Is there ANY feild of anthropology I could go into with my beliefs?

Question

I don't believe humans evolved from any type of animal. I believe god made Adam and Eve, you know the story. But yet anthropology really interests me! Humanity never ceases to amaze me! But I'm afriad I wouldn't be good in that feild of work because of my religious beliefs. If it just won't work, I will probably look into astronomy and or astrophysics. Help?

Answer 1

Not trying to start an evolution debate but it is terribly irksome to see the phrase "I don't believe humans evolved from any type of animal" when humans ARE animals.  We are primates.  We are apes.  We are animals, and until you face that fact science is not the place for you.

Evolution does not go against religion, it merely attempts to explain the world outside of religion.  Religion requires faith, science is based in observation.

BTW, astronomy and astrophysics likely wouldn't work, either for you.  Most individuals that say evolution is against god have a few issues with the big bang theory.

Religion and the bible are not an authority on science.  If you want proof of that, look at what the church did to Galileo for saying that the earth revolved around the sun (in the bible, I believe at the battle of Jericho, it is said that the sun stood still in the sky implying that the sun revolves around the earth.  We know this is not so, so if the sun truly stood still in the sky, then the earth stopped rotating upon its axis and catastrophes ensued...but I digress).  

Either study the science to face the facts, or just plain leave science alone.

Answer 2

Yes, Linguistics is a field of study that falls within Anthropology, as it is the science of the nature of words (everything from muscles in your tongue to the the sounds that make them up, to the creation of meaninful sequences, to the brain chemistry behind language memory, etc.).

Adam and Eve were "born" speaking, so Linguistics was around from the beginning.

Answer 3

Guess you could try biblical archaeology. Also keep in mind faith is certainty without proof and science is proof without certainty.Personally I'm an archaeologist and some days actually enjoy my work. Though I wouldn't say I agree with all your beliefs I firmly believe you have the right to be believe that.

Answer 4

well Jenna as you well know some of the angels from heaven looked at the daughters of men and lusted after them...if you could find proof..as in the mythological story's of huge men and stuff then that would be fascinating

Answer 5

If you're interested in anthropology, then take a biological anthropology class so that you know what the scientific explanations are for evolution. We don't really know our own 'side' of things very well without examining what we think we don't believe. I am an anthropologist whose husband is a clergy person. We do fine together. The two (religion and science) don't have to conflict (much), depending on how you look at spirituality. Even Margaret Mead (one of the most famous anthropologists) wore a cross and was an Episcopalian. I know other anthropologists who don't let the culturally constructed dichotomy between science and spirituality deter them from participating in both, and doing it effectively.

And yes, humans are animals and that makes our relationship with the rest of the world all that more exciting.

Answer 6

First off, like others have said, humans are animals and therefore, evolved from animals.

But aside from all that, yes, it is possible for you to have a future in anthropology. There are many Christian (and other faith-based) anthropologists. Anthropology has many different areas of concentration. You probably should avoid biological/physical anthropology as it is very based in evolution and primate studies (that's what I focused on). However, there is also cultural and linguistic anthropology (among others) that you would do quite fine in.

Just because you don't believe in evolution doesn't mean you couldn't take and pass a course in evolution. I think we've all taken courses in subject that we may not agree with or believe in.

Go for it! But prepared to be challenged on a daily basis in regard to your beliefs. You should be fine as long as you don't going around trying to convert people.

Answer 7

Yes! The field is called theological anthropology; in other words, it brings God into the picture. Linguistics is also perfect, too, because it also deals with subjects such as glottogenesis. Biological anthropology, though controversial, is perfect in your case. However, you don't want to exclude yourself from the other teachings of anthropology, or other science for that matter, that goes against your beliefs. I am not saying you have to believe it all, but it is good to learn. Why learn something that you think is not true anyways (you might ask)? Sometimes, you have to learn how to play the devil's advocate with yourself, and also, just hear what those of the opposite side have to say. It will force you to study, to find evidence and facts - so that you refute or defend [a, your] position. Science and faith can and do go together. This is the reason why science came about in the THEISTIC west and not the pantheistic east. First, you have to know how to define your terms (e.g. Evolution: simply means change. How it's used: macro and micro. Context? : historical or modern, etc.) Second, look at both positions' claims (e.g. it happened vs. it didn't happen). Third, do the research with an OPEN MIND, NO ASSUMPTIONS OR PREJUDICES, or like they say in court, INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. Many people like to put God in the stand but they either don't do the research, are just closed minded, or don't want to accept the evidence that points towards him. And fourth, come with a conclusion. Remember, in arguments (I don't mean fighting and screaming, I mean argument in a professional sense), the point is NOT trying to convince the other side, but trying to open the POSSIBILITY that they will research the issue even further, to make them think. Anthropology is good because it goes with the Bible, or any historical document. If you didn't already know, archaeology, anthropology, and theology have either proven and/or enhanced what the Bible says. Also, there is a lot, A LOT of evidence for the Bible and against evolution; you just have to study very hard. You are also a PERFECT candidate for anthropology because faith can melange with reason and science. Science can only prove the material, but not the immaterial or ethics or morality or even the mysteries of the mind, let alone the [weird stuff about the] supernatural. And no, we are not animals, that is why man is so unique and different from animals. Animals don't get better or worse if something good or bad happens; they just live their lives. Animals are unique, too, don't get me wrong, but then again, this is another issue. So, back to your question, yes, and go for it.

Answer 8

What specifically about anthro excites you?  Maybe psychology would be better?

You can examine primitive tribes and simply make observations on their culture, there are prob other jobs that deal with the here and now, or culture instead of long-term history where you may butt up against problem with your belief system.

Check this out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropolog...

Answer 9

Jenna, let's say that you want to study astronomy.  You believe that the earth is only 4000 years old and the stars are only a few days older.  How in the f**k would the light from the stars that are millions of light years away have gotten here?  You would be better off studying whatever they teach in a christian school so that you do not have to spend the rest of your life trying to reconcile the irreconciliable.

Answer 10

Please stay out of science. We try to use the evidence; not belief.

Answer 11

Jenna: I came from the exact same background (same beliefs, yet a deep interest in anthropology). I strongly recommend taking an introductory course in anthropology; you should be able to take it from there. Sorry if that's not much of an answer, but that one "Intro to Anthropology" freshman level course set in motion a revolutionary change in my life, which was definitely for the better.

And regarding a previous answer: "Please stay out of science. We try to use the evidence; not belief." Well please ignore the first sentence; the second sentence is about 100% accurate. My point is: Please introduce yourself to this incredible field of science, this planet would be better off if everyone had your interest.

Write to me if you want to discuss things a little further, I'd be happy to help.

Answer 12

Don't ever feel like you can't be an anthropologist just because you don't believe in evolution.  Anthropology consists of physical, cultural, linguistic, and archaeology fields, so you have more to choose from than just evolution if it makes you uncomfortable.  You will have to take some physical anthro class, but don't worry about that, you will do fine.  I'm sure every student has to take classes that teach stuff they don't agree with; I know I did!  I am an agnostic with a BA in anthropology, but let me be the first to tell you not to let anyone bully you or tell you that you are uneducated just because of your religious beliefs.  That just seems anti-anthropology, since we are supposed to try to understand all cultural POVs and not judge.  And anthropology would be really boring if all anthropologists believed the same things.  So good luck!!

Answer 13

If you refuse to learn about evolution, you will be unable to earn a bachelor's degree in anthropology.  Every decent program that I've encountered requires at least 1 (usually more) course in human evolution.

You would also be extremely unlikely to find a job as an anthropologist.  Anthropologists are scientists, and we have little patience with those who are uneducated in science.

My husband is an astrophysicist.  In order to earn a bachelor's degree in that field, you would have to pass at least one course in cosmology, which is the evolution of the universe.  Again, it is a science, and it is not for those who don't believe in science.

I DO encourage you to take classes in these fields.  Education is never a bad thing, and most peoples' resistance to evolution is due to a lack of education.

I've taught human evolution, and I've had students sit with their arms folded and their eyes glaring through the first few lectures, only to be amazed when they are presented with the wealth of fossil evidence (and DNA evidence) that supports evolution.  It's a wonderful thing.

Answer 14

The Biblical Creation Account doesn't have to be taken totally literally. Remember, Adam translates to 'a man', and Eve translates into a Hebrew play on words. Shouldn't that tell you something about the origin of the story? I'm not saying the account is false. I'm saying that it contains SPIRITUAL truth, and needs not be taken literally. If you can accept that, then go ahead and learn all you can about anthropology. It IS a fascinating journey, that God has set us on. Why wouldn't you want to find out more about it?

Answer 15

My personal belief is that both religion and anthropology can be combined if one just opens their mind.

Man's ancestors go back millions of years; this is scientific fact; but I believe the Bible, when it refers to the first humans, is refering to the first people who gained a self awareness; who became with this awareness, different from all the rest of the animals.  

Midicondrial DNA proves that every person now on earth comes from a single female living about 150,000 years ago.  This was at a time when our species was down to about 5,000 world wide.  We were facing extintion.

Eve first, then Adam became the first true modern humans with the ability to think and ask deep questions about their surroundings and indeed, the universe.

The Garden of Eden, in my view, is a medifore for ignorance ( as in ignorance is bliss.)  Once they became aware, they could no longer live in a blissful paradise, only concerning themselves with their next meal.  And once aware, they could never go back.

This theroy also explains where Cain's wife came from, since there were other humans around, and clears up other incongruities in Genesis.

Unless you insist on an absolute litteral translation to the Bible, one can work in both fields.