Theology journals

[juliod]

I don't know much about theology. But I do know that there is a field of academic, high-end, serious journals for that subject.

Why don't creationists publish there?

They certainly could. Any evidence that reveals something about god, the creator, or whatever, would certianly be welcome there. Creationism, properly considered, is a sub-field of theology.

So why don't they do it?

My personal suspicion is that the only thing creationists know less about than science is theology. Is suspect that they get an even greater whipping than they do in science when they try to infiltrate theological circles.

DanZ

[Cathar1950]

Cephus wrote:

Considering how pathetically flimsy their methods and conclusions are, they certainly aren't about to let anyone review them critically in any pseudo-scientific community so they publish books, not papers.

Everyone has to make a living. At least we buy them so we can find out wha they are thinking. My ex thinks my son and I are nuts because we sometimes watch the 700 club. I just say I have to know what the nuts are thinking.

[Cephus]

Everyone has to make a living. At least we buy them so we can find out wha they are thinking. My ex thinks my son and I are nuts because we sometimes watch the 700 club. I just say I have to know what the nuts are thinking.

That's the problem, they aren't thinking. They're just as insane as the nutballs with the tin foil hats and you can't reason with them because logic and reason are completely beyond them. They've invented a worldview where blind faith and belief in the absurd are more important than reality.

[Jose]

That's the problem, they aren't thinking. They're just as insane as the nutballs with the tin foil hats and you can't reason with them because logic and reason are completely beyond them. They've invented a worldview where blind faith and belief in the absurd are more important than reality.

I rather like my tinfoil hat!

But let's be fair here. Most of them did not invent their worldview. They were actively taught it. The things you grow up with tend to stick with you--unless you are actually confronted with something that Really Matters, but which your worldview cannot explain. Things like that don't come along very often...so these guys go along happily with no clue that the world isn't really like that, and Absolute Certainty that we're the ones who are nuts. They are completely convinced that if they even consider thinking the way we do, then they will be consigned to an eternity in hell.

In other words, they developed their worldview honestly, the same way they learned their language. The challenge for us is to show them that it really is OK to think outside of their normal box. It doesn't work very well if we try to go too far outside at first, because the natural reaction is to shut down. So, a nudge here, a nudge there, and especially a few theists supporting evolution without blowing up, and we might slowly ooze toward a more accurate understanding.

[Cephus]

In other words, they developed their worldview honestly, the same way they learned their language. The challenge for us is to show them that it really is OK to think outside of their normal box. It doesn't work very well if we try to go too far outside at first, because the natural reaction is to shut down. So, a nudge here, a nudge there, and especially a few theists supporting evolution without blowing up, and we might slowly ooze toward a more accurate understanding.

Regardless of how one comes by one's worldview, it remains the responsibility of the individual to examine it critically and make sure that the opinions and views one holds are accurate and true. When one accepts blindly what one is taught without ever bothering to test their beliefs, that's where problems start. In general, theists don't have a clue what they believe, why they believe it or if it's true or not, they simply blindly accept what they've been taught and don't ask questions. Their theology demands that of them, simply wondering if their beliefs are valid is enough to send them straight to hell.

Is it any wonder theists are so screwed up?

[Jose]

Regardless of how one comes by one's worldview, it remains the responsibility of the individual to examine it critically and make sure that the opinions and views one holds are accurate and true. When one accepts blindly what one is taught without ever bothering to test their beliefs, that's where problems start. In general, theists don't have a clue what they believe, why they believe it or if it's true or not, they simply blindly accept what they've been taught and don't ask questions. Their theology demands that of them, simply wondering if their beliefs are valid is enough to send them straight to hell.

Is it any wonder theists are so screwed up?

Not all theists--just the ones you've described, who don't even realize that it's possible to examine one's views critically. We must try to keep in mind that the majority of religions, and the majority of the population, accept evolution.

Regrettably, most of the general populace who accept evolution do so for pretty much the same reasons that people accept their religion. The Guys Who Know told them they should. There's actually relatively little actual data presented in science classes. Instead, we try to "bring people up to speed" by presenting the conclusions that have been derived from the data. People pretty much have to accept it without examination.

I think that, if we actually gave the data, and actually allowed students to interpret it, they'd have a much better idea of what evolution is, what science is, and why it doesn't conflict with any religions except hard-core fundamentalism.

[steen]

Is it any wonder theists are so screwed up?

Just fundies

[Cathar1950]

It is hard to read the Bible and not see evolution(change and adaptation).
I added the change an adaptation so no one would confuse evolution with the better then before idea. Often it is the myth of beginnings that reflect the fundamentalist mind set. Some think that if they get back to the first original belief it is better. Even if I sometimes feel that way, it isn't necessary or true. Unfortunately most of their ideas are only a little 100 years old. Some go back to the 16th century.
As a thinker I feel Paul was incoherent yet his visions were later used to consider a universal ethics of love even if some of his other ideas are and were used for so much hatred.

[Cephus]

Not all theists--just the ones you've described, who don't even realize that it's possible to examine one's views critically. We must try to keep in mind that the majority of religions, and the majority of the population, accept evolution.

The overwhelming majority of theists then. Once you start really examining religion, it falls apart at the seams. Unfortunately, most Christians (and other religions as well) believe in God on a Santa Claus level. They believe because they get something out of it they want, not because there's any logical, rational, intellectual reason to think God is real.

Regrettably, most of the general populace who accept evolution do so for pretty much the same reasons that people accept their religion. The Guys Who Know told them they should. There's actually relatively little actual data presented in science classes. Instead, we try to "bring people up to speed" by presenting the conclusions that have been derived from the data. People pretty much have to accept it without examination.

No, people don't HAVE to accept it without examination, the evidence is out there for anyone who wants to go look. The evidence is tangible and rational and available. That's a far cry from what theists can offer for their beliefs.

I think that, if we actually gave the data, and actually allowed students to interpret it, they'd have a much better idea of what evolution is, what science is, and why it doesn't conflict with any religions except hard-core fundamentalism.

I'm not going to argue with that, the state of science education and education in general is abyssmal in this country. I agree with you entirely that it could be improved dramatically if not for many factors and groups that really don't want our children to learn anything substantial.

[Cephus]

Is it any wonder theists are so screwed up?

Just fundies

I think all theists are screwed up to some degree. Belief in God is about as rational as a 40-year old guy believing in Santa Claus. Sure, it's possible, for an extreme set of possibilities, but most people have gotten over their make-believe friends by then.

[jcrawford]

I don't know much about theology. But I do know that there is a field of academic, high-end, serious journals for that subject.

Why don't creationists publish there?

They certainly could. Any evidence that reveals something about god, the creator, or whatever, would certianly be welcome there. Creationism, properly considered, is a sub-field of theology.

So why don't they do it?

My personal suspicion is that the only thing creationists know less about than science is theology. Is suspect that they get an even greater whipping than they do in science when they try to infiltrate theological circles.

DanZ

Why should creationists like me publish in theology journals when we can publish on Christian forums on the Internet like this one? The Gutenberg printing press revolution is over now that the World-wide Digital Age of paperless communication is upon us.

Besides, theology journals are expensive to publish and only mainstream religions and big-league churches can afford them. Most everything I have to publish would put them out of business in paper editions of their publications.