Originally posted by cjbaldw:
Persons who do know share scientific naturalists a priori commitment to naturalism are wise to think that the reigning theory is not merely incomplete, but quite inconsistent with the empirical evidence in existence. The analysis and the questions surrounding the origins of life cannot be left to the sole determination of a class of experts, because important questions surrounding religion, philosophy, and cultural power are at stake. Naturalistic evolution is not merely a scientific theory, it is the official creation story of modern culture. The scientific priesthood that has authority to interpret the official creation story gains immense cultural influence thereby, which it might lose if the story were called into question at the most basic levels. The experts therefore have a vested interest in protecting the story (just as those in the religious circles do), and in imposing rules of reasoning that make it invulnerable. When we decide to critically ask, "Is the theory (of evolution) true?" we should not be satisfied with the answer, "It is good science, as we define science." We are really struggling with the basic definitions of science in regard to evolution, and if you look far enough under the covers, you won't like what you see.



cjbaldw, your post is a perfect example of how the religious right approaches this topic. It is a political issue pure and simple. All this mumbo jumbo about scientific priesthoods and cultural influence and some kind of implied conspiracy in the scientific communityâ?¦all of it is the fabrication of the religious right and all of it is basically crap.

Scientists do not see evolution in those terms. Scientists see evolution as simply the best internally consistent explanation for the richness of life that we see on this planet.

Youâ??re right that the scientific community does have an immense cultural influence on society. It gained and maintains that influence by faithfully applying the scientific method and the incredible benefits that it brings to our society. There is nothing mysterious or hidden about science â??? it is totally open and available to anyone with a willingness to learn.

In any event, the real issue here is not science, or the definition of science or anything along that line. The real issue is the threat to the churchâ??s power and influence posed by a method of describing the world that basically says, â??question everything.â? How dare scientists explore the nature and origin of life! â??? these are topics that only the priesthood has the right to address. This is too important a topic to be explored outside of religion, and besides, we already know the answer! Our holy book lays it all out!


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