coming late into this debate I fully support ian's call for sensitivity to
those of a non scientific background. The intelligent non scientific public
has heard scientists pronounce with certainty on BSE, FME, MMR and then
heard conflicting scientific opinion.
Creationism has no place as a science and I must always defend biological
facts. But I can't go along with defending my science, right or wrong. I
prefer the old sixties adage "I defend my science when it is right, and when
it's wrong, put it right."
barbara
Barbara Wood-Kaczmar
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tel/fax 01279 724371
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ian Russell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2002 2:42 PM
Subject: Re: More on Darwin losing the battle in Middlesbrough
> Science also needs to understand the public.
>
> I think, as science communicators to the whole spectrum of the public, we
> must deliberately and carefully AVOID endorsing the feeling that "militant
> creationism" is an issue of science versus faith. The real conflict is
> understanding and communication versus polarisation and entrenchment.
>
> Good or bad, faith isn't going away any time soon. Meanwhile, any science
> communication initiatives seen to occupy an entrenched position against
> faith just increase trench-digging in the enemy lines.
>
> Reconciliation only seems likely where the boundaries of science and faith
> are respected. The opponents are those who respect the boundaries and
those
> who do not.
>
> Despite their differences, militant creationism and anti-faith
> Richard-Dawkins-ism appear similarly restrictive in their effective target
> audience and equally committed to the prejudice that mainstream science
and
> faith are irreconcilable. Ironically therefore, viewed from where I stand,
> they are fighting on the same side, sharing the same trench...
>
> The 'conflict' between the fundamental realities of Religion and the
> established facts of Science, is seen to be unreal as soon as Religion and
> Science each recognises the true borders of its dominion.
> Rabbi J.H.Hertz
>
> I see no good reason why the views given in this volume should shock the
> religious feelings of anyone.
> Charles Darwin (The Origin of Species)
>
> I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with
> sense, reason and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.
> Galileo Galilei 1564-1642
>
> We must be on our guard against giving interpretations that are hazardous
> or opposed to science, and so exposing the Word of God to the ridicule of
> unbelievers.
> Saint Augustine of Hippo AD 354-430 (Genesis in the Literal Sense)
>
> Ian Russell * [log in to unmask]
> * Hands-on, minds-on, + hearts-on. *
> * Exploratory, explanatory, emotive. *
> ** http://www.interactives.co.uk **
>
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