If I believe that scientists are correct and the world is millions of years old and that life has evolved and is continuing to evolve, why should it bother me that others believe differently? Is this viewpoint in someway detrimental to me as in individual or to society as a whole?
2006-07-13 14:56:03 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
An understanding of science is critical in a developed democracy.
2006-07-13 15:02:19 · answer #1 · answered by skeptic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Different viewpoints can affect behaviors; the different behavior of this person, shaped by their beliefs, may impact you, no matter what you believe.
On the whole, unless you observe an event, or have records from a reliable witness who observed the event, the best you can do is a scientific, wild-eyed guess based on the presently available evidence. Opinions are, when the final line is written, opinions--some are just better supported by fact than others. OF COURSE, it's often a matter of opinion which ones are better supported by facts!
Judge opinions by their effects on peoples' lives--not only on the life of the individuals that hold the opinion, but also on all of the individuals of societies that predominantly hold the opinion--unless you have hard science, like controlled experimentation, to build on.
2006-07-13 15:32:25 · answer #2 · answered by gandalf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It shouldn't matter what he thinks, and it shouldn't bother you that others believe differently. But it does matter and does bother because no one wants to be alone in their beliefs. Religion and science both serve the same purpose, to help us deal with the uncertainty of not knowing what this crazy world is all about, but inventing or discovering an explanation isn't enough, we all want the security of being agreed with by other people. Religious beliefs, unlike science-based ones, are pretty much set in stone, unalterable without throwing the whole facade of certainty and understanding to the wind. When you can't bend your beliefs you have to bend the world instead, which tends to cause trouble.
Mental inflexibility is always detrimental because it is bound to produce conflict, and in this respect we science-minded folk can be nearly as moronic as the religious fanatics, but we as a species ought to have flexed our minds beyond the belief in silly religious mythology ages ago.
2006-07-14 08:03:24 · answer #3 · answered by Rox 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As I understand it, the bible does not say the earth is 50,000 years old, Nor does it say the earth is 7,000 or 5,000 years old or any other age.
I admit, I may be wrong, but I what I understand is that some influential religious person went through the bible, added up what times were given, estimated for life spans and other things that weren't directly stated or given and came up with a figure of 6,000 years.
If somebody knows differently, please give me the book, chapter, and verse where it directly gives the age of the earth. Until then, don't bother me.
2006-07-13 18:05:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It most definitely affects society as a whole.
Christians compose a large majority of the voting population and their religious beliefs have a direct impact on nearly every facet of your life whether you realise it or not.
Christian beliefs are responsible for the debate concerning Intelligent Design being taught in public schools.
Christian beliefs are responsible for the debate concerning "...one nation, under God..." being taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance or not.
Christian beliefs have a strong influence on the debate over homosexual marriage.
You bet your *** it's detrimental.
Your tax dollars pay for these debates. Your tax dollars help pay for the local school. If you are gay your rights are being threatened.
You are absolutely correct that the beliefs of others shouldn't affect you- the sad reality though is that they do- even if only indirectly.
2006-07-13 15:13:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and, I believe that the Bible clearly teaches (and in fact does teach) that the Earth is no more than 7,000 years old. When God created Adam and Eve, did He not created them as two "mature" adults, although they were, in fact, only just created and only a "day' old on the day they were made...but "appeared" as full-grown "adults"? God can do ANTHING. And if God in the day He created the heavens and the earth, wanted to create a "mature" heavens and earth, He has the Power to do exactly as He wants and plans. And I believe that is what God did...but you can accept or reject ANY belief or view-point that you choose...THAT is your RIGHT, and one of the reasons why God gave you a "FREE-WILL".
2006-07-13 15:16:36 · answer #6 · answered by LARRY M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know somebody who thinks that holes are punched in the atmosphere during rocket launches and that all of the air we breath is getting sucked out into space.
He's a perfectly happy guy (except maybe a little worried about being able to breath sometime in the future.)
Neither his nor your influential Christian's belief changes the Truth of Christianity in any way, shape, or manner.
I get a chuckle out of both...and move on.
2006-07-13 15:04:43 · answer #7 · answered by 4999_Basque 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It matters only if he imposes his views upon others. Everyone has a right to express whatever s/he wants; however one cannot extend this same freedom to the situation in which anyone can teach whatever s/he believes, to anyone and everyone.
2006-07-13 15:01:07 · answer #8 · answered by kerangoumar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should only be worried because they want the schools and colleges to stop teaching you the truth. and only teach you the "Christian" theory. bigotted fools that they are.
2006-07-13 15:00:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a lot of stupidity in the world. If you don't ignore it, it will hurt you. Don't let it...
My definition of ignorance and stupidity, ignorance can be cured.
2006-07-13 15:02:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋