Even the church is smarter than that not to hire a scientist for a priest position.

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phear!

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The article does seem to sensationalize the one idea about evolution. If you read further down he doesn't seem to be such a bad judge of what needs to be done.

Except that Canada is actually not doing much in terms of helping researchers at all. I understand that there just isn't money for research if during a recession a lot of people are on social assistance and such but it's not like there was any more money in research in times of boom so I really don't know what the fuck is going on. There is always some dumb ass excuse on why research funding is getting cut. But I would really like to see the day when Canada actually sets some proper priorities.

people have a right to practise their own religion.

however, if there is any evidence that his personal relidious beliefs have impacted the way he does his job, then he should immediatley be removed.

common sense would suggest that he's probably not the 'best' choice for the position...but I don't attribute much 'common sense' to the CPC, particularly in the last 6-12 months.

quote:

Originally posted by MarkT people have a right to practise their own religion.

Not if they are in a position of responsibility that is in direct conflict with their beliefs.

I would not expect to be made Minister of Agriculture... Although I would love that job and make you all vegetarians

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i almost have a feeling it was taken out of context by the journalist.

The important quote here is this:

“I'm not going to answer that question. I am a Christian, and I don't think anybody asking a question about my religion is appropriate,”

Can we try to unpack just how fucking stupid that statement is?

1) You won't answer a question about a scientific theory, which is an obvious requirement of a SCIENCE MINISTER, a policy-making position which clearly makes all of your personal opinions a matter of public interest if they relate to science policies.

2) Not only do you claim its in appropriate for YOU to answer this question, but it's inappropriate for SOMEONE ELSE TO EVEN ASK IT.

3)Presumably this (batshit crazy) logic extends to other tenets of your Christianity. So it's also inappropriate for anyone to ask you any question which bares on your personal faith or interpretations thereof.

4) Since you won't discuss the tenants of your faith, its impossible for anyone else to know what they are, making it hard to avoid the pitfalls of 2 & 3.

Did I miss anything?

Now, as for the "evolution is 'just' a theory" business, which we've all heard a million times...

People who say that X is 'just' a theory do not understand what a scientific theory IS. If they did, they would know that "theory" is not a diminutive term. It means a set of testable hypothesis that explain an observable phenomenon, which have not been demonstratably proven wrong.

Gravety is a theory
Light is a theory
Atomic structure is a theory

The Flat-Earth hypothesis is NOT a theory because it has been demonstratably proven WRONG.

This idea that things go from being theory to fact is utterly alien to the scientific method. It's not about facts versus theories, its about theories versus better theories.

Only those people who claim to have access to some revealed, undeniable truth look down on "theories". Who needs a testable theory when you have the word of God in a book telling you whats true?

Ok, now I'm tired. End of rant.

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quote:

Originally posted by ExtremeWays Now, as for the "evolution is 'just' a theory" business, which we've all heard a million times... People who say that X is 'just' a theory do not understand what a scientific theory IS. If they did, they would know that "theory" is not a diminutive term. It means a set of testable hypothesis that explain an observable phenomenon, which have not been demonstratably proven wrong. Gravety is a theory Light is a theory Atomic structure is a theory

+1

It baffles me how some ppl still doubt evolution, if its so far fetched show me another theory with more supporting evidence.

After reading the article the minister seems like a good overall guy, BUT surely their is someone more qualified to be minister of science! He's using religion as a scapegoat to not answer a question about science....WTF?!......ohh stephen harper you never cease to amaze me.

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quote:

Originally posted by LightsOut It baffles me how some ppl still doubt evolution, if its so far fetched show me another theory with more supporting evidence.

If we evolved from monkeys why haven't the monkeys in the Toronto Zoo evolved?

You know, you don't have to be a scientist, or even someone who believes in the power of science AND believe in evolution. It is NOT fact, it is a working (and highly reinforced) theory. Funnily enough, people who preach evolution as fact and deny any other possibility are simply religious fanatics of a different sect - which is the real scary thing

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quote:

Originally posted by evil_cookie If we evolved from monkeys why haven't the monkeys in the Toronto Zoo evolved?

Humans didn't evolve from monkeys, we evolved from african apes, like gorillas and chimpanzees. Scientists believe this common ancestor existed 5 to 8 million years ago. Shortly thereafter, the species diverged into two separate lineages. One of these lineages ultimately evolved into gorillas and chimps, and the other evolved into early human ancestors called hominids.

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quote:

Originally posted by evil_cookie Evolution IS NOT A FACT, it's only a theory.

*badoom-tsss*

Although it's true - it is just a theory. The thing is, the Book of Genesis is not a theory, it's a fairy tale.

Quotes taken out of context by the journalist, definitely, but I still find it a little bit disturbing. Most mainstream Christians don't have any trouble reconciling the theory of evolution with the rest of their hocus-pocus.

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