Short Takes on the Day 11/18/08

As you might expect, I’m a clear proponent of evolution. Over at Episcopal Cafe, there is a rather neat excerpt and link to a fine article on Darwin, and why he does not threaten traditional Christianity. I thought the arguments quite good and think you might like it too. Wander over and take a look if so motivated.

Archaeologists have found a funerary slab that indicates that as early as the 8th Century BCE, humans believed that there was a soul separate from the body.

The 800 lb basalt stele was found at the site of the ancient city of Sam’al, in what is now southeast Turkey. The man was apparently cremated, and according to the stele, his soul was thought to remain, residing in the stone itself. Follow the link to enjoy more of the fascinating story of this discovery.

And, on a similar note, we have the recently found the remains of the first known nuclear family. Yaba daba doo!

Discovered in Germany, there are several graves, but many of the dead were interred together, facing one another, sometimes with hands interlaced. The group seemed to have been victimized by a raid. Injuries were apparent to some of the remains.

So far no indication that any Dino or sabre toothed cat bones have been found with the family.

Oh I’m just in that kind of mood today!

more animals

History News Network gives us a glimpse as to how historians begin the examination of events that culminated in the election of Obama. What does it mean? How did it happen? These are questions that are too early to answer perhaps, but we do get a look at the way the experts begin to work on the mystery that just occurred. It’s fascinating reading.

Tis all today, and don’t expect a post tomorrow of any consequence. I have a meeting in town at noon about jail ministry and won’t be doing a lot of reading for the usual post. So, perhaps I’ll get cleared of an award post I owe Border Explorer! Have a great day, or rest of it at least.