Vice Presidential Candidates: You Have a Choice
When it comes to feelings about creation vs evolution between the American vice-presidential candidates, voters will have a clear choice.
Reporters are digging for information on the surprise Republican nominee, Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Answers in Genesis collected statements from the press about her position on the teaching of evolution in public schools. She indicated support for teaching both sides if the debate comes up in class, but not mandating the teaching of intelligent design. As for her personal position, she stated clearly, “I believe we have a creator.” AIG did not consider any of these strong indicators of a Biblical creationist position, but at least one that tolerates openness in the public debate. Massimo Pigliucci though, commenting on this at Live Science, considered Palin’s stance on science education “worrisome.” He asserted that “creationism is simply not even in the ballpark of the best ideas ever produced by humanity.” (Presumably, he considers evolution as a top contender.)
The situation is very different on the Democratic side. According to Bill Sammon at Fox News, Joe Biden gave reporters an earful when asked about creationism. “Biden … used unusually strong language to ridicule those who believe in creationism or intelligent design,” Sammon said. Biden exclaimed, “I refuse to believe the majority of people believe this malarkey!”
If Biden wants to attract votes, it doesn’t seem politic to alienate the majority of people. Diplomacy does not seem to be his strong point.
A hot-headed vituperant responded to Sammon’s article with this gem of reasoning: “I also use strong language to ridicule the creationist idiots who still believe in intelligent design MAGIC in the 21st century. Nobody is more uneducated, gullible, and just plain stupid than the creationists.”
Here’s a suggestion on how to respond to this kind of pronouncement when you encounter a self-made philosopher. Use the J. P. Moreland approach. Listen patiently while the vituperant blows his credibility, then look him or her in the eye, and calmly but firmly ask, “Excuse me sir/madam, do you have an argument?” After a short pause for the quizzical look, continue, “because I’m waiting for one. If you have a point to make, make it.”
Get the vituperant on the defensive to make a rational argument based on evidence. (This assumes you have been setting a good example.) If the combatant takes the challenge and states a proposition, good. That can be debated, using evidence and logic. Don’t put up, though, with ridicule. Stand up to it. Demand respectful, rational dialogue, and maybe you will win mutual respect. If he or she storms off muttering, then – well, you’ve won something else: the whole shootin’ match.