>The Bishop of Oxford was also "Thoughting for Today" this morning,
>effectively accusing creationists of being bonkers. Then again, there
>was "balance" from a Muslim education expert giving us the "Evolution is
>only a theory" line.
>
>MK
Thinking in terms of "bonkers" creationists may not be entirely helpful...!
Isn't it better to discuss the issue in terms of militant creationism not
militant creationists. Misunderstandings need to be de-personalised before
they can be resolved.
I have recently been helping with an Islamic science centre project.
Muslims in general may have even greater sensitivity to particular areas of
science than Christians, and a stronger "official line".
This is a science communication issue that cannot be dismissed and isn't
likely to go away any time soon, bonkers or not.
Clearly, the "Evolution is only a theory" line is an unsatisfactory patch-up.
The latest Darwin Day newsletter I just received ( www.darwinday.org )
included this item:
"Early this morning, BBC World Service carried a short story by Mark Duff
in the Reporting Religion programme. The programme featured Intelligent
Designer, Stephen C. Meyer - Associate Professor of Philosophy, Whitworth
College. You can listen to the program at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/rep_relig.shtml One
unfortunate strand of this programme is the misconception that one cannot
accept evolution and hold religious beliefs simultaneously and shows the
necessity of religious participation in our efforts."
I was very struck by the Darwin Day comment about the need for "religious
participation".
Those of us with an atheistic outlook may be content to promote science as
a platform for atheism. This is perfectly acceptable in our culture, even
expected and welcomed. Casually reductionist "nothing buttery" asides are
common in TV science programmes for example, and inflame sensitivities to
which science communicators too often seem oblivious.
Ian Russell * [log in to unmask]
* Hands-on, minds-on, + hearts-on. *
* Exploratory, explanatory, emotive. *
** http://www.interactives.co.uk **
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