Creationism in Ohio Classrooms

You see, when you discuss religious people, it is as if they have stumbled upon a happy little secret. This secret they want to share. No, they insist on sharing, in fact, so often, collectively, they do not rest until not only all have heard this secret, but that we accept it as true...

And yet, I have to ask? Why doesn't this secret make them happy? Why does it seem they will not be happy until I believe it as well?

Well, as I tend to be opinionated, and not so gullible, the fervent believers try to spread their unjustified beliefs in the most effective way possible. Children. As our brain develops, we tend to be very impressionable. As the Jesuits were so fond of saying "Give me a child until he is 7, and I will give you the man"

Every month I find some despicable story about the relentless efforts to introduce creationism in the classroom of a secular american school. Today I find Ohio Supreme Court discussing the firing of a public school science teacher, who was dismissed for, among other things, handing out creationism pamphlets in class, attempts to "teach evolution from a Christian perspective", "Using a science tool to burn students' arms with the image of a cross", on so on. 

Religion has nothing to do with science, it does not belong in the classroom, so if you can not convince educated adults to believe, then don't lower the bar. Let adults decide, please, to believe as they wish, but can we please stop indoctrinating our kids?

I am not wasting my time

Lately I have had many people ask me why I waste my time talking about something I do not believe in. For example, why don't I write blogs ranting about unicorns?

A fair, but incredibly stupid, question. If there were people who built a political system and view around the believed existence of unicorns, if people were trying to teach about unicorns in school, if people certifying themselves as unicorn experts were trying to expose young minds to believe, if unicorn experts were traveling the world and telling citizens of developing countries lies to promote their agenda, such as condoms are not effective, or promoting unicorn creationism.....

If unicorns occupied any ONE of the many aspects of society that religion does, then yes, I do believe unicorns would be on my mind. As it stands, organized religion is the most effective at corrupting good and honest people into committing horrendous acts, and yet believe they are doing good. This fact I am reminded of daily.

I can not open the newspaper, or watch the news without seeing another theocratic encroachment on free society... So I am not wasting my time, because with so many of the debates and issues raging on in the world today, so few of them do not stem from the problem of religion.

The Burden of Proof, Standards Please...

OK, so the usual religious rabble blurts out a number of things without giving it much thought, and considering where they are coming from socially, I can't really blame them. Trying to pull the conversation out of the clouds, out of the most complex theologies and philosophies can often be difficult, but I feel necessary for any sense of conversation.

Most religious people are so used to making baseless claims which are entirely without merit, and without a critic around. So when having a discussion or debate, I often have to introduce a few elementary ideas.

I think the best place to start is to get someone to identify their standards of evidence. For example, if they consider personal revelation to be evidence, then I ask them to offer the same standards to others, and their beliefs. If we accept personal feelings and experiences as evidence, then it would imply the Christian must accept the beliefs of Muslims, Scientologists, palmists, alien abductees, Bigfoot sightings, and every spiritual claim out there. Of course these claims are often mutually exclusive and incompatible, which means forming a model of the natural world is impossible.

We need to Identify why we use the scientific method as evidence, why our personal experiences can be flawed, how our upbringing influences us, and why people are put in mental hospitals for hearing gods today.

Thus I need to go over this topic again, the subject of the "BURDEN OF PROOF". Very simply, the person(s) who make(s) the claim is(are) responsible for demonstrating the claim is correct. Before I believe in something it must be backed up by sufficient evidence.

What makes sufficient evidence??  Carl Sagan, a legend of his time, often said, "Incredible claims require incredible evidence." And it is very true. If you told me you had a dog at home, I would not think to doubt you, for this would be a banal claim, certainly not worth my time to investigate. If you , however, mentioned you possessed a dragon in your home, I would be inclined to doubt you. In fact, unless you would be willing to back that up with evidence, verifiable, falsifiable evidence, then I would throw the claim out the window and deem you to be joking, or perhaps insane.

Christopher Hitchens, perhaps the most prominent writer of our time, once added his own paradox to the mix. He said "That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence."

Gods fall under this category. They require faith because there is no evidence. Only personal, emotional, anecdotal claims, which someone could never use as persuasive evidence. Before people tell me about a feeling you have had, an experience which changed you, or an emotion, please consider the burden of proof.

Lastly, please enjoy the video...

To define an Atheist

So here in 'Merica, it is entirely normal for people to use language without much thought as to the etymology of their vocabulary. I suppose this is to be expected in a mono-linguistic state, and I can think of many examples from places that even have the luxury of multiple tongues.

So words get thrown around, and so many of them start in people's minds as politically or ideologically charged, fixed with meaning. The problem of course is the way people learn is generally not by reading but by word of mouth, in my opinion. Their misunderstandings tend to be reinforced without public awareness, and like so many misrepresented things in the States, such as socialism, quantum, theory, or science itself, being confident about what something is, helps to allow others doubt about their sources.

SO...Lets get down to it...

All too often I hear people proclaiming I am not an atheist because I am not absolutely certain there is no god, and I am not certain. So we come to the first problem. Most atheists, but not all, tend to use doubt and skepticism to analyze things. That said, I have never met an atheist who was certain about a lack of god.

So what do we believe? I think it will help orientate people to refer to the great court systems of these United States. When you are charged with a crime, an amalgamation of people makes a decision taking note of the evidence and available information to make a conclusion: GUILTY or NOT GUILTY. Do you see how there is no mention of someone's innocence? That is because there is no way to prove or demonstrate someone's innocence, only cast doubt over their guilt.

In this same way, we use logic, rationality, and science to determine the veracity of claims made in the natural world. Thus, someone makes a claim (charged with a crime), and everyone is capable of looking at the available evidence and determining if the claim is True(guilty) or not true(not guilty).

Once again, there is not possibility to disprove a claim such as the existence of a deity, Santa Clause, the Loch Ness Monster, or Unicorns. These claims are unfalsifiable.

Back to defining atheist, and Atheist is someone who has determined(believes) that there is insufficient(or none) evidence to demonstrate the existence of a deity or god. Most atheists, such as myself, are entirely willing to be wrong about this decision, but will use the utmost rigor and standards of skepticism and critical thinking to analyze the evidence.

We can go back to Richard Dawkins very true statement that everyone is an atheist about some gods. Most don't believe in Greek gods or Chinese gods, or African gods, and most people in the world believe in a single god watching over them. So that would imply that we agree about 99.99% of all god claims, but I am simply an atheist one god more than them.

In general, I will not be certain about any belief, because I might be wrong. I consider this to the be humble statement considering the litany of stuff humanity has been wrong about in the past. Where does a position of faith stand? One of arrogant certitude.

Uphill, in a swamp

As I take a leap into the thick of it, I am slowly realizing I stand waist deep in a quicksand. I know the best way to get out  is to lie flat and try to proceed slowly.

There were mostly optimistic things I have to say, lately. Yesterday I met with Fargo's former Mayor and NDSU Professor Jon Lindgren, and I was delighted to get to know him. Prior to our meeting, I read up on what was going on in the area. This much is needed to be said: Mr. Lindgren is a hero to the peoples of this region.

When I say hero, I do not mean that lightly. Mr. Lindgren has stood up for LGBT/Women's rights while in office in one of the most conservative areas in the country. He has stood for intellectual equality, demanding Fargo remain a place not only for Christians, but for all those from abroad who wish to also call it home, and for those not following their family's customs.

In his time, he has been able to see things from the point of view he does not embrace, and to objectively measure what may be best for the future of the area, for the rights of all. It was an honor to meet him, and I hope to work with him in the future.

No, the reason I mentioned the quicksand is that I now realize just how much tact it will take to bring up the necessary issues around the Fargo/Moorhead area. Even those who proclaim themselves to be secular, and I have to say, about half of all people I have met since I have gotten back do not affiliate themselves with any religion, Even they tend to draw back and step away from the idea of public equality.

Of course I am writing about the debate which has been raging on in the last couple of decades about the Ten Commandments monument in from of City Hall in Fargo. After this weekend, I will write fully on this topic, but for now, I am still gathering as much information as I can.

This much is certain... The mentality in North Dakota is very conservative. Yesterday, the bill designed to outlaw abortion passed. But I mean more generally, such as the way we interact with each other. I was chided for walking through a door holding it open behind me, for in this part of the world, we hold the door open for ladies, then enter!

After a lengthy discussion, I see I still live in the land of cowboy romanticism and honor based morality. Civilization left the concepts of gentlemen and honor behind for equality and court-based justice.

Imagine the way it used to be, when in disagreement  challenging your opponent to a duel for the slightest of  misunderstandings. Alexander Hamilton found out how well this works out. And I have to say, the people have learned to avoid violent altercations, and everyday prejudices, and yet we choose to hold on to the vestiges of the old days.

Why do I oppose these traditions? Because the foundation of modern development is dependent on the empowerment of women. This has come so far in the states, and every further barrier we cross is a huge victory for progress. The problem now is the mentality that comes with coddling women. I find in areas without these gentlemanly initiatives, the people tend to view sex equality more realistically. Yet around here, I regularly get comments that 'men and women...are just different'. Well yes, but in what way?

Women just want men to take care of them? Women need protectors? Women are unable to do certain things as well? These are the honest opinions I have heard as a response. Now tell me there is not much work to do.....

One thing is for sure, I realize the uphill battle will receive resistance, mostly from behind. Those who should be on the side of progress, tend to shy away or even kick back. One day at a time, so let's get me a job first, eh?

Culture Shock

The culture shock of being back in the states has led to much introspection. In fact I wouldn't know where to start if some one asked me what is so strange. It could be that EVERYTHING in this country is so large, or the vast abundance of cheap food, even at restaurants, including the massive proportions.

I find myself amazed by simple things again, like being able to drink tap water, having a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer by default. Trash-less roads and waterways is always a plus, as this is one of the cleanest countries out there.

Carpets everywhere again! People genuinely saying hello when they see you. Service with a smile, as well as being helpful, to boot. Heat that permeates the entire house, not only one room. Having heat at all! (In Nepal you either sat in the sun or hid in your sleeping bag.)

It is, without a doubt, the people who provide the greatest challenge though. Everyone I meet who knew me before is confused by my accent. The most annoying thing is to be called British, which they assume because it is English, but foreign sounding. New people guess I am a foreigner.  I hate having to explain this. My accent, I suppose, is simply an amalgamation of so many things I picked up on the road. International is the best way to describe it.

On the topic of language, it is so hard to turn off my desire to correct the atrocious English the locals speak. With only one language, they tend to butcher the grammar and vocab. With those I am close to, I have to point it out. No doubt, they must find my desire to improve vocabulary to be pretentious, as seems to be the norm here, to simplify rather than expand.

Lastly, I so often wonder how people view my travels. When I mention a country, I can see their brains scrambling for associations and images. In the end, I know they may not understand why or how, and I feel pressured to stay with local topics. I hope to meet some others around who have traveled out of the country, even to Canada...

Overall, I have received warm welcomes and it feels good to be back. Now I guess I have to find a job!

BACK IN THE USA!

You know what? It is about damn time I get back to my blog. After India, I was in Nepal until mid-January before finally returning to the US of A. I spent Christmas day at Mt. Everest Base Camp and had an amazing time in the country. Of course there were many things to write about there, if I had a solid Internet connection and if the power would be on more than 8 hours a day.

Thus I, a national in my own nation once again. I have to say, I am both overwhelmed and experiencing culture shock, but perhaps I can leave that for next post. I have been primed and ready for a rant for a while now.

Living in Fargo, ND is going to be a blast, since most Americans you meet abroad are quite liberal by nature, I have walked straight into the lion's den of conservatism. The atheist communities are scant and relatively unorganized upon first inspection, although I look forward to getting to know them better.

Despite bitter losses in national politics, Republicans are stronger than ever here in ND, and pushing against women's rights and choices. With only ONE remaining women's health clinic in state capable of performing legal abortions, North Dakotan legislation is pushing ahead with a measure identical to those passed in Mississippi not allowing a certified physician to perform an abortion unless they have admitting privileges at a local hospital, virtually guaranteeing the shut down of the clinic.

http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/article/id/65191/

as well as

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/c60305c63a3f4171a73ef3c5e20efcfa/ND--Legislature-Fetal-Heartbeat

I find it astounding that I take the opportunities while traveling around the world to speak up for women's rights in countries where they have a long way to go, when all someone has to say is: Look at your own country.

Perhaps I came back at just the right time, but there is vitriol and hatred everywhere in the country as a strong political dichotomy is getting stronger, hard line conservatives are entrenching themselves in the bubble of conservative media, the liberals are perhaps not doing their share of standing up for the ills.

Since being back in Fargo, I expected gay hate, attacks on atheists, discrimination, but so far everyone has been so amiable. The public attitudes towards immigrants, homosexuals, and atheists has significantly improved, seriously!!

Except... on the Internet. It seems where anonymity reigns, and people pay little for their words, there is a full blown attack from the christian right to speak out. I wish someone would try to defend anonymity on the Internet for me, so I can understand why it is important. Let's learn to speak out loud and proud in public about our beliefs so we also learn how to discuss them with civility.

It would seem the moment the subject comes up, that of religion, abortion, or politics, most shy away from it, knowing it might lead to conflict. In a personal setting, I wish we could encourage these conversations, understanding it is absolutely OK to disagree and not change each other's minds.

I have spent most of my time so far getting back with family, not to mention no time yet to track down old friends. I am mostly excited to meet up soon with a man named Jon Lindgren, a retired economics professor from NDSU and the Mayor of Fargo for 16 years. As head of the area Freethinker organization, and outspoken atheist and blogger (Check it out!), I am sure we can plan some wonderful things.

Keep your eyes out for more entries, now that I am back. I plan to keep up to date, although not as often as Mr. Lindgren or PZ Myers.