The Arrogance Argument
Theologians time and again accuse Science and Atheists of arrogance, and worse, for questioning beliefs that are illogical or criminal. They take super-umbrage over the very idea that someone else may have an opinion, and that this opinion may not be based in faith. They're more accepting of contrary faiths, but only slightly.
The fact is that Atheism is ITSELF, as a matter of definition, contrary to faith and godhood. An Atheist has no need of hubris to doubt Christians or to state their own views, it is in fact the same right that Christians claim when they proselytize. Thus, if Atheists could not question religion, it would in fact be impossible for an Atheist to speak their own mind about it.
This is exactly what theologians want, they want any opposing views to be silenced.
With Science, the accusation is even more jarring, as Science is a defacto process of questioning. One can not have Science without questions, which would suit theologians just fine. They want us to shut up because they can not otherwise win the argument, nor tolerate a diversity of opinion. But, it gets worse here. Science is always willing to self-examine. All scientists work to disprove their own theories as a part of the job. It is therefore both incorrect, and disingenuous, to sling the insult of arrogance at Scientists. They're only doing what they're supposed to.
It is in fact theologians whom are unrelentingly arrogant, violently inconsolable, and dangerously intolerant of others, and other views. It is Religion that can not withstand questioning.
The best response to a Believer throwing the arrogance argument at you is to reverse it. "You think it's arrogant to question the methods of others, but are you not doing exactly that? You are telling me that I have no right as a Scientist to investigate, discover, or even to speak? That is the opposite of Science. What you are in fact espousing is religious dogma, not science. It is Religion that is arrogant."
Religion is a Human Rights Violation.
Churches are criminal empires that protect pedophiles and subvert governments.
Science is merely seeking answers and shedding light upon life.
We know how Religion views those who shed light, that is how Lucifer got a bad reputation with the church. The very discourse of knowledge is viewed as ultimate evil.
Big Brother said that war is peace, and slavery is freedom, but the churches go one further and state that intelligence is sin.
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Comment by Amanda on November 28, 2008 at 9:08pm
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"They want us to shut up because they can not otherwise win the argument, nor tolerate a diversity of opinion. But, it gets worse here. Science is always willing to self-examine. All scientists work to disprove their own theories as a part of the job. It is therefore both incorrect, and disingenuous, to sling the insult of arrogance at Scientists. They're only doing what they're supposed to."
Nail on the Head! I love this site!
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Comment by Kenndy on November 29, 2008 at 3:24am -
The best response to a Believer throwing the arrogance argument at you is to reverse it. "You think it's arrogant to question the methods of others, but are you not doing exactly that? You are telling me that I have no right as a Scientist to investigate, discover, or even to speak? That is the opposite of Science. What you are in fact espousing is religious dogma, not science. It is Religion that is arrogant."
took the words out of my mouth...
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Comment by Craig on November 29, 2008 at 7:07pm -
What is this map showing?
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Comment by Morgan Matthew on November 29, 2008 at 7:35pm -
That map shows the atheism lv's with in euro. GO FRANCE - 30% Atheist
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Comment by GT on July 7, 2009 at 9:45pm -
Kate this is rather late comment but I have just joined the TA group and read your post.
Your last point is spot on 'the churches go one further and state that intelligence is sin.' In fact I would say church or state (fascism, communism, but they are not alone) that is threatened with knowledge being available to all will make a rule or perform an action to prevent this.
There have been book burnings throughout history. The great library at Alexandria razed. From Wikipedia "The Classical Greek philosopher Protagoras was a proponent of agnosticism, writing in a now lost work entitled On the Gods: "Concerning the gods, I have no means of knowing whether they exist or not or of what sort they may be, because of the obscurity of the subject, and the brevity of human life".
The Nazis book burnings, the Sarajevo National Library destroyed. Even opposition to the Harry Potter Books by Catholics, Moslems & Protestants resulted in them being burnt.
Keep them stupid and we'll have the power forever and that's what it's all about. Well of course, "unless there's money or sex involved" ('Long Road Out of Eden' the Eagles).
Although I'm an ecologist I am very interested in the history of knowledge and education. It is so fascinating and exciting how this vast knowledge base has been developed and continues to grow. It has the potential for helping us rather than hindering us. The latter is when this knowledge is denied and or tainted, generally by religion but not restricted to it!
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