Deep Thoughts: By Bugwitch

There’s been a lot of talk tonight about the “debate” between Bill Nye and Ken Ham.  Some attempt to be the placating middle man by saying both raised valid points and we should all just learn to get along.  Sorry, but the stated topic of the debate, “Is creation a viable model of origins in today’s modern, scientific era?” has a very simple answer; at least in regard to how Ham views creationism.  Nye was very good about qualifying his statements by saying “Ken’s creation model” or similar because he knows that Ham doesn’t represent all creationists.  If you are one of those who thinks similarly to Ham, that humans and dinosaurs coexisted and the planet is only around 10,000 years old with all modern live springing from the 7000 “kinds” which were on the ark 4000 years ago then NO, your model does not fit with a modern scientific era.

Not all creationists believe the same as Ham.  There are even a select few out there who would accept evolution in the same manner as modern scientists only with the added notion that God gave it a push in the beginning and then everything took off from there.  I say select few because this is not the same thing as Intelligent Design.  ID lies somewhere closer to Ham’s notion, only with a little more leeway for actual science.  The acceptance of evolution and natural selection does not preclude one from believing in a deity.  It should preclude you from a fundamentalist interpretation of whatever belief system you have.  “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution” are some pretty famous words spoken by a devout Catholic scientist.

I have absolutely NO problem with theology being taught in schools, public or private.  However they should be taught in the context of a theology class, not a science class.  Theology is a very fascinating field and happens to be one of my favorites.  But it does not belong in a science classroom.  Period.

Some parting thoughts regarding those who think like Ham I’ll put it simply for you: To believe the Earth is only a few thousand years old is to deny every branch of science. You must deny and reject all of the scientific understandings and advancements based on clear and objective observation, experimentation, and analysis. Therefore you can no longer accept the treatment recommendations made by your doctor; nor undergo surgery for any medical condition. All of these things are based on reasoning which you find invalid.