From: gar@cltr.uq.oz.au (Greg Restall)
Subject: Re: Creation-Evolution-What's the point?
Organization: Centre for Language Teaching and Research, Uni of Queensland, AUSTRALIA.
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 01:02:15 GMT

lhccjeh@lure.latrobe.edu.au writes:

*All this chatter about creation vs evolution is certainly using up bandwidth.
*I for one though can't really see what the problem is.

As one of the people contributing to the
bandwidth, I feel obliged to give some 
explanation of my participation.

*Which camp is right (if any?) simply cannot be proven as to do so would
*require a change in the basis of belief of the other camp(s) that didn't
*hold to that belief.

True.  This often happens with 
disagreements.  The good thing is that
often we can learn a bit more, and get
closer to the Truth.  Especially when 
you see the reasons for your own beliefs, 
and the way other people defend theirs.

*Now I guess some of you out there just like to have a natter, and are not
*really ;-) trying to convince or convert anyone. Maybe some of you are.

Hmmm.  I like a natter as much as any.
Primarily, however, I think that some
misconceptions in this area need to be
cleared up.  I find that the presentation
of the creationists from the CSF tend to
obscure some important issues, and that 
a little clarification can be of real 
assistance for Christians who are worried
about this area.  I also think that 
discussion about it is important for those
that aren't Christians, so that they can
see that this issue isn't a stumbling 
block between them and becoming a 
Christian.  You see, as someone who has 
been given a gift in becoming a Christian,
I want to make sure that others have as
much of a chance as possible to receive
that gift.  Sometimes, discussion and 
argument can be helpful to this end.

*Whatever, don't you think it could be more fruitful to discuss themes that
*do not rely so strongly on the fundamentals so to speak?

No.  I'm a philosopher by trade, and
many of my discussions rely very 
strongly on fundamentals.  In my 
department we cope with this quite
well, as we all try (mostly) to listen, 
and to consider things from the other
person's perspective, and to help her
or him develop their line of thought
in a sensible and rational way.  I think
the same can happen here.  Sometimes
this happens by pointing out difficulties
in the other person's arguments.  Sometimes
it takes other forms.  However it works,
fundamental discussions are important, 
and can be very helpful.

*You see the truth doesn't need defence. So if your belief, is the 
*truth, don't worry yourself about defending it. It is safe.

This is half true.  Not all my beliefs are 
true, and discussing them with others can
help me see where I can change them to more
adequately reflect Truth.  The same holds
for other people, I suspect.  So, seeing
how your belief stands up under defence, 
and really *listening* to what other people
have to say (instead of resorting to knee-jerk
reactions) is an important way to respect the 
Truth.  (I'm not criticising any particular 
person's actions here, but pointing out a 
disease we all suffer from.)

So, I'll continue to post here from time
to time, discussing what are rather fundamental
issues.  I hope you don't mind.

Best wishes,

Greg


--
------------------+------------------------------------------------
Greg Restall      | Philosophy Department, University of Queensland
gar@cltr.uq.oz.au | Queensland, 4072  Australia.
------------------+------------------------------------------------
Redemption rips through the surface of time in the cry of a tiny babe.
        - Bruce Cockburn, from the album "Nothing but a Burning Light"