Calling Humans 'Apes' Is Just Razzle Dazzle

by Asa Boxer

Charles Darwin (1809-1882). Photo by Julia Cameron. Title: “Darwin as Socrates.” Source: Wellcome Library, London.

I’m at the local, two pints in. That’s usually my limit. It’s a little past my bedtime, but it’s been a pleasant evening. Hank and I have been exchanging thoughts on Darwin and evolutionary theory. He’s a committed and proud atheist. Since 2003 or somewhere thereabouts, such folk call themselves New Atheists, a term first used by Sam Harris (if I’m not mistaken) to describe an outspoken atheist, sometimes militantly anti-religious and anti-spiritual. Hank will high five a fellow who says something like “I hate religion. Can’t stand the smell of a church.” I’m no fan of fundamentalism or dogmatic religious types, but I have an undergraduate degree in history and I’ve continued reading over the years, and I also have a graduate degree in literature, so I have an appreciation for texts like the Bible and the writings of Saint Augustine, not as gospel but for their literary, h…