Forward into the past - the Middle Ages

[question everything]

How can people who have been enjoying all the products of science and medicine believe in the nonsense of 666? A few weeks ago I watched Penn and Teller - the best counter program to any bullshit - talking about all the images of Jesus and Mary found in grilled cheese, on a door and other places and the way people worship these images.

And by then I was thinking how sad that there are so many poor ignorant people that they need these images as a crutch.

But with all the "left behind" crowd, the fear of the Y2K from seven years ago and now the 666. Is it any wonder that Rove can win by manipulating such ignorant, superstitious beliefs?

I almost wish that some moderate Republicans who are reported to be the ones who may lose in November were not. I really think that we need more Schwarzeneggers and other moderate Republicans to show that these are the kind of people who win elections. For the sake of all of us as a sane society.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Think it's more like moving back to the Dark Ages.

[question everything]

2. You are right. Should have said so (nt)

[Igel]

3. It's quite simple, really.

At least for the most part.

If you don't understand how things work, and you haven't really assimilated a fact-based approach to things, you don't have to actually worry about what's likely.

I knew grad students in literature that were convinced that microwaved food was dangerous: They thought that microwaves got trapped in the food, and would be released as it was chewed or digested. They had no clue how microwave ovens worked, not even a high school understanding of electronics and quanta; moreover, they disdained 'scientific types' as fools that lacked a proper understanding of what's important in life.

On the other hand, compartmentalizing faith and fact isn't a problem. Science doesn't give a certain kind of answer, and most systems of ethics have assumptions that aren't grounded in fact, but are still grounded in some sort of belief; maybe not in a god, but in what's right and good, when all ideas of 'right' and 'good' are either simple compromises or unprovable values. To say that is flamebait, because nobody wants to believe that their beliefs aren't provable and grounded in fact, whether an Islamist or Xian fundie or a Marxist-Leninist.

But as long as you have a heavy awareness and respect for facts and for others, it doesn't much matter.