From: Walter Hicks (wallyshoes@mindspring.com)
Date: Fri Sep 12 2003 - 11:13:05 EDT
My question was not whether or not those speaking felt that their opinion mattered
because of their education -- but rather why should anyone else who disagrees with
them?
I don't see many lawyers. politicians, mill workers, etc. attacking the religious
notions of those supporting YEC, OEC, etc. It is only the scientists. And I must
say that those who whine loudest about a "dialogue" seem to be most least
interested in suggesting that those on the "other side" have anything sensible to
offer.
So why is there something about science that trumps all other fields in religious
interpretation? If I want some information about quantum mechanics, I'll seek out
Professor friend at Boston University. If I want advice on spiritual issues, I'll
go to the Pastor of my church.
I can see ASA presenting a forum to discuss the interrelationship of science and
religious issues. I really like that, myself. But I think that constant attacks on
YECs is unbecoming and out of place.
Walt
gordon brown wrote:
> On Mon, 25 Aug 2003, Walter Hicks wrote:
> >
> > I think that Henry Morris and the ilk are scientific charlatans but that does
> > not excuse the polarizing attitude of many on this list. Many act as though
> > science is the only honourable profession in the world. Why should a lawyer,
> > mill worker, or anyone else respect the arrogant opinions of this list just
> > because "PhD" can be tacked on after most our names --- pray tell?
>
> I haven't had the sense that most people on this list think that their
> opinions should be accepted as truth just because they have Ph.D. after
> their names. It is perfectly all right for anyone to withhold judgment
> until he has done the necessary study to understand the issues and form a
> well reasoned opinion for himself.
>
> Many YECs apparently think that their opinions are more credible if they
> have a Ph.D. after their names. I know of at least a couple who have done
> so by getting degrees from diploma mills. Others don't say what their
> field is just in case there might be someone out there who might question
> whether a degree in civil engineering or pharmacology qualifies one to be
> an authority on geology.
>
> Most of the scientific discussions on this list are in fields different
> from my own, and I try to leave those for those who are qualified in those
> areas, but as a Christian who studies the Bible regularly, I do sometimes
> weigh in on theological questions, and I think that all believers should
> feel free to discuss such issues.
>
> Gordon Brown
> Department of Mathematics
> University of Colorado
> Boulder, CO 80309-0395
-- =================================== Walt Hicks <wallyshoes@mindspring.com>In any consistent theory, there must exist true but not provable statements. (Godel's Theorem)
You can only find the truth with logic If you have already found the truth without it. (G.K. Chesterton) ===================================
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