Debaters get ready: Bill Nye and Ken Ham
The anti-debate quote is from “Josh Rosenau, program and policy director for the National Center for Science Education.” To be expected. He’s got something of a point. “Debate” is not what it used to be, and theatrics are a huge factor in them nowadays. On the other hand, we live in a culture where people form many of their beliefs on nothing but theatrics. It may not be “how science is decided,” but it is certainly how what many people think is decided.
But weighing of evidence and arguments is exactly “how science is decided,” allegedly. There is definitely a naive belief in emotionless, bias-free, sterile, empiricism among many who do “science” today. That may be what he’s thinking more than anything else. It’s wishful thinking though. We humans do not really look at data objectively and conclude only what the “facts” require. We’re not wired that way.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
My expectation: waste of time
Jim,
I’m surprised to see you say this is a waste of time. I teach middle school history in a public school right now. My friend, and our church’s music and youth director, is a middle school science teacher. He is offering credit to any students who watch the debate and report on it - regardless of their conclusions. Of course, this assignment opens the door for extended classroom discussion following the debate as well. He has had opportunity to promote the debate throughout our k-8 school of over 800 students and 50 some faculty and staff. He has also used the opportunity to promote discussion among the middle and high school science teachers in our district. Last week, each of these teachers received a free copy of Ham’s video evolution vs. God. Even if the debate itself convinces no one, it provides a platform for personal use in relationships. Seems like a great tool to help us accomplish exactly what we are supposed to be doing as light and salt in a dark world - if we will use it.
Why is it that my voice always seems to be loudest when I am saying the dumbest things?
Most likely, the strongly committed folks will see their side as having won the debate, regardless. Unless one side or the other is a dramatic fail… unlikely.
Still, you do have many who are undecided and curious and I hope that Ham is aiming to talk to these more than to the evolution zealots.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
The focus of formal debates is almost always for the non-participating 3rd party, either as entertainment, for information, or both. As long as the form and function of the debate is not given over to antagonistic prima donnas as is so often the case in the televised fiascoes that try to pass themselves off as political debates I don’t have any real issues with its being held, bearing always in mind that apologetics won’t change lives. The truth of Scripture coupled with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit is what is requisite for changing lives.
Lee
[Chip Van Emmerik]Jim,
I’m surprised to see you say this is a waste of time.
http://www.dennyburk.com/brief-reflections-on-the-creation-debate/
“If you watched this debate as a naturalist, you probably weren’t challenged to change that worldview. Likewise, if you watched the debate as a theist, there was nothing here to undermine your worldview either.”
[Jim]My 13 year old daughter watched the whole debate and is better prepared to discuss origins with her peers. My 30 6th grade science students at the public school where I teach are looking at the video as a bonus assignment, which now opens the door for ongoing discussions in my biology class. Hardly a waste of time.Chip Van Emmerik wrote:
Jim,
I’m surprised to see you say this is a waste of time.
http://www.dennyburk.com/brief-reflections-on-the-creation-debate/
“If you watched this debate as a naturalist, you probably weren’t challenged to change that worldview. Likewise, if you watched the debate as a theist, there was nothing here to undermine your worldview either.”
Why is it that my voice always seems to be loudest when I am saying the dumbest things?
Discussion