Kent Hovind vs. a Molecular Biologist (The limitations of science)

by dhw, Tuesday, July 12, 2011, 22:23 (4884 days ago) @ Balance_Maintained

TONY: I do not think that I, or even implied, that those without religious views or who share views other than my own are incapable of profitable or productive action. What I said, specifically, was to "help focus your thoughts" in that direction. Some need more help than others.
 
I emphasized that my criticism was not directed at you personally. My point was that belief in a creator does not provide objective criteria for profitability, productivity or proper guidance, and I gave examples of believers who in my view chase "misguided ideals", to use your own phrase.-TONY: If you get away from the religious organizations, and focus mainly on the core teachings of the major world religions, they are all designed to teach moderation, self-restraint, discipline, compassion, and wisdom.
 
"Mainly on the core teachings" is a splendid piece of channelling. Three of the major world religions ... Judaism, Christianity and Islam ... are based on man-made texts, and these contain material which has led to what some of us would regard as appalling acts of bigotry, inhumanity, persecution and terrorism. I am not, however, denying that these religions also have their compassionate side. I simply object to the assumption that belief in a creator helps to focus our thoughts on "profitable and productive action instead of wasting it chasing misguided ideals". Personally, I would regard humanism as a far more reliable guide, as I have never yet heard of humanists indulging in the inhumane acts listed above.-TONY: That does not mean to imply that they do not contain their fair share of brutality, but even that serves the purpose of teaching that even our destructive nature has a purpose, and should not be shut away and punished like the bad kid at school. -I'd appreciate a little more detail here. I can't believe that you are defending religious bigotry, persecution and terrorism, but I can see no other way of interpreting this.-TONY: If we judge faith by those that lay claim to it, then should we judge all humans by the relatively few sociopaths that lay claim to being human?-I am not judging faith. I am pointing out that faith in a creator does not provide objective criteria...see above.