The REAL problem

[KingMerv00]

A quote from an evolution/creation board:

Evolution contradicts Scripture. The Scriptural references listed earlier by Independent must be rejected if the first two chapters of Genesis are taken to be figurative or analogous as opposed to literal. However, we cannot reject any of Scripture, therefore we must reject evolution.

Scripture is true in every word it says. Evolution must be rejected. The theory merely demonstrates the depths of man's deceitfulness and depravity.

This type of thinking is the real problem to skeptics. We can be done? What can be said to someone that thinks like this?

I know that in some cases it is best to leave well enough alone but when simple childlike thinking contradicts objective reality what do you do?

My intention here isn't to argue evolution but discuss what can be done about bleevers.

[CFLarsen]

It may be a real problem, but it's not one we can solve. If they start off by stating that nothing will change their opinion, then we can't do anything.

We can, however, point out that the result of their thinking is a religious tyranny, suppressing free speech and the freedom to think any way you want.

The 10 commandments are everything the United States are not (http://www.skepticreport.com/creationism/10command.htm)

[Yahweh]

I recommend taking a look at Romans 1:20 (http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Romans%201:20;&version=31;):
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made
Apparently, everything we understand from what has been created contradicts Genesis, meaning that either God has made his creation decietful or the stories from Genesis are false.

[RiddleRhet]

Originally posted by KingMerv00
...discuss what can be done about bleevers.

My current practice is to try to ask an interesting question that might possibly get stuck in their mind. (Yes, but isn't it confusing how Genesis opens with two different stories of the creation? That's always bugged me...)

Or to make a comment that sounds on the surface as if it agrees with them, but leaves a lingering idea to possibly live on somewhere in their mind.

The idea is to sow seeds of doubt whenever possible; compelling seeds of doubt. Because revolution can only come from within -- it can't successfully be imposed from without. The only hope for the believer to change his mind is for his mind to change on its own; for little questions and doubts to grow until he's motivated enough to try to answer the doubts...

[RandFan]

At the trial of Galileo in 1615, Cardinal Bellarmine declared that "to assert that the earth revolves around the sun is as erroneous as to declare that Jesus was not born of a virgin.[/b] You are right. It is the real problem. Whenever I start a philosophical discussion with anyone regarding religion I always state "those who believe that they have the truth are likely to never find it". I point out that Buddhists, Sikhs, Confusists, Hare Krishnas, Muslims all are convinced that they have the truth. How can they find that they are wrong unless they are willing to accept that they might be wrong? I have at least made some inroads but it must be a discussion and not a debate.

When I was a Mormon we were told over and over to avoid that which is not relevant to our salvation. Also, mysteries that can't be answered won't lead us to the truth. Both are antithetical to finding the truth. I was always troubled by such recommendations. Shouldn't the truth stand on its own? Should we not fear the truth?

[Vortex]

I like to imagine myself somehow placed into a 6th century BC Greek city-state and a wise man comes up to me and asks me why I won't bow down and worship Zeus lest his lightning bolt strike me dead, and so I reply to this "wisdom" by telling the clueless man that his Zeus can kiss my azz and I then proceed to flip the Zeus the bird... and instead of the Zeus god striking me down, the Greek citizens take me to a quarry and proceed to stone me for blaspheming the god. I just don't see a difference between this and the Jesus god, somebody enlighten me... with evidence. :) Else I have to conclude that all gods remain in the heads of their creators.