simian

Because religion as a whole will not be ditched in its entirety for a long time to come, if ever. Religion does serve a purpose for some people. There is not the option of getting rid of all religion.

There is the possibility of encouraging versions of religion that are not in direct conflict with known facts. I prefer Christians that can look at the stars and say "wow - do you realize that point right there is actually a galaxy and the light from it started its trip tens of millions of years ago?" (time for illustration only - I don't now how far away a galaxy would be visible to the naked eye) to a potential alternative: an American Taliban "you say light from that star (actually an angel of light) started its journey millions of years ago - heresy, since we all know the universe was created 4,004 BC, on or about October 23, 9:15 AM. Let us look to the bible for guidance on exactly how you will die."

Quite bluntly, I have nothing against people believing in gods. I happen to believe that doing right by others and knowledge are valuable characteristics - experience tells me otherwise, but I refuse to give it up.

Simian

Oolon Colluphid

Simian: Couldn't agree more. But I was aiming my comments at theists...

(And, re-reading, I see that wasn't clear. Sorry!)

Cheers, DT

Jobar

Hello peacenik, welcome to II. (And to judge, also.)

One of the less obvious reasons that many Christians require a literal interpretation of Genesis is that Christian doctrine requires a literally-existing Adam and a literal Fall to justify the existence of a literal Christ.

If there was no Adam and Eve, and no Original Sin, just what reason is there for the sacrifice of Christ on the cross?

If all of this is to be interpreted allegorically, including the life and death of Christ, then there is no reason Christianity should be in the least opposed to evolution. But for many, allegory=myth. And for many the thought of Christianity being a myth is unthinkable.

(My thanks to Koyaaniqatsi for spelling this out.)

Psycho Economist

Why?

In short, if life... especially sentient life (with its souls, or whatever) are the result of a natural process in which God had no hand, then we aren't his property to boil in lava for all eternity. That's why even in sects that admit evolution occured (e.g. Roman Catholics) have YHWH being an active participant in pruning it somehow... so life can still be his to do with as he pleases.

Take credit for creating all life (or at the very least husbanding sentience) away, the self-evidence of his authority over us isn't so easy to swallow.

(Anyone else think this belongs in G.R.D.?)