Unintelligent design (Introduction)

by dhw, Monday, November 07, 2011, 12:30 (4766 days ago) @ Abel

I pointed out to Abel that short of entering politics or the military, ordinary mortals like me can do little to exercise power.

You have quoted the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as examples of how words can change the world forever. Every one of these is a political document. But I’m not going to argue against the general thesis that words can change lives. The Bible, the Koran, Das Kapital, the works of Shakespeare might be better examples. Nor am I going to argue against your beautifully phrased homily on the subject of planting ideas. I will, however, very briefly argue against the image of myself as a gifted gardener, not only because my skills are confined to mowing the lawn whereas my wife is a fabulous planter of seeds and bulbs, but also because my figurative gardening is generally confined to explaining why I don’t believe or disbelieve. On the positive side, I can offer what seems to me a more balanced view of humanity than yours, and I would like to think that my approach encourages open-mindedness and tolerance, but it’s hardly original and I can offer little else with which to change the world!

Flattered though I am by the gardening image, I would much prefer it if you would respond directly to the various points I keep raising with regard to your history of gods and humans. On Saturday 5 November at 15.54 I wrote what I considered a fair summary, and asked you to correct any mistakes. I regard this as crucial to further discussions, because my account suggests inconsistencies and hugely problematical claims by yourself. Sorry if this sounds like badgering, but I have a penchant for clarity and coherence. I even try to mow the lawn in straight lines!