Views of Evolution Depend on Knowledge

[OldWiseGuy]

You probably shouldn't look for science to solve spiritual problems.

I don't.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Here's something to think about: upon scientifically studying the world we find out that gay people feel gay from their earliest memories (hence it's not some sick "choice" they decide to make because it's so evil and fun). Upon scientifically studying the world we find that homosexuality occurs in nature, not just humans.

So is homosexuality immoral?

Many homosexuals believe it to be immoral, and therefore never act on it.

My ex brother-in-law was (and still is) a sociopath from his earliest age (according to his parents). Being a sociopath isn't by itself immoral. It's what sociopath's do that is immoral.

That said I believe there is a reason why some people are 'born' with certain abnormalities. My ex brother-in-law was raised in a cold, unloving, dysfunctional family. His mother was also an alcoholic. He may have passed some of his own 'dysfunction' on to his sons, one of whom is gay (who besides being gay is a pretty screwed up person). But he's my nephew and I love him anyway.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

You probably shouldn't look for science to solve spiritual problems. Unless it is when science shows some rather more pedestrian, chemical reasons for some "spiritual" problems. At that point science can step in and do the heavy lifting. Say things like certain mental diseases.

They should do that; address the chemical imbalances in the brain that are the 'cause' of all our problems.

 

[theQuincunx5]

I know nothing about these.

Why not? Aren't you interested in finding the most effective means of teaching people how to avoid doing bad things and how to do good things?

If you want to tell us how morality is best provided through religion you surely MUST KNOW ABOUT MANY OTHER RELIGIONS. Or are you just saying morality is provided by your religion without any care about comparison or understanding of what other religions teach?

 

[pitabread]

Who would conduct such empirical studies (the fox is already busy guarding the henhouse).

Empirical studies on society and social behaviors are conducted by whoever wants to conduct them. Usually by people employed to do just that.

The question is can science solve mankind's spiritual problems. I don't think so.

That's not what you said earlier. You specifically said, "The knowledge of God is far more valuable to mankind than the ToE.".

You still haven't explained how that is so, nor offered up any evidence to support that claim.

 

[pitabread]

Complex = crafty.
The cure-all for all this crafty, evil thinking is "Just say No". Simple.

Once again you are speaking in vague generalities.

 

[Warden_of_the_Storm]

And to the extent that they contribute to peace and goodwill they are to be lauded.

Lauded? For just being nice? Good lord, but that's kind of sad.

 

[Warden_of_the_Storm]

All problems that can be traced to immorality; either doing what you shouldn't do, or not doing what you should do.

And those are the fault of science, how?

 

[juvenissun]

I asked "what is the practical difference".
Care to try again?

What I said is practical. If you are talking about action, then:

When your knowledge hit wall, then look at faith.

 

[Warden_of_the_Storm]

What I said is practical. If you are talking about action, then:

When your knowledge hit wall, then look at faith.

That is not practical at all.

 

[tas8831]

Kids aren't encouraged to think or question until they get to college, and even then if they irk their professors it will show up in their grades. You don't buck authority.

In Christian schools, this is clearly the norm. But not in college, at least none that I have gone to. And even if it does happen the way you fantasize, there are mechanisms by which students can challenge grades. Certain segments of Christian society clearly does not like education, and for pretty obvious reasons.

Education is meant more to civilize and socialize kids than educate them. I wonder why that is?

Probably because you know as much about education as you do about the nervous system?

 

[pitabread]

Education is meant more to civilize and socialize kids than educate them. I wonder why that is?

Socialization is part of the schooling experience; arguably moreso from a younger age. As one moves up (e.g. middle school and beyond) it seems to be more about knowledge transfer and preparation for later education or vocational choices. At least that was my experience. I suppose depending on where and when you went to school, you may have had a different experience.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Why not? Aren't you interested in finding the most effective means of teaching people how to avoid doing bad things and how to do good things?

If you want to tell us how morality is best provided through religion you surely MUST KNOW ABOUT MANY OTHER RELIGIONS. Or are you just saying morality is provided by your religion without any care about comparison or understanding of what other religions teach?

God has revealed himself to the west through Jesus Christ and subsequently Christianity.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Empirical studies on society and social behaviors are conducted by whoever wants to conduct them. Usually by people employed to do just that.

No need for a paid study. Observation will suffice. I rarely need a paid professional to tell me what I see with my own eyes.

That's not what you said earlier. You specifically said, "The knowledge of God is far more valuable to mankind than the ToE.".

One is a statement, the other a question, albeit a rhetorical one.

You still haven't explained how that is so, nor offered up any evidence to support that claim.

Why try to explain the obvious? Some subjects don't require a formal study.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Once again you are speaking in vague generalities.

"Just say No" means exercise some self control over your passions.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Lauded? For just being nice? Good lord, but that's kind of sad.

It's more than just being nice. It's being good.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

And those are the fault of science, how?

Science often sucks all the air out of the room.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Socialization is part of the schooling experience; arguably moreso from a younger age. As one moves up (e.g. middle school and beyond) it seems to be more about knowledge transfer and preparation for later education or vocational choices. At least that was my experience. I suppose depending on where and when you went to school, you may have had a different experience.

School shootings (as well as rape, bullying, theft, even violence against teachers) are happening from coast to coast and north to south. Apparently the 'socialization' process is breaking down.

 

[Warden_of_the_Storm]

It's more than just being nice. It's being good.

Nice is a synonym of good.

 

[Warden_of_the_Storm]

Science often sucks all the air out of the room.

Now I'll admit, Neil deGrasse Tyson's tweets are annoying as all heck. But I know that he does not speak for all scientists.
But on a less humorous note, so do overtly religious people.