[Conservative Texan Mom]

Why do you think religion will lead back to the dark ages? There may be some on these threads that want to deny science. I think others embrace it, but view it differently. As to the case for a creator, designer, director, planner, overseer, CEO, boss man, builder, source of intelligence, engineer, or whatever name one may choose, those who believe in that don't argue for not accepting science, they argue for the possibility that there was a creator of science, and the nature that it uncovers. I think they are just fighting for open mindedness concerning the evidence. It may very well all point to evolution. Or, it may fit the theory because we are viewing it with that intention. Just a thought there.

As to my attempt at inductive reasoning earlier, it was not my opinion. I stated nothing in it that I did not find from a "secular" science website. That is why I posted the links. But, I was mostly responding to the challenge that it could not be done.

I am very careful about arguing only with opinion. If I express my opinion on these threads, It is generally making note of an observation, and not an attempt to debate. I also usually include a statement to the fact that it is an opinion, or a thought, and is supported by no research. It is merely something to think about. I did this in the above paragraph, as you will note.

[jec41]

Why do you think religion will lead back to the dark ages? There may be some on these threads that want to deny science. I think others embrace it, but view it differently

One observation might be that those countries where religion has suppressed science they remain poor. The US has been the exception but we are a maturing countries. If you are old enough to remember the differences of science and religious were of little concern until the late 70's. Since then with TV and the growth of fundamentalism science has been attacked. Many would discredit it in the schools and restrict knowledge. The number of students studying science has dropped and our world standing of high school performance in math and science has dropped from number one to 24 out of the top 25 countries in the world. We graduate but 70 thousand PH D's in math and science a year and more than half seek opportunity in other countries.

China graduates 500 thousand a year and India another 300 thousand. Our students rank first in high esteem and are taught that their faith and belief and opinion is the most important thing. Look at the Muslims, for centuries they suppressed science, allowed no new knowledge, think themselves superior, and allow no other beliefs than their own. They have high esteem but live in a decayed society and a IQ mean of 89. the US mean IQ has decreased from 100 to 97 in the last 25-30 years.

There is a hard core movement to establish a religion of state in the US and it has had some success. A republic or democracy is still a relative new thing considering history. Before the early middle ages most Monarchies had a religion of state and the progress of science was restricted. Nothing could be taught without the approval of religion and any opposing could be put to death. Religion does not seek new knowledge, it seeks to protect it's philosophy of faith and belief with little or no change. Science is always a threat because a increase in knowledge forces changes in faith and belief. More change has been forced on religion in the last 400 years than in all the years before that is of our history. Thoughts of cars, planes, going to the moon, TVs, radios, bathing suits and numerous other things would have made one a heretic and eligible for the death penalty. Thats it for now.