Whenever religious beliefs conflict with scientific facts or violate principles of political liberty, we must respond with appropriate aplomb. Nevertheless, we should be cautious about irrational exuberance. I suggest that we raise our consciousness one tier higher for the following reasons.
He then lists the following 5 reasons, elaborating on each:
- Anti-something movements by themselves will fail.
- Positive assertions are necessary.
- Rational is as rational does.
- The golden rule is symmetrical.
- Promote freedom of belief and disbelief.
The piece features two great quotes as well:
Charles Darwin: It appears to me (whether rightly or wrongly) that direct arguments against Christianity & theism produce hardly any effect on the public; & freedom of thought is best promoted by the gradual illumination of men’s minds which follow[s] from the advance of science. It has, therefore, been always my object to avoid writing on religion, & I have confined myself to science.”I didn't realize Darwin became as opposed to Christianity and theism as this quote implies. Fascinating.
Martin Luther King, Jr: The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
We should be careful not to alienate our religious allies.
