Faith versus Science

Devoutly religious types are often accused of accepting faith over science.  I think it an unfair characterization; I find that most of the devout people I know are highly educated, and understand science as well or better than the average fellow.  Some may disagree with some current scientific theories, but have the historical perspective to understand that today's accepted science can become tomorrow's example of faulty or incomplete understanding.

Those who declare themselves to be intellectually above superstition and religion often lack a certain perspective.  G. K. Chesterton described it thus: "When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing, they then become capable of believing in anything." 

I find this to be proven in today's culture, and specifically in the on-going debate about Anthropomorphically-caused Global Warming.  When warming does not take place as expected, we change the term to Anthropogenic Climate Change (as though the climate of the Earth has never before changed).  When questions are raised about observed effects, methodologies used, or possible alternative hypotheses are proposed, the "true believers" respond with fierceness, even calling in some extreme cases for imprisonment or death as a punishment for the heresies.  These are the people who accept AGW on faith while assuming a cloak of scientism.

Following is an example of faith in the guise of science trumping true science.  Lord Monckton (Christopher Walter Monckton, 3rd Viscount Monckton of Brenchley) interviews a young lady who is in attendance at the Copenhagen climate summit.  Her responses to Monckton's questions are interesting; her obstinate refusal to question her beliefs in the face of contradictory scientific evidence is enlightening.



Considering that our kids are being force fed junk science in public schools, it is particularly important that some students (home schoolers and others) learn that the science is not settled.  They need to learn skepticism.  They need to understand that a new religion is being accepted in our culture, and they need to find ways to argue facts without attacking deeply held belief (evangelism in its essence).  They need to understand how wicked men use this new religion (as they have, at times, used Christianity and other religions) to manipulate and control others, while they profit nicely.  This whole episode can be instructive, and will prepare our children for future leadership.