(By Emily McFarlan Miller, Religion News Service). John Glenn may best be remembered as one of the 20th century’s greatest explorers, the first American to orbit the Earth and, later, the oldest man in space.
Glenn also will be remembered for his long career as a U.S. senator, representing his home state of Ohio for 24 years as a moderate Democrat.
But less well-known is the fact that Glenn, who died on Thursday at age 95, was an elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) who saw no conflict between his beliefs in God and in science.
He told The Associated Press last year he believed scientific discovery – including evolution – should be taught in schools.
“I don’t see that I’m any less religious by the fact that I can appreciate the fact that science just records that we change with evolution and time, and that’s a fact,” he said. “It doesn’t mean it’s less wondrous and it doesn’t mean that there can’t be some power greater than any of us that has been behind and is behind whatever is going on.”
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Before the PCUSA wraps itself up in the mantle of John Glenn and calling him one of their own, the question must be asked what type of Presbyterian or -ism would Mr. Glenn subscribe too for the vast majority of his life? Is it the contemporary ideological, political based entity known as the PCUSA, or are we talking historic Presbyterianism as understood in the greater context of reformed theology. A theology which affirms science and discovery, along with the sovereignty of God in all matter of creation and faith? My guess is the latter simply on the public accomplishments and comments of the man over time.
The same type of commentary can, and has, also be applied to the President elect and the nature and understanding of his “Presbyterian” background. I see no rush out of Louisville or the DC office to wrap their arms around him to date.