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Christianity

Entry 25, on 2004-08-21 at 14:08:00 (Rating 3, Religion)

I have been thinking about a discussion I had recently with a person who was fairly committed to Christianity. We were just debating the merits of evolution and creationism. Naturally, I was supporting evolution.

It is remarkably difficult to support a scientific point of view if the other person is unprepared to accept the basic methods of science. They will often say that the scientific method is just a way for science to reinforce its own beliefs and that method has no natural validity, at least no more than alternative ways of thinking, such as Christian faith.

I don't accept this. I think scientific method is not just a technique science has invented to support itself. I think it is a naturally valid method of finding out the truth. Science says: formulate a hypothesis, test it, modify it where it is found to be wrong. Religion says: this is what we believe, faith (which is just blindly believing something without questioning it) is a good thing. Well, I don't think faith is a good thing - its just another word for unthinking acceptance.

Comment 2 (450) by OJB on 2007-03-14 at 08:12:35: (view earlier comments)

I keep hearing this from Christians. They want to have eternal life so they believe their myths are true. Well just because something makes you feel better doesn't make it true. You can continue to believe your convenient fairy story if you want, but don't expect me to believe its real.

Science is not about faith. Its about continually testing and challenging accepted theories. Faith has nothing to do with it. That's another common creationist false belief. And feelings just aren't reliable, I'm afraid. Believe whatever you like because it feels right, but don't believe its true!

Comment 3 (459) by godlovesme77 on 2007-03-16 at 04:52:19:

It sounds like you think thte Christian life is all fairy tales and happiness (whether it's true or not) and that we never have any struggles. Is that what you think? Well if it is, you're wrong. We have struggles like you wouldn't believe. THe beautiful thing though is that God helps us through them, with Him backing us up 100%. We're not stupid, we know what we're talking about. This is NOT MADE UP.

Comment 4 (462) by OJB on 2007-03-16 at 07:54:14:

No. Its a fairy tale but not necessarily happiness, although I'm sure its a convenient fantasy which makes some people happier. I really don't know if you're stupid or not. More likely ignorant and close-minded, which isn't really the same thing.

Comment 5 (477) by Anonymous on 2007-03-17 at 04:59:45:

Some people may think YOU are close minded. Christianity is NOT made up. Its NOT a fairy tale. Its the complete and total truth! On entry twenty five you said you NATURALLY chose evolution. Are you saying christians and their faith are not natural?

Comment 6 (479) by OJB on 2007-03-17 at 07:30:29:

I'm sure they do, but I've made my position really clear. Show me the evidence, and I will believe what you say. That doesn't seem unreasonable, does it?

I said "naturally" because being a logical, scientific person, that was the only choice I had. I'm not saying Christianity isn't natural. One of the basic tenets of science is that everything is natural!

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