GeoTheo

I am planning to make an effort to promote the honest persuit of Scientific knowledge as being totally compatible with Christianity. I am one person but who knows where it will go.
I think the least I can do is be there for people who see through ICR arguements and thus question their faith. I wonder how ICR feels about converting people to atheism? Sounds kind of unevangelistic.

Autonemesis

If creationism is to be taught, then there is no reason to exclude instruction in psychic powers, Tarot, Seth, Aliester Crowley and all the rest.

GeoTheo

I know, the title is misleading. The question really is wheather teaching evolution teaches implicit atheism. I am satisfied that the answer is no.

Starboy

Tabula, Tabula,

Open your mind. The most obvious definition of atheism is a-theism, without theism. The more appropriate word for your definition is antitheism.

If a religion posits a supernatural explaination for an observed phenomena and you are presented with a scientific explaination that will a-priori have implications for your religion, because you will be asked to consider an explaination that is different from the one your religion presents. There really is no other way to see it. Can you explain it otherwise?

Starboy

GeoTheo

Starboy How des "supernature" work?

Tabula_rasa

Stop projecting.

But you see, this definition is quite incorrect. I am not anti-theist because that would imply I am opposed to theism. That would be untrue, since I am not against anyone having such beliefs.

But if those beliefs contradict factual scientific evidence, don't attempt to have those beliefs taught in a science class. In this regard, it is not anti-theism, it is anti-ignorance.

<strong> You are absolutely correct. The obvious conclusion that should be drawn from such a situation is that the religious explanation is incorrect. The fact that religions (actually, religious leaders) are more often than not incapable of modifying their stories when contradicted with factual evidence really points to a fundamental flaw in theism. I have been aware of this from the beginning, but really didn't think that it needed to be stated as an axiom. Thanks! I may not have mentioned it otherwise if you hadn't asked.

Tabula_rasa

Starboy

Hi GeoTheo,

It usually goes like this: "and then a miracle occured!"

Starboy

GeoTheo

Yeah, but how does it WORK?

Albion

Geo, you might find this article interesting. It's by a Christian who's also a biology researcher, and I think it's relevant to your question.

<a href="http://www.cis.org.uk/articles/evolution_relig_signif/alexander_01.htm" target="_blank">http://www.cis.org.uk/articles/evolution_relig_signif/alexander_01.htm</a>

Starboy

Tabula, Tabula,

If it will make you feel any better then call me an a-theist or a non-theist, or an asshole if you like, but your brand of atheism is not mine.

Starboy

[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: Starboy ]</p>