Atheist
Ramblings by Stephen F Roberts issue 3.6 February 2000 Things I ramble about: more to fear... ![]() ![]() ![]() |
...As if I wasn't already worried enough about my fellow citizens, I read about some very scary polls done recently. ...The first was from the Gallup organization concerning American's beliefs in creationism and evolution. When asked if they agree with the basic tenants of Young Earth Creationism, nearly 45% of Americans agreed. (35% agreed with theistic evolution (god controlled it), and the remaining 10% went with the 'no-god-required' evolution). That's 45% of the population that either does not know, does not understand, or flat out denies the work of modern science. ...From geology to cosmology to biology, the evidence for an old universe is rampant. It is so prevalent that it is just taken as a given (tho the exact age is up for grabs, there is no doubt it is many billions/trillions of years old). ...It is very important to note that this isn't because science is not interested or is blocking alternative theories, its just that the evidence is so over-whelming that no alternative theory has come close to fitting what we already know. Just as no layman would drop a ball and wonder which direction it would fall, no scientist even bothers to see if the universe is old, just how old it is.
...In another poll, the National Science Foundation asked people if humans and dinosaurs lived at the same time. Only 51% knew that we didn't!! ...Such mass ignorance of science is troubling for two reasons. ...First and foremost, there are more laymen than scientists and more laymen in positions of authority. If those people do not know or understand what science is trying to say, they can and will make judgments, laws, and other choices that could have devastating effects. Imagine if science had not been able to convince nonscientists that the moon orbits the earth and the earth the sun, our space race would have turned out very differently (if at all). If the round earth theory could not be demonstrated, Columbus would never have sailed. ...Secondly, it indicates a very large disconnect between science and
the layman. Scientists are not doing their job of showing how the
universe works. It is just fine and dandy to know more about how things
are, but if that knowledge cannot be passed on to others -and most importantly
to those who do not follow the details of the field- then science has
failed. The layman is the coconspirator in the quest for knowledge because
it is from that field of laymen that the next generation of scientists
will come. By not translating the concepts, science does a disservice
to its own future. ...More to the point of the polls, the 45% of the population that does not understand or accept the evidence that the earth is much older than young earth creationism teaches are in positions where they can influence science education in our schools. This can and will have a doubly devastating effect. Not only will the best science not be taught, but alternate 'theories' that are flat wrong will be taught. What hope does the next generation have of understanding the subtle complexities of science if they are told things about science that are flat wrong? Imagine a school where flat earth theories are taught as true, would those kids really be competitive in the next generation? ...That 45% will grow if science cannot do its basic job of showing what it knows and sees. Science for science's sake is one thing, but even open ended studies can be relayed and explained in a way for all of us to understand. And until science can bridge the gap people will continue to not understand and therefore mistrust scientists and what direction science is moving. ...Science needs to lead us into the future, but they aren't going to do it unless they stop and hold our hands and show us where to walk... Never trust people to follow on their own. |
|||
Back Issues: - On Goodness - My Quote - The 100% Problem - God and Hell - The Problem with Faith - The Missing Link - Random Thoughts - My beliefs - The Design Problem - Is there a problem? - Know god, know fear - Christians vs. Death - RIFRA and You - The Problem with Salvation - A Question of Morals - It boils down to faith - The Wow! Factor - Why not Faith? - The Banana Trick - Something to think about - Why? - Moral Absolutes? - Why so scared? - Perfect Deity? - Apologetics - Prayer |
||||
Atheist Ramblings Copyright © 1997- 2001 by Stephen F Roberts Rights reserved except where noted |
||||
Feedback: 2 May 0 I find it interesting to hear an atheist talk about "The truth" actualy it's not spelled out in the text but I get that feeling from reading it. belief system: Still have not decided. Doesn't consider
it important. 4 January 2
belief system : "CHRISTIAN" My Response to Nathan:
|
||||