wildernesse

Maybe because the aggressive and judgemental nature of a successful protest of this kind is at odds with loving correction and teaching by example? There is a reasonable fear of becoming that which you despise. Also, I think that many non-fundies see their faith as something very personal--and not to be imposed on others en masse.

Objections to creationism and ID are being raised by knowledgeable Christians--a couple of months ago, I listened as a member of our choir (and also a assoc. prof of botany) forcefully yet gently told another member of the choir that ID was unscientific bunk. I see Christians who accept evolution participating in E/C forums on many boards and discouraging the ignorance that many ID and creation "scientists" perpetuate.

As for this and other theological issues between groups that disagree, I doubt that successful and influential dialogue would be evident to those who are not members of the groups themselves.

--tibac

pz

I don't disagree that there are lots of reasonable christians who are opposing creationism. This doesn't answer the question, though. The face of christianity in the US is overwhelmingly strident, right-wing, pro-ignorance zealotry. Mention christian politics, and what comes to mind isn't a bunch of centrists -- it's Schlafly and Falwell and Robertson and that whole lunatic medieval mindset. Like I said, you've been hijacked. The "loving correction and teaching by example" theory is sweet, but stretches my aforementioned faith a little too far. I'm more inclined to believe it is a bit of a symptom of submission to authority, maybe a little of the policy to keep the flock uninformed, and lots and lots of generic apathy.

DBT

During my debate at work I pointed out that the speed of light indicates an old universe,and then I was promptly given a book by an AiG physicist, Russell #########- starlight and time.
His credentials looked impressive and he had the math.
I was wondering if any of you guys have read it and what you think?

JonF

See The Unraveling of Starlight and Time .

Farrell Till

Until I read this post, I wondered what planet the others in this thread are living on. There are YECs all around me. I haven't taken a survey, but I would venture to say that if 99% of the people in the town I live in are not YECs, the percentage would be close to it.

No, I don't live in the Bible belt. I live in Central Illinois.

Rational BAC

I guess it is a big country. I don't think I have ever met a YEC.

Better urban than rural I guess. For sure we all tend to think everyone has to live the same life that we do. A bit of egocentrism there I guess.

At any rate those who feel in a serious minority should realize that it is an illusion and they are not alone on either side.

Might consider moving if it bothers you too much.

Farrell Till

If I moved whenever I encountered religious ignorance, I would be constantly moving.

DBT

JonF,
Thats good,thanks for the link

DBT

JonF,
Thats good,thanks for the link

CX

We get people from all over the world here at II. There are lots of places where YECs are pretty rare. Nonetheless if you go not too far out of Chicagoland the terrain becomes not all that different from the deep south. Uneducated, relatively poor and ignorant. Except for possibly Bloomington/Normal with it's large population of college students and professors, you're several hundred miles away from "civilization". (No, Peoria doesn't count)