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Post by alwimo on Sept 26, 2009 2:10:14 GMT -5
Also, I swear I made my Username with a capital letter. Does the forum do things? You're correct. To change it back to that: click on your name when you're signed in, click on "Modify Profile", then change your display name. |
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Post by DeadpanDoubter on Sept 26, 2009 22:40:26 GMT -5
She thinks it is too far-fetched that animals and people can come about by natural selection. I briefly asked what she thought about the cheetahs/antelope (Only fast cheetahs/antelope survive, survival of the fittest) and she believes in that, but not the gradual change over time that results in new species and that.This is my dad. He accepts adaptation readily, but insists that no matter how many different adaptations a species takes on, those bacteria, ivies, or humans will ALWAYS REMAIN that species of bacteria, ivy, or human. He was a straight A student, too, despite being drugged and drunk out of his skull most of his late high school career. ...okay, yeah, no jokes plz. |
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Post by johninoz on Sept 27, 2009 10:30:01 GMT -5
Sometimes they can learn.
It's hard to remember that logic, rationality and reason are learned skills, particularly when we've internalised them to the point we use them automatically. But keeping this fact in mind helps reconcile us to the fact that other people are not using these skills. It can be particularly hard when they use the language of reason, without the processes.
(Yeah, some such abuses are exceptions to the rule- I loved 'logically we conclude there must be life after death')
Lacking logic and having been taught false premises, it's not surprising they make sad errors.
The best solution is to teach them the skills of rational thought. This can be difficult because religion opposes thoughtcrime. (Google the definition of 'crimestop' from 'Big Brother'. You'll love it.)
The best way around that is to demonstrate the folly of various irrationalities as displayed by OTHER religions/political parties/economic theories etc. that they already oppose. Pointing out the infallibility the Muslims ascribe to their holy book because the book says it is, is a good way to gently lead up to the fact the Bible has no better support either, etc.
And of course, we must always keep in mind the fact that if an intelligent person proposes something we think is wrong, we must consider that we might be the mistaken one. Generally, people with that humility aren't in the wrong. That way we set a good example to others.
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Post by Old Viking on Sept 27, 2009 15:51:06 GMT -5
The argument from incredulity is always impressive.
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Post by Elly on Oct 8, 2009 12:56:46 GMT -5
What about tetrapods? All species who have five digits on each limb, with similar bone makeup, along with eyes and mouth and nose arranged similarly on the face. It fascinated me so much when I realized this basic similarity among us backbone animals.
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Post by Barnox on Oct 24, 2009 11:30:11 GMT -5
What about tetrapods? All species who have five digits on each limb, with similar bone makeup, along with eyes and mouth and nose arranged similarly on the face. It fascinated me so much when I realized this basic similarity among us backbone animals. A lazy intelligent designer, repeating the same structures? Anyway, the JW has a good family life. She's close to her family. I suppose that's a good thing religion brings. Anyway, down town, in good old England, my younger (early teens, as opposed to my mid-teens) sister was approached by an evangelical. Giving out pamphlets, she asked my sister if she prayed and attended church, and if she did not they she was going to burn in hell. Apparently this woman kicked her drug addiction and got her life back on track with the power of Christ. And I'm told she spoke slowly, as as though she was not all there. Sorry if that was off topic, but religion as a whole just seems surreal to me. |
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