[vazel]

Wasn't there an episode of Seventh Heaven where the Preacher allowed his daughter to decide which if any religion she wanted to be a part of.

I miss those idealistic liberal drama shows from the '90s like Northern Exposure.

[Hela]

It absolutely boggles my mind that so many Americans still don't understand evolution.
And it's the only country in the world where this is even a point of discussion.

[methane47]

He said people have the right to believe what they want to believe. Beliefs are not innocuous. That was my whole point.

The world doesn't function by abiding to everyone's beliefs and whims. Someone is entitled to believe what ever the hell they want to believe.

If you hire a civil engineer that doesn't "believe" in physics, then your beliefs should be the ones in question. Not the Engineer.

if Beliefs or "Opinions" are not innocuous then there is nothing in the world that is.

[DeathbyVolcano]

While I agree with him, people have the right to believe in whatever the fuck they want to.

As Patton Oswalt says:

"We have to acknowledge other people's beliefs...and then you have to reserve the right to say 'that is fucking stupid.' That's great, but I don't have to respect it."

aka the Invisible Anus theory. But the shit piranhas!

[Socreges]

What's with awesome science dudes and horrible clothes? Sagan had his turtle necks, Nye has his bowtie, and Tyson has some of the ugliest suits and ties.

They probably just don't give a shit, and God bless them for that.

[TRios Zen]

Hmmm, not every christian in the world believes that Genesis (or larger - the Old Testament) is a historical account of the creation, time of the world pre-birth of Christ.

Honestly, some of the accusations leveled at religions seem as ill-informed and insipid as the beliefs that are being decried.

[ScreenSplitter]

Bill Nye is completely wrong. A fanciful tale that's easy to understand is perfect for children.

[MThanded]

The world doesn't function by abiding to everyone's beliefs and whims. Someone is entitled to believe what ever the hell they want to believe. If you hire a civil engineer that doesn't "believe" in physics, then your beliefs should be the ones in question. Not the Engineer. if Beliefs or "Opinions" are not innocuous then there is nothing in the world that is.

People are killed in the name of beliefs all the time. How innocuous is that?

[KHarvey16]

Hmmm, not every christian in the world believes that Genesis (or larger - the Old Testament) is a historical account of the creation, time of the world pre-birth of Christ. Honestly, some of the accusations leveled at religions seem as ill-informed and insipid as the beliefs that are being decried.

What accusation did he level at religion?

[vazel]

Hmmm, not every christian in the world believes that Genesis (or larger - the Old Testament) is a historical account of the creation, time of the world pre-birth of Christ. Honestly, some of the accusations leveled at religions seem as ill-informed and insipid as the beliefs that are being decried.

I've never met a Catholic that doesn't believe in evolution(including the nuns at my elementary school). Nye's talking about the crazy fundies from the south.

[The Technomancer]

Hmmm, not every christian in the world believes that Genesis (or larger - the Old Testament) is a historical account of the creation, time of the world pre-birth of Christ. Honestly, some of the accusations leveled at religions seem as ill-informed and insipid as the beliefs that are being decried.

Even on a place like GAF I don't think I've ever seen a poster assert that. (maybe there have been one or two who just drive by and drop it in, certainly no-one who actually discusses the issues)

Mind you, there are plenty of people who still have a problem with the metaphorical interpretation of the bible, but I don't think anyone thinks all Christians are Bible literalists.

[Nameless]

Teaching children the Earth is 6000 years old is fucked up enough, you're bordering on abuse by convincing them never-ending burning awaits should they doubt it.

Contrast superstition & fear with the awe & wonder of learning reality

[dLMN8R]

No one "believes" in evolution. You either understand what it is, or you don't

[Deified Data]

Fair enough.

[ReBurn]

He's the science guy. Obviously he's biased.

[Derrick01]

Did he say anyone didn't have the right?

Nope but he pleaded to parents not to pass that stupid bullshit (my words there) on to their kids because we need science-literate people.

[Eidan]

Nope but he pleaded to parents not to pass that stupid bullshit (my words there) on to their kids because we need science-literate people.

Don't see a problem with that.

[phosphor112]

As a thiest, I agree. Keep religion out of science when it comes to public education.

[TRios Zen]

What accusation did he level at religion?

Sorry, my mistake for not being clearer. I have no problem with Bill Nye, I meant some of the things that are being said in this thread.

I think it is possible to be believe in science and have faith; in fact, it's not even difficult.

I shouldn't allow myself to be roused by the "Americans don't understand evolution" or "your belief is fucking stupid comments".

[Wolf Dawgz]

My aunty gave me" If human's evolved from monkeys, then why are there still monkeys?" When trying to explain that I believed in evolution. This is in Canada too.

[commedieu]

Hmmm, not every christian in the world believes that Genesis (or larger - the Old Testament) is a historical account of the creation, time of the world pre-birth of Christ. Honestly, some of the accusations leveled at religions seem as ill-informed and insipid as the beliefs that are being decried.

The simple fact that creationism is debatable in the USA confirms how deep of an issue it is with our religious population. No one said every single christian in the world believes x or y. Just as no one claims every single muslim to be a terrorist. The people that speak for the christian world, the squeaky wheels, are the wheels that think the world is thousands of years old, and that evolution needs more research.

Sure, there are people who can have a religion and respect the laws of science, but sure as hell isn't the vocal majority.

[Snytbaggen]

Even on a place like GAF I don't think I've ever seen a poster assert that. (maybe there have been one or two who just drive by and drop it in, certainly no-one who actually discusses the issues) Mind you, there are plenty of people who still have a problem with the metaphorical interpretation of the bible, but I don't think anyone thinks all Christians are Bible literalists.

Indeed, at least I hope so. For what it's worth, I'm a Christian and I certainly don't think that the earth is 6000 years old and that we humans just popped up one day. I really don't see how evolution or that the earth is several billion years old would clash with my religion. Several of my friends are also Christians who are pursuing an engineering degree and none of them refute evolution or an "old earth".

[Flash]

Nope but he pleaded to parents not to pass that stupid bullshit (my words there) on to their kids because we need science-literate people.

whats wrong with that? If someone chooses not to believe in evolution (whatever that means...) then let it be their own decision, not because of years of having creationism drilled into their heads by parents/school system/church/whatever.

some sort of introduction to evolution should totally be a requirement to any university... At University of Toronto, the first year "general" biology course is more than 50% evolution. Understanding and recognizing the "theory" of evolution is as important as recognizing the "theory" of gravity. And then maybe people will learn what theory actually means. lol

[wiid]

I wish he still had a show on tv :(

[evil solrac v3.0]

BILL!
BILL!
BILL!

[Hix]

I don't see how anyone could argue with him. Creationism's not science. Plus he's Bill Nye the Science Guy and now I've got his TV show theme tune in my head.

EDIT: Also Genesis supports old earth, big bang and evolution. So creationists need to stop shooting themselves in the foot.

[Derrick01]

whats wrong with that? If someone chooses not to believe in evolution (whatever that means...) then let it be their own decision, not because of years of having creationism drilled into their heads by parents/school system/church/whatever.

I think that's the problem though many of these people aren't making their own choices. They're being heavily influenced by their parent's beliefs or their church their parents made them go to as a child. I seriously doubt most people sit around and think about this stuff in depth on their own and how they feel about it. That's why he made this video, to beg them to stop forcing their stuff on to their kids at an early age and basically indoctrinate them.

[Duane Cunningham]

The world doesn't function by abiding to everyone's beliefs and whims. Someone is entitled to believe what ever the hell they want to believe. If you hire a civil engineer that doesn't "believe" in physics, then your beliefs should be the ones in question. Not the Engineer. if Beliefs or "Opinions" are not innocuous then there is nothing in the world that is.

Agreed. A civil engineer who doesn't believe in physics shouldn't be allowed to be a civil engineer. Likewise, an educator who doesn't believe in science shouldn't be allowed to be an educator.

[Omegasquash]

The simple fact that creationism is debatable in the USA confirms how deep of an issue it is with our religious population. No one said every single christian in the world believes x or y. Just as no one claims every single muslim to be a terrorist. The people that speak for the christian world, the squeaky wheels, are the wheels that think the world is thousands of years old, and that evolution needs more research. Sure, there are people who can have a religion and respect the laws of science, but sure as hell isn't the vocal majority.

I recall some conservative talk radio windbag making that statement, but then turning it around to say "but all terrorists are Muslim!" It's an easy categorization for the mind to make. The most prominent act of terrorism was perpetuated by pissed of Muslims (quote: South Park), so people see a Muslim and associate it with terrorism.

Christians should probably make it a point to note that there are certain branches or sects that believe that. They might make more friends that way. Additionally, there are those of us that should consciously mentally process the fact that not all Christians are creationists.

[Xero]

So much respect for this man. Neil Degrasse Tyson and Bill Nye are some of my heroes. Go team Science!

is that jewel staite? What is this?

[Pandaman]

Even on a place like GAF I don't think I've ever seen a poster assert that. (maybe there have been one or two who just drive by and drop it in, certainly no-one who actually discusses the issues)

that guy with the car avatar, mc-something-777; he was a full out creationist iirc.

is that jewel staite? What is this?

stargate atlantis

[makingmusic476]

No one "believes" in evolution. You either understand what it is, or you don't

I like your way of putting this.

[EmCeeGramr]

Even on a place like GAF I don't think I've ever seen a poster assert that. (maybe there have been one or two who just drive by and drop it in, certainly no-one who actually discusses the issues) Mind you, there are plenty of people who still have a problem with the metaphorical interpretation of the bible, but I don't think anyone thinks all Christians are Bible literalists.

Man, you missed guys like Game Analyst, or the banned greats like Vizion or JCRedeems.

[The Technomancer]

that guy with the car avatar, mc-something-777; he was a full out creationist iirc.

Oh we've got our fair share of creationists (Game Analyst is I'm 99% sure)
I was saying I've never heard someone say "all Christians are creationists"

EDIT: EmCee, same comment

[Snytbaggen]

I don't see how anyone could argue with him. Creationism's not science. Plus he's Bill Nye the Science Guy and now I've got his TV show theme tune in my head. EDIT: Also Genesis supports old earth, big bang and evolution. So creationists need to stop shooting themselves in the foot.

My grandpa keeps talking about some article he read a few years ago about Genesis and the creation of the universe. The article apparently claimed that Genesis pretty much described how the creation of the universe, the sun and the earth, according to science, would have looked like from the earth's viewpoint and if a layman would have seen it. With "layman", I really mean "a person who really has no idea what he's seeing and just writing down what he sees". I haven't bothered to find the article so I have no idea if this really is what it says or how credible the article is, if it's any credible at all. It was most certainly a (Swedish) Christian newspaper he read it in, but you at least have to give them props for not refuting the science, but trying to coexist with it.

[Socreges]

Sorry, my mistake for not being clearer. I have no problem with Bill Nye, I meant some of the things that are being said in this thread. I think it is possible to be believe in science and have faith; in fact, it's not even difficult. I shouldn't allow myself to be roused by the "Americans don't understand evolution" or "your belief is fucking stupid comments".

Such as? I just read the posts before your first one and there wasn't any such comment. You're using your imagination and twisting acceptable comments like:

"It absolutely boggles my mind that so many Americans still don't understand evolution."

Even when a thread is totally respectable, someone comes in and cries persecution.

[t26]

Bill Bill Bill Bill!

[The Technomancer]

Sorry, my mistake for not being clearer. I have no problem with Bill Nye, I meant some of the things that are being said in this thread. I think it is possible to be believe in science and have faith; in fact, it's not even difficult. I shouldn't allow myself to be roused by the "Americans don't understand evolution" or "your belief is fucking stupid comments".

Still, no-one in here is saying that science and faith are incompatible.

[Jacobi]

Loved that episode.

What's that? Stargate Atlantis?

[Hix]

My grandpa keeps talking about some article he read a few years ago about Genesis and the creation of the universe. The article apparently claimed that Genesis pretty much described how the creation of the universe, the sun and the earth, according to science, would have looked like from the earth's viewpoint and if a layman would have seen it. With "layman", I really mean "a person who really has no idea what he's seeing and just writing down what he sees". I haven't bothered to find the article so I have no idea if this really is what it says or how credible the article is, if it's any credible at all. It was most certainly a (Swedish) Christian newspaper he read it in, but you at least have to give them props for not refuting the science, but trying to coexist with it.

That's your problem. Genesis has literally 31 sentences that deal with a concept so mind-boggling massive as the development of the Universe. A superficial reading cannot and does not represent absolute fact and anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional.

[Bombadil]

Some people are interested in the lower case truths. Some are interested in upper case truths.

I have no problem with people seeking the upper case truths, as long as they don't try to warp and falsify lower case truths.

Bill Nye is absolutely right.

He sounds old because recently (like a year ago) he collapsed while delivering a speech. Was it a heart attack? I don't know. Maybe a mini stroke.

That's your problem. Genesis has literally 31 sentences that deal with a concept so mind-boggling massive as the development of the Universe. A superficial reading cannot and does not represent absolute fact and anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional.

What's with the hostility? Leveling terms likes "delusional" at people is immature.

[RankoSD]

What's that? Stargate Atlantis?

Yes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me3-r5rsUSI

[Snytbaggen]

That's your problem. Genesis has literally 31 sentences that deal with a concept so mind-boggling massive as the development of the Universe. A superficial reading cannot and does not represent absolute fact and anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional.

I don't think it was presented as fact, even though that's how my grandpa interpreted it. I feel that interpretations are fine, there's no clear right or wrong interpretation and it spawns discussion. It's when you start taking things literally that it gets ugly.

[Agnostic]

It absolutely boggles my mind that so many Americans still don't understand evolution. And it's the only country in the world where this is even a point of discussion.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/21814/evo...nt-design.aspx

[Hix]

What's with the hostility? Leveling terms likes "delusional" at people is immature.

I'm not especially hostile about the situation, but it is certainly true that "creationism" as it is known today, has done more harm for theism than good. Apologies if I came off a little strong.

I don't think it was presented as fact, even though that's how my grandpa interpreted it. I feel that interpretations are fine, there's no clear right or wrong interpretation and it spawns discussion. It's when you start taking things literally that it gets ugly.

Yeah I agree, I was trying to say that with only 31 sentences, you're bound to get a lot of interpretations.

[Socreges]

http://www.gallup.com/poll/21814/evo...nt-design.aspx

Wow

[AgentP]

Biological Evolution of man from ape is directly tied to the aging of stars? Huuhh? thats alittle bit of a reach dont you think?

Huh? I read the transcript and didn't see anything like that. He spoke about deep time (i.e. the Universe is billions of years old, kind of important to know and understand). I didn't see anything about apes. Homo Sapiens are apes, just like Chickens are birds.

[TRios Zen]

Such as? I just read the posts before your first one and there wasn't any such comment. You're using your imagination and twisting acceptable comments like: "It absolutely boggles my mind that so many Americans still don't understand evolution." Even when a thread is totally respectable, someone comes in and cries persecution.

Perhaps I over-reacted, but damn if you aren't doing the same thing. Crying persecution? Really? I voiced my opinion, like you are now, that's what message boards are about, right?

For the record, how many Americans don't understand evolution? IS there a percentage? Why is this an "acceptable" comment? Hell, even in the vid he says how "every once in a while a few" (or something like that) say they don't believe in it. How does that generalize to "so many"?

Still, no-one in here is saying that science and faith are incompatible.

I'd argue that a few comments seem to imply that, but I will absolutely concede that those are in the minority.

For my on-topic thoughts I'd only say that sharing your religion with a child is different than trying to indoctrinate them in a system which denies the possibility of evolution. In that distinction, I have no trouble agreeing with the heart of what was said in this vid.

[Imm0rt4l]

While I agree with him, people have the right to believe in whatever the fuck they want to.

which is exactly what he said. Kids should also have the right to believe what they want as opposed to being indoctrinated into something with little evidence.

[NathanMcMahon]

It absolutely boggles my mind that so many Americans still don't understand evolution. And it's the only country in the world where this is even a point of discussion.

I read some stuff about this ame anti-science movement trying to gain traction in Northern Ireland as well.