me

 

 

atheist....

 

christianity threatened by evolution

This article by Paula Kirby says it perfectly. What she writes describes succinctly how I changed my mind about evolution and creationism. I read and listened to both of the books she mentions later in the article that were written by Dawkins and Coyne. These are two excellent books for a "layperson" to read who really wants to know about evolution. I never gave myself a chance to understand the theory of evolution during my days of religiosity. The word in those circles was that evolution was "evil" and creationism was reality. Now I see this as totally opposite.

Back in the day, I "believed by faith" what was taught in Christian circles. Belief requires no proof. I can no longer live using this mindset. (Too much faith gone bad I suppose.) The theory of evolution is backed up by proof. It is a scientific theory much like the theory of gravity or the theory of thermodynamics. The reason Gov. Perry says that it has "gaps" is because it does. Even though Perry meant it as a disparaging remark, I don't see it that way. Gaps are part of the scientific process. Scientific gaps do not beg to be filled-in with gods however. Scientists fill in gaps. That's what they do.

Since the theory was first introduced by Charles Darwin 150 years ago, the gaps have gotten smaller and smaller. They're being filled in over time by science. Religion attempts to fill in the gaps with an invisible unprovable god. This is the reason why creationism should not be taught in our schools as a science subject. Teach it in church if you must, but not in school.

Read or listen to one or both of the books...  The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins or Why Evolution is True by Jerry Coyne. They changed my outlook completely. You do have to read with an open mind desiring to learn something new though. A closed mind never sees what it doesn't want to see.

10 commandments for the 21st century

1. Treat others as you would reasonably want and expect to be treated if your roles were reversed.

2. Never bear false witness to the young and incredulous.

3. Do not pass on traditional myths, manipulations, and superstitions as being cultural heritage.

4. Never imply to the young or naïve that you know what you do not know. They will respect you much longer.

5. Admit that in nature there are no mysteries, just temporary ignorance of natural facts.

6. Study and work with discipline to learn and then teach the great, beautiful, amazing scientific facts of nature.

7. Enjoy helping the younger generation excel beyond their ancestors as they stand on your reliable shoulders.

8. Do not be afraid of the truth learned in gentle, consistent, rational discipline. It will make you and your students responsibly free.

9. Teach your youngsters to use every available scientific tool to appreciate all of the real world.

10. When you offer your shoulders for your youngsters to stand on, be very careful not to face backwards toward the darkness of the superstitious past but rather forward toward the light of their future.

“These 10 simple guidelines can help you make our world better for having lived in it. Enjoy this life deeply.” Stephen F. Uhl, Ph.D.