appreciated! Stephen Gustafson Round Rock, TX

Poster: Scott Atkins
Caption: Many documents contain a section which describes its purpose, explaining the document’s scope and giving instructions on how to best incorporate and utilize it. For the Bible, I believe that 2 Timothy 3:14-17 makes a good purpose statement for the Bible. In this passage Paul is telling his young friend Timothy the practical application of scripture. Who wrote the Bible 1)Although there are many different authors to the Bible, they are all inspired by God. What are the benefits of knowing the Bible 1)The Bible gives wisdom for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. 2)The Bible is beneficial for establishing personal principles by giving correction, reproof, and instruction in making good choices so that a persons life will be productive. I do not believe that the Bible is useful for establishing scientific facts about creation. However, I do believe that what is written in it is True and is beneficial for answering questions of faith.

Poster: June Echols
Caption: I felt as if a window opened in my mind and let in endless possibilities. I am very anxious to read Sir John Houghton's books. Thank you for this interview.

Poster: Jonathan Charles
Caption: Moyer's question if Genesis is poetic why not the resurrection or if Jesus' resurrection is history why not Genesis 1 is the problem we all have if read more into the Bible then what it was intended for. If we accept Jesus as Lord then the whole Bible should be interpreted in light of what Jesus taught. Certainly the practice of Multible wives, practice of genecide and God ordained wars, national mythological accounts of history or poetic discriptions of the universe which we know are not true can intrepreted for what they are without compromising God call on our lives through Jesus Christ. Indeed, western Christians seem more interested in debating the jot and title of the old testament rather then taking the Prince of Peace seriously that we should love our enemy as ourselves. As a result our churches have become political rallies for our national kingdoms instead instead of prayers that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Poster: John McHenry
Caption: What a refreshing interview! We often forget that the book of Genesis was written from a particular context and setting in the history of Israel, namely the Exodus people of God in exile in Babylon and wondering how they got there. The creation story thus becomes theological reflection on the Exodus God who rescued Israel from bondage in Egypt. As such it refutes the creation stories of the surrounding ANE cultures. In contrast to creation through redemptive violence and war among the gods, the God of the Hebrew bible simply speaks to bring creation out of welter and waste. In a world that worships the gods of redemptive war and violence, Genesis reflects on a God who creates life and perfect peace through his living word, a living Word that would become incarnate and die on a cross to rescue God's people from a bondage far worse than Egyptian slavery. We reject such a reading because it calls us to peace and reconciliation with God, with each other and with all of creation through the weakness and foolishness of the cross. It calls for an end to our rebellion with God and the all means of rebellion that sustain our comfortable status quo existence. It calls us to abandon force and violence and follow the only true path to redemption as we take up our cross and follow Jesus.

Poster: Nancy Drake
Caption: Thank you.

Poster: Val
Caption: It's amazing to hear what a solid scientist has to say about God and His Creation. But there is something, I believe, worth mentioning, namely, Sir John Houghton's ignorance of some historical and scientific facts pertaining to age of the universe, exegesis of Genesis account and (probably) Church history. There are so many evidence that tell us about recent creation which scientific community doesn't talk or doesnt want to talk about. Interestingly enough, that even Bill Moyers could see the inconsistency of how the Bible is interpreted(why Gospel account is history and Genesis account is not). As to Augustine and Calvin, they were both believers in recent creation just as the majority of Church Father's and the leader's of Reformation as well as the scientific community of those days. And this was there up to mid 19th century when gradualism got popularized more and more.

Poster: Kevin Wesselink
Caption: The word science means 'knowledge'. True knowledge must be based in truth. Otherwise it is merely misinformation. What we know compared to what God knows is so small, the fullest amount we have accumulated is referred to as foolishness when measured to the least of what God knows. Yes there is much we do not know. How powerful is God, anyway? Does he need time and experimentation to create the world? Or can he really provide light from Himself before creating the sun? If we try to reason that he cannot because it seems impossible by what we know, have we not just put God in our own little box? Maybe He created the way He did, in the sequence He did, as he revealed the Genesis to Moses who penned it, just to put any theory of evolution to shame as just another misinformed means of belittling Him who deserves the very opposite. Kevin.