I usually avoid all communication with a person when I learn they are a Creationist. I went through a phase of talking with them thinking I could learn from them and they could learn from me but have since learned people whose world view is based on religious fundamentalism have too much resistance for a change of mind and are in most cases unwilling to have a change of mind.
I've always stated if there was evidence for their side I would love to see it, unfortunately, 100% of the time it has been junk science and not real science.
Just wondering how other Evolutionists approach these issues, are you friends with Creationists, and how do you deal with the religious fundamentalist world view that has an unwillingness to accept evidences for a world view contrary to their own.
2006-10-11 04:34:13 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is easy for me to get along with most people. I just avoid whatever topic I don't agree with them about, and keep my opinions to myself. It's nice to have this forum so I can talk openly and share my views with like-minds and we can have fun learning from eachother. Otherwise, I would feel stagnate and devoid of this type of friendship and fun.
2006-10-11 05:26:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I grew up fundamentalist. My parents took me to a ton of Creationist conferences (Ken Ham, etc) and made me watch a bunch of creationist documentaries.
I am not a Creationist anymore. Not everyone with a fundamentalist background is resistant. Growing up, I found a lot of atheists just as resistant. I still believein God, but I don't believe in a 6 day Creationist view anymore and I am definitely not a fundamentalist anymore. So some people DO listen and may even modify their beliefs, at least a little. You would be surprised at how far I have come. I was on the extremist fundamental side. Now I am very middle of the road, if not a bit more on the liberal side.
Three things about fundamentalism and why it is impossible to argue:
1. Persecution
2. Devil disguises many things
3. You just have to have faith.
4. If you get defensive in your beliefs, then you are feeling guilty/convicted.
These are my observations, but even I at the extreme side modified my beliefs a lot. So some people will change their beliefs. Most people, Christian, atheist or whatever, will still believe what they want to, even if the evidence is contradictory.
And if you are trying to learn from them, why do you have to convince them that you are right? Just let them present their viewpoint and then when you walk away, you can roll your eyes at them and be all the more set in your beliefs.
2006-10-11 04:44:14 · answer #2 · answered by mountain_laurel1183 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I really don't get why this issue seems to run your life. I am a Christian, and I believe the Bible to be true so, by default, I am a Creationist. However, in my heart of hearts I really believe there is an undiscovered link between the two competing theories. I'm no scientist. I believe the dinosaurs existed and the evidence for all the other man-like species, etc. , but I'm no expert on it. I really don't care that much about it. The only place I ever even discuss creation vs. evolution is here in R&S. The answer to this debate doesn't effect my daily life one bit.
I've been friends with people of many different belief systems. I try to be open and accepting of everyone, regardless of what they believe.
2006-10-11 04:56:36 · answer #3 · answered by Char 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I find it very easy,
when you'll take all the steps of your path to "trouth", you'll see that even these 2 very different approaches can be close enough to join to 1 ! but that's philosophy...
As a rationalist, raised on science's lap, I had the difficulties you tell about, but dropped them on the way, when I met people and read articles written by religious scientist.
In Israel (where I live) there's a large number of great scientist who are very conservative Jews (some even got world recognition and Nobel prizes). The first question asked on any interview would be exactly on that matter. something like "how can you be a great scientist and yet be a great believer of the bible with it's creationist ideas?"
Yeshayahu Leibowitz, is the greatest example of our era for such a person.
you can see for yourself, and try the links to read more of his philosophical ideas:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeshayahu_Leibowitz
2006-10-11 04:51:09 · answer #4 · answered by Shiyeh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always fond that the god created it all crowd finds the issue a lot more important than me. I have a lot of friends hwo believe silly things but I am still their friend. I will even go to folks chruches if they want because they usually take me to lunch afterwards and I can't always make it through the month on my paycheck now that I am back in school. But I always let them know up front that I don't believe what they believe. I don't want to be deceitful. I just like to hang with folks and I don't mind churches. They are mainly nice folks even if a bit silly.
2006-10-11 04:42:40 · answer #5 · answered by Twoflowers 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Evolutionists depend on evidence while creationists depend on faith. Sometimes one is as good as the other.
But religion/race should not affect friendship. In fact, it is a much better idea to have a friend who is different so you can open your eyes and your mind. Even if you dont believe in what your friend believes in, at least take the time to learn their differences so you can better understand your own.
2006-10-11 04:42:40 · answer #6 · answered by Mr.Moo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I have a unique religion... A mix between Agno Christion and a few others
but I do believe in most things Christians do.....
And I am open minded to everyone else's ideas, and Spirituality. It's always good to be open minded....... But when you know your perpective is right and you try to share your views, it can be frustrating....
So it doesn't matter what view anyone else has if they are someone that you would like otherwise.
Best Wishes!
2006-10-11 04:39:08 · answer #7 · answered by Stacy M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Creationist point of view
sorry to jump in on the oposing view point.
I am a biochemist, my workplace is about
25% creationist
25% evolutionist
50 % don't care, not worth the effort to take a stand either way, means nothing in thier lives
We all get along, just don't try to push each others buttons, unless everyone knows it is in jest.
2006-10-11 04:40:24 · answer #8 · answered by Slave to JC 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am an evolutionist. When I encounter someone who disagrees, I stay away from that subject. We can still be friends though we know where each other stands. I'd hate to give up a nice friendship over a difference of opinion because there will always a differences of opinions.
2006-10-11 04:36:57 · answer #9 · answered by farahwonderland2005 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't care at all what anyone believes. I accept and respect the opinions and views of everyone I know. As long as they are not trying to convert me, what does it matter? I am the only atheist in my family. My parents are pentecostal and my husband is a theist. It changes nothing in any of our lives, why should it?
It never even comes up in conversation. We just agree to disagree and that's that.
2006-10-11 05:12:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋