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. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).