The Persistence of Creationism

Why does Creationism and it’s cousin, Intelligent Design continue to persist in American culture, this despite the fact that both have been exposed as entirely motivated by religion? Even though no serious scientists anywhere accept the baseless theories of ID, the general public in the United States is convinced that a serious debate over evolution is being fought. Just what is going on here? As I will demonstrate in this article, there are three main reasons why Intelligent Design continues to persist, despite the valiant effort of scientists and other highly educated professionals. They are, namely, the fact that (1) people have a poor understanding of science, and Evolution in particular; (2) Intelligent Design appeals to our intuition: the Universe appears, at first glance, to be designed; and (3) there is a highly organized movement designed to systematically misinform the public, and replace biological science with creationist dogma.

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Gore’s Scathing New Book Targets Bush

It seems almost ironic that Al Gore’s power and influence has only grown since leaving office. His provocative documentary “An Inconvenient Truth”, which won the Oscar, helped bring him international recognition and attention. Now, not content to simply live off his laureates, Gore has written a new book entitled “The Assault on Reason”, his tirade on the Bush administration.

According to ABCNEWS.com, the book openly attacks President Bush and Chaney for going to War in Iraq, for their Orwellian new measures (like the Patriot Act), and their treatment of prisoners (which violates the Geneva Convention). Although he does not call for an impeachment, he apparently provides enough fodder that it isn’t difficult to read between the lines.

The book is now on my “to read” list, since like any Libertarian, I deeply oppose the Bush Administration’s assault on the principles of American democracy. I was also a big fan of Gore’s movie, which helped me see just how urgent the issue of Global Warming really is. If his new book is half as good, it should be an entertaining read.

The Making of a True Movement…

Most Atheists will tell you that the fact of holding a cosmological view that the Universe operates without a designer is a statement about nature, and is not connected in any way, shape of form, to a movement. In fact, a number of atheists are disbelievers specifically because of the tendency for religions to exert their grasp in all aspects of life.

It’s important, however, to note that theories and ideas on the processes of the Universe are not readily accepted by most. When Darwin published his book, “On the Origins of Species”, the majority of scientists at the time rejected the idea outright. It took the valiant efforts of his friends and contemporaries to pioneer this idea. It is because of their work that today we enjoy such an elegant explanation of how species evolve.

As such, we can never forget that ideas must not only be defended, but must fight with others that compete directly against it. The principles of atheism, although simple, are not readily accepted by more then 90% of the population. We cannot hope, as atheists, that others will come to accept that the Universe functions without design, and without the assistance of a divine hand. Instead, we must all work in conjunction to help our fellow man see that instead of creating dread and fear, atheism, and humanism create a sense of wonder and awe. The realization that we are animals, like all others, makes us realize that we do not hold a special place on earth, anymore then an armadillo or orangutan.

What is at risk is our continued survival. Sectarian violence and fundamentalism are a natural phenomenon in religion, and as such cannot be dealt with through current religious institutions. We have a duty to combat the rise of religious intolerance through a vicarious campaign of education, open debate, and by making our voices heard.

At the same time, we should avoid the temptation to belittle and ridicule the faithful. They are human beings as we are, as fallible and corruptible as any one of us. For most, religion provides them with comfort and support, things they may not be privy to without their religious institution. Therein lies the problem and dilemma of modern atheism; the fact that many atheists are insular creatures, preferring to remain hidden and singular in their philosophies. What incentive is there for someone who belongs to a religious denomination to leave his community and support network simply to accept the truth about the nature of the Universe?

We as atheist must also offer many of the same support and care that makes religion so appealing, but without any dogma, without the poisonous idea of faith, and without exclusiveness. Can we all put aside our prejudices about the positive aspects of religion, and adopt the very best aspects for ourselves, or will we continue to be a fringe group of society, patiently waiting for others to “see the light of reason”? This is a foolish hope; without the appeal of direct compassion, community, and acceptance, atheism will always be fringe.

Let us show organized religion what we are all about. Let them know that they do not hold a monopoly on compassion, acceptance, and morality. Let us move away from the safe insular bubble of self righteousness that we possess and create a truly great movement, based on principles of democracy, self-determination, clarity, and even humor. Let us not go quietly into the night, but rage against the dying of the light. Let the truth of atheism be the candle in the dark.

Ripping People Off in the Name of God

Many readers on this site may be too young to remember televangelist Peter Popoff. The only reason I know of him is due in no small part to magician and skeptic James Randi. Popoff was a faith healer that achieved fame by being able to make startling predictions as to people’s ailments during his church services. He was even able to recite their address, as though God had given him a cosmic phone book of some sort.

Obviously skeptical of this supposed supernatural ability, Randi decided to investigate. He was able to isolate a radio frequency transmitted by his wife to Popoff via a small earpiece, and Randi recorded it. He then played the tape on an episode of Jonny Carson (who was himself a magician and avid skeptic).Exposed as an obvious fraud, Popoff filed for bankruptcy, and disappeared.

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Forced Conversion Fears in Pakistan

A recent article on BBCNEWS reports that a tiny Christian minority is facing dire threats to convert to Islam of face annihilation. The group has asked the government to provide protection, though feels as though not enough is being done to keep them safe. I just feel the need to ask: just what exactly is the point of converting these people? Evidently you cannot force someone to believe what you do, particularly with the use of force. It always surprises me how fundamentalist believe that their religion will eventually reign supreme, but somehow are too insecure to allow others to practice their own traditions. Surely, if god is on their side, all of this posturing is unnecessary…

I deplore violence, particularly on tiny defenseless minorities. Although I do not believe what they do, I would certainly never consider the use of force to try and make them share the same cosmological beliefs. My sad prediction is that the government will choose to turn the other cheek and allow tragedy to befall this poor group. I can only hope that those in power see reason and recognize why such a minority needs the protection they so desperately seek.

A Thought on Fossil Fuels

I had a random thought this morning, one I thought I might share with all of you concerning an article I read about NASA finding evidence of widespread Antarctic melting. It’s no mystery that many Global Warming deniers are conservative religious folks in the so-called “heartland”. I have no doubt that a significant portion of these individuals also contend that the earth is not billions of years old, but rather a paltry six thousand (or, roughly speaking, at about the same time that Sumerians had invented glue). Since they reject the notion of fossils, I have to wonder why they haven’t seriously objected to the use of the term “fossil fuels” when referring to oil. With all the headlines saying “Fossil Fuels Increasingly blamed for Global Warming”, it must make their blood boil a little. I mean, if the alternative name for oil was “God’s gooey black gift”, I know I’d be peeved every time it would appear in an article somewhere.

Perhaps a few of them believe that fossil fuels are just another test of faith, as is the vast amount of scientific data pointing to global warming. Considering this is the same contingent of folks that look forward to the End of Days hoping it will usher in the resurrection of their Messiah, perhaps there are some that look forward to a dead and lifeless earth. Either prospect is not very encouraging.

Of course, I don’t want to disparage on religious folks and accuse them all of being insensitive to the concerns of nature. There are religious movements that take great care to include a stewardship of nature. These groups obviously recognize that the problem is man-made, and as such requires both our acknowledgement and action. But in any human endeavor, I have little trust in organizations marred with illogical and supernatural explanations of natural phenomenon to spearhead movements that require a sophisticated scientific understanding.