Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Caverdude · 07-09-2002, 08:15 PM

Vinnie,
Outstanding in-depth post. I basically agree with you premise that there should not be any battle between science and religion. Theology is outside the realm of science and science is outside the realm of theology. However, it seems to me that the real battle is mainly between science and LITERALISTS. To those who choose to claim that the bible is literal and inerrant, science poses a real problem (primarily with Genesis). I think most rational people can glean value from the bible without taking a literal inerrant stance. Also, here in America (where I live, anyway) we believe in each person's constitutional right to believe as he or she wishes. The war begins when literalists insist on equal time in our schools. Their only weapon is science bashing, which is not science, but propaganda. As long as groups such as ICR and Answers in Genesis exist spewing such propaganda, the battle will continue with no reconciliation possible.

Starboy · 07-09-2002, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Caverdude:
<strong>Vinnie,
Outstanding in-depth post. I basically agree with you premise that there should not be any battle between science and religion. Theology is outside the realm of science and science is outside the realm of theology. However, it seems to me that the real battle is mainly between science and LITERALISTS. To those who choose to claim that the bible is literal and inerrant, science poses a real problem (primarily with Genesis). I think most rational people can glean value from the bible without taking a literal inerrant stance. Also, here in America (where I live, anyway) we believe in each person's constitutional right to believe as he or she wishes. The war begins when literalists insist on equal time in our schools. Their only weapon is science bashing, which is not science, but propaganda. As long as groups such as ICR and Answers in Genesis exist spewing such propaganda, the battle will continue with no reconciliation possible.</strong>

Hi Caverdude,

The war is bigger than just the fundamentalists; the President of the United States has entered the fray; the 9th district court is cowed. The fundies make no bones about proselytizing whenever and wherever possible using whatever means they can get their hands on. They will allow freedom of religion as long as it is their religion. The war is on, hang onto your hat we are in for a ride!

Starboy

Starboy · 07-09-2002, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ilgwamh:
<strong>He is clearly one-sided.

That is not an argument nor does it even attempt to make a real argument. Its close to a logical fallacy IMO (poisoning the well). It looks more like a diatribe--it looks like the writings of a man disgusted with religion. He offers ONLY the negative side. The picture that is painted leads one to believe nothing good has ever come from religion.

RD sees religion as purely bad. Has he ever tried to look at the "good" of what religion has done? Am I missing something? Is there no "good" side to it? Religious people will find it quite ridiculous to hear someone say NO good has ever come from religion. Even the very liberal ones like me.

He makes himself look silly when talking about religion (to the religious). He seemingly does not even attempt to understand the importance of religion and theology in the lives of some people. He needs to stick with science.</strong>

Perhaps it is not the good he is worried about. Even Nazi Germany had its good points, that didn�t make it a desirable place to live.

Starboy

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07-09-2002, 08:15 PM	#31
Caverdude Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bristol, TN Posts: 83	Vinnie, Outstanding in-depth post. I basically agree with you premise that there should not be any battle between science and religion. Theology is outside the realm of science and science is outside the realm of theology. However, it seems to me that the real battle is mainly between science and LITERALISTS. To those who choose to claim that the bible is literal and inerrant, science poses a real problem (primarily with Genesis). I think most rational people can glean value from the bible without taking a literal inerrant stance. Also, here in America (where I live, anyway) we believe in each person's constitutional right to believe as he or she wishes. The war begins when literalists insist on equal time in our schools. Their only weapon is science bashing, which is not science, but propaganda. As long as groups such as ICR and Answers in Genesis exist spewing such propaganda, the battle will continue with no reconciliation possible.

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