Did Scientists Create Christian Fundamentalism?

[prisonchaplain]

In this interesting article the author suggests that scientists created Christian Fundamentalism (indirectly, mind you) as a means of promoting the profession of science. He says that prior to the 19th century science was a hobby, mostly practiced by the rich and by clergy. By pitting modern wisom against religion it was hoped that full-time professional positions would be created for "scientists." These would become the "priests" of modernity. Since the schism was created to bolster science as a profession, it is understandable, though lamentable, that science personalities, like Bill Nye, end up debating the likes of Ken Ham (Young Earth Creationists) rather than any number of more reputable scientists, who might promote the idea of a Creator.

The Nye-Ham debates, or why fundamentalism exists

Thoughts?

[Quin]

History of the Royal Society | Royal Society

I've ended up studying about these guys ^^^ & Wren in several different classes (science, history, literature, & sociology), as they're pretty pivotal across several fields.

So reading yours makes for an interesting tie-in.

Q

[Windseeker]

I think it would have been much more interesting to see Bill Nye debate someone like Stephen C. Meyer or Thomas Nagel. Intelligent design which bridges science and religion and also reveals the gaping holes in currently scientific theories (Neo-Darwinism) would have made a more interesting debate.

The deck was stacked. It would have been like pitting Al Gore against an actual scientist or Bill Maher against a David Berlinski.

Thanks for sharing the article.

[Guest]

/begin thread hijack.

My favorite ride in Epcot is Bill Nye and Ellen Degeneres' Energy ride.

/end thread hijack.

[Windseeker]

You might find this study interesting.

Misconceptions of science and religion found in new study

“We found that nearly 50 percent of evangelicals believe that science and religion can work together and support one another,” Ecklund said. “That’s in contrast to the fact that only 38 percent of Americans feel that science and religion can work in collaboration.”

[FunkyTown]

Well... Bill Nye isn't really a scientist, either. It was basically two laymen arguing something.

And Bill Nye is the Science Guy - He's built his career out of simplifying things for kids. He's simply a better showman. That makes him pretty darn good at this sort of thing.

[prisonchaplain]

FunkyTown...good point. In fact the most anti-Creationist anti-Intelligent Design folks are not the university academics--but the high school science teacher groups. I understand the reluctance of scientists to engage folk that insist science comport to particular biblical interpretations. On the other hand, when they use a broad brush to dismiss anything that remotely hints at some kind of higher power, they prove themselves to also be ideology-driven manipulators of science.

[andypg]

/begin thread hijack.

My favorite ride in Epcot is Bill Nye and Ellen Degeneres' Energy ride.

/end thread hijack.

I love that ride...up until I sit down and realize I'm trapped for an hour and a half.