Posted on 08/11/2009 1:05:47 PM PDT by nickcarraway
The so-called New Atheists are attacking the mantra of science and faith being compatible. Others in the science community question the value of confrontation.
This fall, evolutionary biologist and bestselling author Richard Dawkins -- most recently famous for his public exhortation to atheism, "The God Delusion" -- returns to writing about science. Dawkins' new book, "The Greatest Show on Earth," will inform and regale us with the stunning "evidence for evolution," as the subtitle says. It will surely be an impressive display, as Dawkins excels at making the case for evolution. But it's also fair to ask: Who in the United States will read Dawkins' new book (or ones like it) and have any sort of epiphany, or change his or her mind?
Surely not those who need it most: America's anti-evolutionists. These religious adherents often view science itself as an assault on their faith and doggedly refuse to accept evolution because they fear it so utterly denies God that it will lead them, and their children, straight into a world of moral depravity and meaninglessness. An in-your-face atheist touting evolution, like Dawkins, is probably the last messenger they'll heed.
Dawkins will, however, be championed by many scientists, especially the most secular -- those who were galvanized by "The God Delusion" and inspired by it to take a newly confrontational approach toward America's religious majority. They will help ensure Dawkins another literary success. It's certainly valuable to have the case for evolution articulated prominently and often, but what this unending polarization around evolution and religion does for the standing of science in the U.S. is a very different matter.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
The "New Atheists" aren't science-oriented but driven by a religious view.
Most importantly, they don't love science but, rather, hate God.
You are commenting on the supposed aggression of science on Christianity. As an eastern Christian what you say is alien to me. You may as well be speaking Klingon. This is a Western Christian conflict of the mind and faith not found in the east.
And the Big Bang, since that was also discovered by a Catholic priest.
So if the theory of “evolution” is accurate then there can’t possibly be a God? Its having occurred represents proof positive that no God exists? Is there any chance at all,all you “new atheists”,that what you call “evolution” wasn’t random at all but,rather,under the control and guidance of God from start to finish? Any chance *at all*?
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