Comments on: The Wisdom of Parasites http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/ A blog about life, past and future. Written by DISCOVER contributing editor and columnist Carl Zimmer. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:00:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: A Parasitic Wasp that Injects Its Venom Into a Cockroach’s Brain in Order to Control It http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-58598 A Parasitic Wasp that Injects Its Venom Into a Cockroach’s Brain in Order to Control It Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:17:30 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-58598 [...] Zombie CockroachesThe Wasp that Walks CockroachesA Wasp that finds the seat of the cockroach soulThe Wisdom of ParasitesThis Week’s Sci-Fi Worthy ParasiteEmerald Cockroach Wasp (Ampulex Compressa)#dd_ajax_float{ [...] [...] Zombie CockroachesThe Wasp that Walks CockroachesA Wasp that finds the seat of the cockroach soulThe Wisdom of ParasitesThis Week’s Sci-Fi Worthy ParasiteEmerald Cockroach Wasp (Ampulex Compressa)#dd_ajax_float{ [...]

]]> By: Beverley Hills Link « Evolving Thoughts http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-38398 Beverley Hills Link « Evolving Thoughts Fri, 06 Aug 2010 06:04:20 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-38398 [...] The wasp that leads a cockroach by the antenna to its doom, at The Loom. [...] [...] The wasp that leads a cockroach by the antenna to its doom, at The Loom. [...]

]]> By: Harman Smith http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-38177 Harman Smith Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:06:40 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-38177 OH MY GOODNESS @ some of the things that have been said here. Way to undermine my faith in humanity everyone. And bravo #229 for actually managing to bring up politics. Seriously? There's just no hope for some of you. OH MY GOODNESS @ some of the things that have been said here. Way to undermine my faith in humanity everyone. And bravo #229 for actually managing to bring up politics. Seriously? There’s just no hope for some of you.

]]> By: A Wasp Finds the Seat of the Cockroach Soul | The Loom | Discover Magazine http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-30583 A Wasp Finds the Seat of the Cockroach Soul | The Loom | Discover Magazine Mon, 03 May 2010 13:18:08 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-30583 [...] would be the Emerald Cockroach Wasp (Ampulex compressa). Back in 2006, I first wrote about the grisly sophistication of this insect, which turns cockroaches into zombie hosts to be devoured by their offspring. Since [...] [...] would be the Emerald Cockroach Wasp (Ampulex compressa). Back in 2006, I first wrote about the grisly sophistication of this insect, which turns cockroaches into zombie hosts to be devoured by their offspring. Since [...]

]]> By: Bill S http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-30534 Bill S Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:43:06 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-30534 This must be the same trick Obama has used to turn millions of Americans into Zombies. Fortunately, many of them are waking up and throwing off the the parasite, and (after this coming November) may go on to lead quite normal lives. This must be the same trick Obama has used to turn millions of Americans into Zombies. Fortunately, many of them are waking up and throwing off the the parasite, and (after this coming November) may go on to lead quite normal lives.

]]> By: Rasselas http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-19852 Rasselas Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:58:23 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-19852 Janne... ""No need to assume “evolutionary failure” in not stinging the right spot. For a handwaving just-so story, just assume the head sting started as a way to kill a roach to ensure a very fresh, plump corpse for the larvae. Then, a slightly less violent sting would sometimes paralyze - but not outright kill - the host, making for even better conditions. And so, gradually, improvements in accuracy and specificity of the venom would make for better and better conditions for the larvae."" This is a nice explanation... but such a statement as above (which is about the nicest I've heard) leaves us with these questions: How would future generations of wasps KNOW where to sting the cockroach? Is that information transferrable via genes? It seems odd to think that a gene would code for WHERE to poke one's stinger. Like if David threw a stone and hit Goliath on the forehead (his one weak spot) and then some babies crawled into Goliath's comatose body... are they somehow to know (via genetics) [as David never instructs the children] where to sling their stones when they grow up and fight a giant? As this sounds like a fairly "solo-bug" kind of story, it doesn't sound like the mother wasp explains (via oral communication/history) to the child where to guide it's stinger. If the wasp originally was killing (or just paralyzing) the roach... then how did she get it back to the nest for her larvae to crawl into? Or, if left alive and mostly functional, then how did she figure out how to drive the roach to her nest? Does she really know how to parallel park that thing?! ;) Janne… “”No need to assume “evolutionary failure” in not stinging the right spot. For a handwaving just-so story, just assume the head sting started as a way to kill a roach to ensure a very fresh, plump corpse for the larvae. Then, a slightly less violent sting would sometimes paralyze – but not outright kill – the host, making for even better conditions. And so, gradually, improvements in accuracy and specificity of the venom would make for better and better conditions for the larvae.”"

This is a nice explanation… but such a statement as above (which is about the nicest I’ve heard) leaves us with these questions:

How would future generations of wasps KNOW where to sting the cockroach? Is that information transferrable via genes? It seems odd to think that a gene would code for WHERE to poke one’s stinger. Like if David threw a stone and hit Goliath on the forehead (his one weak spot) and then some babies crawled into Goliath’s comatose body… are they somehow to know (via genetics) [as David never instructs the children] where to sling their stones when they grow up and fight a giant?

As this sounds like a fairly “solo-bug” kind of story, it doesn’t sound like the mother wasp explains (via oral communication/history) to the child where to guide it’s stinger.

If the wasp originally was killing (or just paralyzing) the roach… then how did she get it back to the nest for her larvae to crawl into?

Or, if left alive and mostly functional, then how did she figure out how to drive the roach to her nest? Does she really know how to parallel park that thing?! ;)

]]> By: A flight-less Earth? - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-19122 A flight-less Earth? - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum Sat, 06 Jun 2009 08:20:30 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-19122 [...] their behaviour, then yes, by all means. Here are two articles on behaviour modifying parasites: The Wisdom of Parasites and The Puppet Master [...] their behaviour, then yes, by all means. Here are two articles on behaviour modifying parasites: The Wisdom of Parasites and The Puppet Master

]]> By: A flight-less Earth? - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-19121 A flight-less Earth? - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum Sat, 06 Jun 2009 08:10:04 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-19121 [...] their behaviour, then yes, by all means. Here are two articles on behaviour modifying parasites: The Wisdom of Parasites and The Puppet Master [...] their behaviour, then yes, by all means. Here are two articles on behaviour modifying parasites: The Wisdom of Parasites and The Puppet Master

]]> By: Parasites Unleashed: Deal Me In | The Loom | Discover Magazine http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-6763 Parasites Unleashed: Deal Me In | The Loom | Discover Magazine Sat, 12 Jul 2008 02:44:39 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-6763 [...] and obsessed with parasites, and once you’ve captivated their imagination with tales of zombifying wasps and such, you can plunge into some big concepts that apply across biology–concepts that might [...] [...] and obsessed with parasites, and once you’ve captivated their imagination with tales of zombifying wasps and such, you can plunge into some big concepts that apply across biology–concepts that might [...]

]]> By: spazzy mcgee http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2447 spazzy mcgee Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:33:09 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2447 When I think of the mountain of sci-fi bits wherein aliens engage in insect behaviors (such as zombifying their kiddies'soon-to-be playpen) I have to wonder: are most sci-fi writers really into entomology, or are they just tapping into an innate human fear of possible buggy behaviors? And film aliens that look like assorted arthropods are just legion. Also, (they aren't parasites, but) the first time I saw a panorpid fly, I was like, "whoa... there's a baby alien/muppet on my arm." (I really like panorpids.) When I think of the mountain of sci-fi bits wherein aliens engage in insect behaviors (such as zombifying their kiddies’soon-to-be playpen) I have to wonder: are most sci-fi writers really into entomology, or are they just tapping into an innate human fear of possible buggy behaviors?

And film aliens that look like assorted arthropods are just legion.

Also, (they aren’t parasites, but) the first time I saw a panorpid fly, I was like, “whoa… there’s a baby alien/muppet on my arm.”

(I really like panorpids.)

]]> By: ctrl http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2446 ctrl Thu, 04 Jan 2007 23:02:00 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2446 I will definitely be swatting more vigorously when a wasp buzzes by my ear next time! I will definitely be swatting more vigorously when a wasp buzzes by my ear next time!

]]> By: Chad http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2445 Chad Thu, 04 Jan 2007 21:05:18 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2445 This is straight out of a science fiction movie. It's interesting how one insect can use the host of another for development. Great read. This is straight out of a science fiction movie. It’s interesting how one insect can use the host of another for development. Great read.

]]> By: trevor Nohcud http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2444 trevor Nohcud Thu, 04 Jan 2007 11:19:13 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2444 It is always amazing when you look at the function and apparent complexity of nature. So much of these interactions between host and prey often depends on chances and chance encounters between the two. Often hosts depend on specific prey and it often not a simple one event in the chain . Often there is a number of very specific steps. One can explain the success of the efforts and the parasitic species success as a matter of simple numbers and statistics. I.e if millions or hundreds of thousand of times this is done a certain number will succeed. Maybe so or maybe not - it is always more than amazing. Look at a female tick. She sits patiently on a blade of grass until a host with the right heat , humidity and carbon dioxide traits just comes by . And then she match latch on the host. Imagine if employers could find employees as determined and loyal as that ? What is not thought of is that there is often a benefit to the host species in some manner to there being preyed upon even if a number of their kind meet their demise. Viruses can often impart certain positive traits or attributes in host species through the implanatation of their dna into host species. Successfull species such as rats and mosquitoes while being despised are incredibly well designed species and should be appreciated as that. It is always amazing when you look at the function and apparent complexity of nature.
So much of these interactions between host and prey often depends on chances and chance encounters between the two.
Often hosts depend on specific prey and it often not a simple one event in the chain . Often there is a number of very specific steps.
One can explain the success of the efforts and the parasitic species success as a matter of simple numbers and statistics.
I.e if millions or hundreds of thousand of times this is done a certain number will succeed.
Maybe so or maybe not – it is always more than amazing.
Look at a female tick.
She sits patiently on a blade of grass until a host with the right heat , humidity and carbon dioxide traits just comes by . And then she match latch on the host.
Imagine if employers could find employees as determined and loyal as that ?
What is not thought of is that there is often a benefit to the host species in some manner to there being preyed upon even if a number of their kind meet their demise.
Viruses can often impart certain positive traits or attributes in host species through the implanatation of their dna into host species.
Successfull species such as rats and mosquitoes while being despised are incredibly well designed species and should be appreciated as that.

]]> By: max http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2443 max Fri, 19 May 2006 11:37:36 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2443 The wasp slips her stinger through the roach's exoskeleton and directly into the cockroach's brain The wasp slips her stinger through the roach’s exoskeleton and directly into the cockroach’s brain

]]> By: Eric L. http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2442 Eric L. Tue, 16 May 2006 18:12:12 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2442 As amazing as the Ampulex compressa certainly is, I disagree that "we would do well to follow its lead, and gain the wisdom of parasites." I simply cannot see my wife pissing poison into the brain of an elephant, leading it back to my house, laying her egg on its belly, and allowing our newborn to chew a hole in the elephant and devour it's innards until he grows to adulthood. As much fun as that sounds like it may be, I'd want a little more social interaction for my child. Now, I know what you're going to say: "What could be stronger than the parasitoid-host bond?" I don't know... But, what happens when my baby grows up and goes to college lacking those important "people skills"? It makes me sad just thinking about it. As amazing as the Ampulex compressa certainly is, I disagree that “we would do well to follow its lead, and gain the wisdom of parasites.” I simply cannot see my wife pissing poison into the brain of an elephant, leading it back to my house, laying her egg on its belly, and allowing our newborn to chew a hole in the elephant and devour it’s innards until he grows to adulthood. As much fun as that sounds like it may be, I’d want a little more social interaction for my child. Now, I know what you’re going to say: “What could be stronger than the parasitoid-host bond?” I don’t know… But, what happens when my baby grows up and goes to college lacking those important “people skills”? It makes me sad just thinking about it.

]]> By: Tom http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2441 Tom Sat, 13 May 2006 14:33:54 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2441 I find it difficult to believe that Natural Selection could develope this type of behavior. I believe there factors involved that we do not yet understand, but Natural Selection? No Way. I find it difficult to believe that Natural Selection could develope this type of behavior. I believe there factors involved that we do not yet understand, but Natural Selection? No Way.

]]> By: Tom http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2440 Tom Sat, 13 May 2006 14:32:59 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2440 I find it difficult to believe that Natural Selection could develope this type of behavior. I believe there factors involved that we do not yet understand, but Natural Selection? No Way. I find it difficult to believe that Natural Selection could develope this type of behavior. I believe there factors involved that we do not yet understand, but Natural Selection? No Way.

]]> By: philihp http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2439 philihp Mon, 01 May 2006 07:14:17 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2439 what does it matter how the wasp came to be? the fact of the matter is the wasp simply *is*, and it's incredibly fascinating to be aware of this now. thanks for a wonderful article! what does it matter how the wasp came to be? the fact of the matter is the wasp simply *is*, and it’s incredibly fascinating to be aware of this now. thanks for a wonderful article!

]]> By: Photar http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2438 Photar Mon, 01 May 2006 07:07:01 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2438 Whats a flying shoe? I'm googling up nothing. Whats a flying shoe? I’m googling up nothing.

]]> By: Eric Heupel http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2437 Eric Heupel Sun, 23 Apr 2006 01:05:51 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2437 Wow! Interesting debate, but even more interesting science! Dr. Haspel Excellent papers. I'm glad I found Carl's site and your participation. I am adding your (and your colleagues) papers on this wasp and cockroach pairing to my reading list. While my purposes would be only my own enrichment, I would like to echo James' inquery into the availability of video. Especially after reading "Wasp uses venom cocktail to manipulate the behavior of its cockroach prey" and the pictures in there I am truly intrigued! Wow! Interesting debate, but even more interesting science!

Dr. Haspel Excellent papers. I’m glad I found Carl’s site and your participation. I am adding your (and your colleagues) papers on this wasp and cockroach pairing to my reading list. While my purposes would be only my own enrichment, I would like to echo James’ inquery into the availability of video. Especially after reading “Wasp uses venom cocktail to manipulate the behavior
of its cockroach prey” and the pictures in there I am truly intrigued!

]]> By: Tim Fuller http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2436 Tim Fuller Thu, 20 Apr 2006 14:26:39 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2436 If God is all powerful and knowing, then he would have known all along that Adam and Eve would do what they did. The Free Will argument is lame if you consider that an all knowing God would, by definition, know in advance that his creation would sin. Ergo, if we are sinners it was God's plan and not our free will. Enjoy. If God is all powerful and knowing, then he would have known all along that Adam and Eve would do what they did. The Free Will argument is lame if you consider that an all knowing God would, by definition, know in advance that his creation would sin. Ergo, if we are sinners it was God’s plan and not our free will.

Enjoy.

]]> By: steve http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2435 steve Sun, 16 Apr 2006 19:21:07 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2435 great info. i was excited to read about such a creature that i was not previously aware of. i am a "believer". i agree that this argument will never end. neither side can be 100% proven or disproven to the satisfaction of the other. i agree also, that a class being taught in school on evolution (or similar topics), should not breach creationism(or similar topics). after all, rarely does a heated debate on dangling participles break out in calc class. nor should it. i do think that institutions that offer evolution as a class should also off creationism as a class. many people, including myself, would probably take both - at the least for information sake. i offer no argument to my belief on the topic, since, if you're not on my side already, you won't accept it. i won't be back to check this thread. i believe my email address has been included for all hate mail. 8) p.s. ...the majority of the posts in this thread regarding creationism vs evolutionism make most of the posters sound... well.... close minded and ignorant. im not attacking anyone's educational accomplishments - i see several "educated" people here, but really, taking that into consideration, most of you....on both sides of the argument....sound "offensively defensive", and are making no ground in helping others to see your side. wow, i think i have mail already. 8) great info. i was excited to read about such a creature that i was not previously aware of.

i am a “believer”.

i agree that this argument will never end. neither side can be 100% proven or disproven to the satisfaction of the other. i agree also, that a class being taught in school on evolution (or similar topics), should not breach creationism(or similar topics). after all, rarely does a heated debate on dangling participles break out in calc class. nor should it. i do think that institutions that offer evolution as a class should also off creationism as a class. many people, including myself, would probably take both – at the least for information sake.

i offer no argument to my belief on the topic, since, if you’re not on my side already, you won’t accept it.

i won’t be back to check this thread. i believe my email address has been included for all hate mail. 8)
p.s. …the majority of the posts in this thread regarding creationism vs evolutionism make most of the posters sound… well…. close minded and ignorant. im not attacking anyone’s educational accomplishments – i see several “educated” people here, but really, taking that into consideration, most of you….on both sides of the argument….sound “offensively defensive”, and are making no ground in helping others to see your side.

wow, i think i have mail already. 8)

]]> By: Holepuncher http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2434 Holepuncher Sun, 16 Apr 2006 11:45:36 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2434 Hi, Disclaimer: I only read up to comment 148. I just wanted to give you some background from a Christian perspective regarding the whole evolution/creation debate. You have to understand that the reason why Christians debate it so much is not to prove creationism, but because many people use their belief in evolution to deny the existence of God. Whether evolution is true or not does not really matter to me. God could still be real. Heaven and Hell could exist. And maybe they don't, but just know that Christians believe they do exist and the direct reason they are trying to debate with you is not to disprove evolution. They are actually trying to help you to believe that there could be a God. They see evolution as a reason many choose to deny the existence of God. You must understand our ultimate motive. We are not trying to destroy science. We are not trying to force our opinions on you. We are trying to get you to choose God on your own. Why? Because we love you. We want you to go to heaven and not to hell. And for that to happen you must believe there is the possibility in the existence of God. This all might seem like tales of fairies and pixiedust to you but know that it is what we believe and that is why we debate. Not to fight with you and build antagonism, but because we are trying to help you. And you may not want it, but we still try because we don't want you to go to hell. I can't stand by and not say a thing since I believe with all my heart and mind that God wants you to go to heaven but you must believe in Jesus for that to happen. Creation / Evolution set aside, I hope that you search your heart because Hell (if real) sounds a lot worse than what happenned to that poor cockroach. Hi,

Disclaimer: I only read up to comment 148.

I just wanted to give you some background from a Christian perspective regarding the whole evolution/creation debate.

You have to understand that the reason why Christians debate it so much is not to prove creationism, but because many people use their belief in evolution to deny the existence of God.

Whether evolution is true or not does not really matter to me. God could still be real. Heaven and Hell could exist. And maybe they don’t, but just know that Christians believe they do exist and the direct reason they are trying to debate with you is not to disprove evolution. They are actually trying to help you to believe that there could be a God. They see evolution as a reason many choose to deny the existence of God. You must understand our ultimate motive. We are not trying to destroy science. We are not trying to force our opinions on you.

We are trying to get you to choose God on your own. Why? Because we love you. We want you to go to heaven and not to hell. And for that to happen you must believe there is the possibility in the existence of God. This all might seem like tales of fairies and pixiedust to you but know that it is what we believe and that is why we debate. Not to fight with you and build antagonism, but because we are trying to help you. And you may not want it, but we still try because we don’t want you to go to hell. I can’t stand by and not say a thing since I believe with all my heart and mind that God wants you to go to heaven but you must believe in Jesus for that to happen. Creation / Evolution set aside, I hope that you search your heart because Hell (if real) sounds a lot worse than what happenned to that poor cockroach.

]]> By: Believer http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2433 Believer Thu, 13 Apr 2006 21:07:36 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2433 Wow all of this constant bickering about creation vs evolution. Who's right who's wrong? As a Christian I feel I'm right most of you seem to think that makes me ignorant or foolish. The fact is I'd rather be foolish for God and have that relationship with my creator than not. I believe what I believe because I've experienced a living God working in my life. In addition, the Bible says that God's Word is truth, so I believe it. Some of you might laugh and say that this sort of blind faith is just ignorance on my part. While I will pity you for not having a relationship with God and understanding what it is that increases my faith daily. This arguement will never stop it will always continue and the only way to find out will be at our deaths, when if I'm right I'll be in heaven and if you're right I'll simply cease to exist. My God, is a just and loving God, in that even though we were sinners he died for us. Not just me but US. It is our free will to believe that or not. Just as it is in my right and free will to believe that He created us and that we are not just random dust that happened to form into this incredible world we live in. That is why there is never a win in this arguement. We will never Win because for us to do that would mean that everyone would experience God's love and accept Him. You will never Win because as a Christian I could never see your point of view and believe that I am just an accident. Wow all of this constant bickering about creation vs evolution. Who’s right who’s wrong? As a Christian I feel I’m right most of you seem to think that makes me ignorant or foolish. The fact is I’d rather be foolish for God and have that relationship with my creator than not. I believe what I believe because I’ve experienced a living God working in my life.

In addition, the Bible says that God’s Word is truth, so I believe it. Some of you might laugh and say that this sort of blind faith is just ignorance on my part. While I will pity you for not having a relationship with God and understanding what it is that increases my faith daily.

This arguement will never stop it will always continue and the only way to find out will be at our deaths, when if I’m right I’ll be in heaven and if you’re right I’ll simply cease to exist.

My God, is a just and loving God, in that even though we were sinners he died for us. Not just me but US. It is our free will to believe that or not. Just as it is in my right and free will to believe that He created us and that we are not just random dust that happened to form into this incredible world we live in.

That is why there is never a win in this arguement. We will never Win because for us to do that would mean that everyone would experience God’s love and accept Him. You will never Win because as a Christian I could never see your point of view and believe that I am just an accident.

]]> By: james http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/comment-page-5/#comment-2432 james Tue, 21 Mar 2006 23:44:25 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/2006/02/02/the-wisdom-of-parasites/#comment-2432 Dr. Haspel. I am writing a research paper and also doing a presentation on this wasp for my zoology class at the university and was wondering if there is a video clip of the wasp in action. Thanks for the help. James Dr. Haspel.

I am writing a research paper and also doing a presentation on this wasp for my zoology class at the university and was wondering if there is a video clip of the wasp in action. Thanks for the help.

James

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