While the specific conclusions of either scientists and religious 
persons are often the immediate terms of debate, it is the different 
methodologies for interpreting reality that represent a basic 
contradiction.

Scientific investigation is based on empirical evidence and so, as that 
body of data grows, as hypotheses are tested, conclusions are refined 
or discarded accordingly. The overall motion is, however, toward a more 
accurate description (and understanding) of the material world.

Religious faith, no matter how well-intentioned (or in the case of the 
current government, ill-intentioned), follows a distinctly different 
methodology.

Materialism does indeed take some courage these days in the United 
States, as noted in the New York Times essay cited earlier in this 
discussion on museum-l. When science education is censored out of the 
schools, or out of the science centers, the result is children (and 
adults) inculcated with obscurantism, to varying degrees.

On the other hand, students (and the rest of us) are subjected to 
regular cant about 'values' and 'fidelity' precisely to instill 
unquestioning obedience to authority, especially the Great White Father 
in Washington (President "trust me"), on "the road to Providence." 
(yesterday's speech)

That is not to say that students (or anyone else) will put up with 
nonsense forever, but only one of these approaches will enable you to 
ever determine that something is nonsense, or how much damage it might 
do to you or the rest of the world, or what you might do about that.

-L.D.


On Feb 3, 2005, at 12:00 AM, MUSEUM-L automatic digest system (Mark 
Janzen) wrote:

> Science always takes the risk that it will be proved wrong, but that 
> is the
> nature of how science improves and grows. Faith is a choice, whether
> decided upon through long philosophical introspection or given to you 
> by
> the grace of whatever god you worship, and involves no risk. Niether
> science nor faith takes courage in their daily activities, unless you 
> are
> working with dangerous materials or living in a communist country. The
> courage comes in when you are forced to defend your point of view,
> especially when you have no option but to stand and take the fire or 
> run.

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