I found this video fascinating. This is because it covers a topic that I am very interested in - religion. Furthermore, I love that Bill Nye was willing to get up there and talk about such a controversial topic. I feel that Ken Ham's "Creation Museum," although successful, is actually a bad thing, as it is attempting to convinc children to disbelieve well-documented scientific research in favor of 2000-year old stories from a book. I was very happy to see that science is "fighting back" and spreading the truth of scientific research. Finally, the debate itself was very engaging and interesting in itself, which made it even more interesting.
Can't see the video?
ReplyDeleteThanks Daniel for posting the video again. Didn't have time to watch the video this weekend. WIll try to watch soon. Alternatively - since you make some very strong comments regarding the opinions expressed could you find a link or summarize the main arguments of both parties for your readers. One thing about blogs as a medium, for the most part, readers do not want really long videos.
ReplyDeleteRe: your comment
I love that you feel passionate about your beliefs and the debater in you chooses some very "pointed" language to "attack" opposing views. This is a skill some desire in debate tournaments, but if you really want a public audience to consider your arguments, be wary of calling them "child abusers" or their actions "child abuse" as that brings up very specific negative connotations that neither victims, nor the public may view as appropriate. This could alienate your audience before you get a chance to relay your thoughts. I guess you need to decide - which battle do you want: the one where your POV is heard and then responded to, or one where your message is lost in the deliberately inflammatory language you choose to start the discussion? There are some topics where no matter what, the message gets lost in the context of the medium.
As to your argument supporting evolution: check out (copy and paste) this youtube clip from the TV show "Friends" where you have Ross, the palaeontologist arguing with Phoebe, a "new age" type on the topic of evolution - perhaps their debate will interest you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXr2kF0zEgI .
FYI: This does not mean I agree or disagree with the theory of evolution - I just think we need to be aware and respectful enough to acknowledge different points of view. We are fortunate to live in a place that values Freedom of Speech and the premise attributed to Voltaire (although some dispute this) where he said: “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.”
Question: There are people of varied religious faiths who believe in their religious teachings as well as Darwin's theory of Evolution; how do they marry these two opposing viewpoints? Could be a great first inquiry project for you!