Thank you!

Had to do a bit of searching but I think I’ve found my position paper er, blog. Read the entry for March 23rd by “Sean.” I copied the link but only tried to remember the title, I think it’s Politicians and Critics or somesuch.

http://cosmicvariance.com/

I realize my Presbyterianism doesn’t really fit in with the more radical (and well-nasty) forms, but that was my original point. I think it was Sam Rayburn who gave LBJ this advice, “To get along, go along.” Our Constitutional mantra is and should remain: Separation of Church and State. Yours’ and Gypsy’s recent entries on Raidical Multiculturalism should be, well must be, guiding principle.

JK

Now Malcolm, I find myself at odds not infrequently with (as I consider) zealous adherents/associates from either camp: but most frequently with the adherents of a particular “faith.” For the believers in science alone, their efforts to persuade me are usually less contentious, usually more oh, “good-natured” I suppose.

I try very hard to remember when I write not to put down that I have “faith that a particular theory will play out in such and such a manner.” I make every effort to distinguish the difference between my religious faith and my belief in science. The strictly science folk generally tolerate me. However I find myself being visited by Jehovah’s Witnesses when I disagree with the faith-based arguments.

I suppose that when I comment on your site I should check back in more frequently so that I might answer in a timely fashion. I’ve tried to keep this short and simple. Am I sufficiently clear?

JK

In order that we may understand your remarks more clearly, could you explain what you see as the distinction between faith and belief?

Whether any other sentient being accepts, as I do, matters not a whit. That another might wish to convince me that I am incorrect insofar as faith regards-matters not a whit. Insofar as belief and faith, I seek not to prosyletize in either regard. And I see no compunction that I must in either faith or belief seek to transform another.

I am presented empirical evidence that bacteria are presently evolving immunities to antibiotics. I have no problem with the evidence. Very difficult to argue with the scientific method-hypothesis, theory, test, perhaps conclusion. Maybe a Law. To me however an immutable Law lends credence to faith.

I see faith and belief as two separate entries in a dictionary. Belief is somewhere after aardvark. Faith is somewhere after faarthing. Old English I know. However I admit and I purposefully render what I believe, what I have faith in, creationism, uncapitalized and lacking either. Faith in the hands of a George W. Bush is a dangerous thing. Belief in the same hands-equally dangerous.

But I do not seek to proselytize as I have stated. Whether another has the faith I contain does me no good, no harm. Neither does the lack of faith do me either. I lay on my back in an unlit night and gaze upon what I consider Creation and wish others to believe that there are mysteries to resolve.

And insofar as we are able to resolve the Mysteries, from whichever Cardinal Point (loaded as that reference is) I care not a whit.

Don’t do no “Noble Savage” American Indian thing on me. I’ll do no Crusader: no Christianity to the natives thing on you. Sorry about the capitalization thing, it’s habit.

JK