You Rose Hybridizers are doing God’s work and he is looking down and saying “Nicely done!”
Hey Jimmy,
Thanks for the reminder! The rose hybridizer has a very small role to play in the production of these new creations.
I am humbled every time I consider what it takes to make a new seedling germinate and every time I get to see a beautiful new rose bloom for the very first time - it’s like having front row seats on creation!
Jim Sproul
Someone once criticized me for “breeding” roses back in highschool because it was “against nature” as in forced breeding so to speak. I told her it’s just like bees, we’re just bigger, more decisive bees.
That is funny Max!
That was exactly what had happened to me, and tha my was summarized response as well. Granted, this was a friend and she often failed to take perspectives other than what she was taught, but I knew it was all okay as long as I didnt taint the wild world. Its too bad Buddleais were 100% banned from Oregon sales. I really wish sterile triploid types could have been allowed to be tried out. A lot of pretty dwarf varieties were just hitting the market, and they were highly drought tolerant yet colorful. It would have been great to see triploid + dwarf + buddleia =(
How are we to view the atheist hybridizers? Just curious.
The mind wobbles…
The best thing pimping pollen ever did for me was help me end a “relationship” that should have termed out much earlier. She was jealous of anything I did and would call with, “You’re probably out in your ‘effing’ Bee Suit…”
I knew it bugged the devil out of her and had determined that whatever lifted her skin was good for me, so I OCD’ed it to the hilt. Worked like a charm! LOL!
I am an atheist hybridizer, and while I have the greatest respect for the faith of others I don’t approach what we do from a religious standpoint.
For me we are leaving a legacy of beauty for future generations. We have the opportunity to bring a smile to the face of other rose lovers, and if we are lucky enough to produce something that stands the test of time, we could still be bringing joy into the world centuries after we are gone. That to me is a worthy endeavour whatever your religious views.
In a world so driven by material gain, where so many suffer needlessly, and were the people in power often server the greater wealth before they consider the greater good, how could taking a hand in creating something of beauty be anything but a worthy endeavour?
Jinks, well said. I was going to say much the same thing but didn’t have the guts.
Respectfully, I’d also like to suggest RHA Forum an inappropriate forum for stating one’s religious beliefs.
I had once been chastised by a religious man who had told me I was “tampering with god’s creations” … I replied by stating that if no hybridization work had ever been carried out, then mankind would be unable to feed its vast and ever increasing population.
When it comes to my breeding work with roses, clematis and raspberries, I of course feel a sense of satisfaction and joy for what outstanding plants have come forth by the genetic roll of the dice, but also giving thanks to those who have paved the way before me by breeding the cold hardy stock I work with … but, also giving a nod and thank you to the big
I don’t necessarily think it’s inappropriate to express ones religious beliefs (or the lack of them) here, particularly if those beliefs inspire you in your breeding work or colour your perspective as to the role you play as a hybridizer. Just so long as we can respect each others feelings and avoid getting in to the politics of our difering beliefs.
I certainly don’t take offence at Jimmy’s comments, it’s nice to know that people outside the rose hybridizing community appreciate the role of hybridizers, and Jimmy was just showing his appreciation for the work we do from his perspective as a religious man.
Whatever our religious views, I think we can all agree that we owe a lot to the creators of both the plants we work with and the ones we grow purely for the pleasure they bring us. My life would be a great deal poorer without roses in it, and I’m truly grateful for them.
My life would be a great deal poorer without roses in it, and I’m truly grateful for them.
Amen!
Good to see you Jeanie, I hope things are improving! Kim
Hey Paul,
Good question - I think God works through atheists too!
I do say that in good humor and with utmost respect. 
Jim Sproul
The nice thing about forums like this is that it brings together people with different belief; politically, religiously, and what ever else separates us. I think much in the same way as Robert. I believe in god very deeply and could talk about and debate religion for hours but this I believe is not the place for it. So out of consideration for other I will leave any beliefs I have as a simple God Bless you or something similar. I find it annoying when reading some of the comments left on football sites I go to and find someone preaching from a soap box (half the time miss quoting things as they go along) but the point is I am interested in football and not why I am going up or down in your opion. Some times I just what to be a happy dancing flower in a world of fools. I do appreciate your comment Jimmy I think gardening and growing things is a high calling.
As far as if breeding plants is against the natural order (or God’s plain) I figure if bees can do it I think it not breaking any rules. We are just using the rules that are already set out there and giving it a push in a given direction. Thats however leads to the question of genetically modified organisms like the almost blue rose. Nature can do it with bacteria but it still seems a little like cheating to me.
So with that I will leave this discussion.
Hey Adam,
Thank you for your perspective on this. I truly hope that my comments intended in good humor have not offended anyone. That is the last thing that I would want to do. I enjoy and value everyone’s open and kind communications on this forum.
Jim Sproul
I was not offended Jim at all. I almost did not write anything because I did not want to offend anyone else.
I look at it this way, with all the terrible and horrible things occurring in this world today, to breed and introduce something of beauty which a person veiws and it makes them happy inside , then I have done my job.
I heard a saying once which goes like this, ( Do something beautiful with your life)
cheers Warren
I’m was actually quite amused by your comment Jim, I cant see why anyone would take offence at it. And I have to agree with Adam that we are lucky to have this forum. It’s full of friendly, generous, and extremely knowledgeable people, many of whom are doing fascinating work. I’m as grateful to have found this place as I am to have roses in my life. Sadly not all forums are as welcoming.
I must admit, I was a little concerned that I might cause offence myself. But as the question of atheists came up, I bit the bullet and tried to express how I feel about what we do, without being disrespectful of peoples religious beliefs. I value the people here far to much to want to offend them.
Very thoughtfully stated, Jinks. 