For Good and Evil

Note: This post has an LDS Theme, but I think it may be more appealing to non-LDS and post LDS folks. It's not anti-LDS, but my intent in writing this note is to say... Keep reading!!

There is a scripture which is frequently quoted by LDS Faithful and Apologists, when criticisms are made about the founder of Mormonism. The scripture is found in the history of that founder, a gentleman by the name of Joseph Smith, and whose history has been canonized as scripture. Interestingly though, I believe that the history itself was actually authored by someone else, but drawn from various experiences of Mr. Smith.

He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.

Joseph Smith History 1:33

Mrs. Koda and I just finished up 2 hours of a NOVA special we recorded last year, entititled, What Darwin Never Knew. It covered the new advances in science, since Mr. Darwin first proposed his theory, particularly those dealing with DNA research. I found it absolutely fascinating, especially in light of my recent completion of The God Delusion, which dealt with this topic a little as well.

My impressions where of the great discoveries which still remain. I feel energized in seeing what the human genome and DNA research may hold for me as well. I even had a cool idea related to potential computer development which I'd like to try out in the future.

Mrs. Koda had an interesting comment though, as the program concluded.

"That his name would be held for good and evil...."

Mr. Darwin, I'm a year too late, but Happy 200th Birthday anyway!