Brent, I want to add one comment on your "e" mail: evolution ought to be
taught within the science curriculum of public schools, and creationism, if
taught within the school system at all, ought to be a topic discussed within
a comparative religions course.

I am not bothered by those who believe in creationism. But I do object to
those who suggest that creationism is a scientific principle. (And as an
aside, the term "scientific creationism" is an oxymoron). R/Steve


>From: Brent Ripley <brentr at hawlaw.com>
>Reply-To: brentr at hawlaw.com
>To: "'tweeters at u.washington.edu'" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
>Subject: RE: Kansas action
>Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999 11:54:57 -0700
>
>Since both true science and true religion have truth as their ultimate
>goals,
>whatever that truth may disprove, it becomes clearer than clear that where
>the
>two contradict each other, one or the other or both are wrong.
>
>Truth is truth is truth whether it be scientific or religious.
>
>The problem, of course, is in the proof. How do you prove "religious
>truth" to
>a nonbeliever? How you you force "scientific proof" on one so devout in
>their
>religion that they refuse to believe anything their pastor disagrees with?
>You
>cannot do either.
>
>Religion has to revolve around faith, but religious people (like myself)
>should
>be more open minded and admit that religious data is as incomplete as much
>of the scientific data our types complain of. My faith is much easier to
>sustain
>when I accept it for what it is. It then allows me to embrace provable
>science,
>and be tentativly (sp?) accepting with regard to probable theories. Some
>might call this a cop-out, but I believe it is as intellectually honest as
>any other
>world view.
>
>I suspect that more often than not, personal and political agendas get in
>the
>way of the search for truth. If we were all as honest as we claim to be we
>would admit we are working on incomplete scientific data (which is
>generally
>openly admitted) as well as incomplete revelation (which is rarely
>admitted,
>and often violently opposed). That would lead us to be far more open
>minded
>and searching than it appears we are now.
>
>Brent Ripley
>brentr at hawlaw.com
>
>


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