"Summarizing, the widespread prevalence of agnosticism in scientific circles is for a great part caused by the stupidity of many theists." -- Jan Willem Nienhuys
I was overjoyed to see this quote surfing the web today, because it is exactly what I was thinking this morning.
I’d go as far as to say that there is an unholy and unintenional alliance between atheists and fundamentalists, to sell us a big lie. The lie is that there are two competing world views –atheism, based on evolution, and Christianity, based on Creationism. It comes from the stupidity of fundamentalists who cannot conceive of a God outside their own narrow understanding of the holy texts. It comes from the stupidity of some atheist evolutionists who themselves cannot divorce the absence of God in an explanation of origins from the absence of God in reality in toto. Perhaps stupidity is too strong a word, but it is the one in the opening quote and it will have to do.
| "The lie is that there are two competing world views –atheism, based on evolution, and Christianity, based on Creationism." |
|---|
The Scientific Creationist hand contains lousy cards – we all know that. But it contains one picture card. One King of Trumps. And this is this lie.
Nothing turns the followers of the Creationists more passionately against evolution than the idea that it is the basis of atheism, and therefore inherently antithetical to Christianity. Nothing will more firmly entrench the Creationist rank and file in their positions than the idea that they are fighting not just for a literal approach to Scripture, but for their very religion itself.
Kent Hovind, that particular thorn in the side of rationality, consistantly refers to his opponents as 'Atheists' – well here's one that isn't. Look at his rationale on his home page:
Creation Science Evangelism exists to strengthen the faith of believers in Christ and to seriously challenge non-believers to reconsider their beliefs. Whether you would like to see how the wonders of science undeniably support the Bible, or if you would like to know whether or not science can credibly challenge your faith in evolution, CSE has something for you.
Two camps – the non-believers with their Evolution, and the 'believers in Christ' with Creationism.
Whilst this lie is perpetrated and generally believed, scientists can make little inroads into the multitude of believers who have swallowed it.
It is important that the scientific community does not reinforce this lie, and all too often atheist rebuttals of Creationist arguments, whilst excellent scientifically, have to go on to attack the non-science related Christian basis of the Creationist material. An example would be Buddika's 300 Creationist Lies Index. Please stop doing this – it actually strengthens the Creationists' position in the eyes of their followers.
And it is important that Christian believers who do not accept Creationism actively fight this lie. That's what the rest of this section is about.