Hi James M. Clark Professor of Psychology 204-786-9757 204-774-4134 Fax j.cl...@uwinnipeg.ca Department of Psychology University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9 CANADA
>>> Michael Smith <tipsl...@gmail.com> 13-Sep-09 12:07 PM >>> Besides, I think if the Creation/Evolution thing is hugely divisive in America perhaps a lot of the blame lies in the "new aethiest camp". If the issue was approached with a bit of humility, and real concern over people and their beliefs then perhaps it wouldn't be so divisive (if it actually is). Anyone who thinks the Atheists started the war needs to look at Answers in Genesis and like websites. See in particular some of their so-called educational material, such as the slide showing Evolution as being responsible for all manner of social ills. Slide is at http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/overheads/pages/oh20010316_2.asp This is described as "The Problem," for which AIG provides the solution (Christianity). Elements of the problem include homosexuality, abortion, and other faith-based causes. In other words, evolution has long been under attack from well-funded and influential sources. These same kind of arguments have surfaced in recent years in Turkey in the writings of Harun Yahya. See http://us2.harunyahya.com/Detail/T/EDCRFV/productId/9543/ONLY_TURKEY_CAN_RESCUE_THE_EUROPEAN_UNION_(EU)_FROM_THE_SWAMP_OF_MATERIALISM where evolution is blamed for materialism, communism, and terrorism. (Not to worry ... Turkey is going to rescue Europe from the swamp of materialism). As in the USA, substantial funding is behind these efforts (e.g., a volume titled "The Evolution Deceit" was circulated freely in Turkey, another volume titled "The Atlas of Creation" is purported to be widely available). Perhaps this is my week to disagree with people's view of history, but I believe the "new atheists" arose BECAUSE these attacks continued unabated despite decades of politeness and attempts to educate people (i.e., disabuse them of the numerous falsities available at sites like AIG). When another group literally hates your worldview and will do anything (scrupulous or not) to undermine that view, then I believe advocates for evolution came to realize that the time for humility and politeness may have passed ... indeed it may have passed decades ago. Take care Jim --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly (bsouthe...@frostburg.edu)
