Would you tell a nuclear physicist that he didn't know anything about physics?

Question

I very much doubt it. So how realistic is it to believe that biologists are completely ignorant about biology-they use the same methodology as every other scientist. Creationists say they're all liars-or at least the 99% who believe evolution is a fact- so what I want to know is why hundreds of thousands of professional scientists are lying. Or are they perhaps deluded and stupid? Is it not about time creationists dispensed with this absurd viewpoint? Theologists have no valid views on science that should be given more credence than professional scientists so if 99% of biologists say evolution happens then it does and only fools would challenge that.

Josh,
Im glad you mentioned Behe-he's a biochemist with no qualification in biology and he has never presented his views to any scientific institution. What are your views on his statement in Darwin's Black box that, in a small way Darwin has triumphed. Do you concur with his belief in the triumph of Darwinism-I do.

Answer 1

I have yet to see a single "argument" from creationists or IDists that passes scientific muster. Many of the anti-evolution posts you see here (and hear in everyday life) are arguments that were first brought up back in Darwin's time, and have long ago been proven false, yet they continue to be used over and over again. It's really just ignorance, the people using them are completely ignorant of science, its methods, and its progress in the last 150 years. They'd rather listen to some pastor tell them a lie about biology than find out the truth for themselves.

What's really sad about that is that I don't think faith and science are mutually exclusive. You can use reason and logic to keep up with scientific advances and still have a faith in god if it comforts you and makes you happy. Does learning about real science lead to the conclusion that every single word in the bible isn't literal truth? Of course it does -- but jesus many times used stories to illustrate morals and make a point, I don't see why realizing that the old testament is also full of such "moral stories with a point" rather than literal fact is such a threat to a belief in god. If you believe god did indeed give you a brain capable of reason, it should be a sin not to use it.

Answer 2

Well said. I was musing on this the other day, it seems that American (and it is overwhelmingly American) Christians feel so threatened by knowledge that contradicts a 2,000 year old book that they have to resort to intellectual dishonesty.

Not only that but they are blind to the damage this causes when interacting with the wider world, who takes them seriously after this?

Edit:

A bit more. And when I talk about damage in the wider world I don't just mean Christians vs the rest, I also mean the view people form of the USA. If the president and many of his advisors have to suck up to these people and even seem to share their views it means that the USA cannot be a serious partner in many important ventures that involve a 'reality' based view of the world.

Answer 3

seems such as you're in severe college, now not college. in case you desire to learn nuclear physics, you will choose a PhD, and you do now not start to specialize particularly fields - like nuclear, astrophysics, condensed remember, or optics - till ultimately you get to graduate college. anybody takes an comparable undergraduate physics classes, and nuclear physics may well be an non-needed you'll be able to take - yet in many situations no better advantageous than one direction on the undergraduate element. and you will learn physics exceptionally a lot everywhere.

Answer 4

Michael Behe

Answer 5

I would say it is ok to question and even challenge science, it keeps it honest. But you had better have a damn good arguement and definately one better than "thats not what my bible says"

Answer 6

Well Andy, since you seem to know all the answers, we can just come to you.