re: inherently anti-thestic?

Bill Hamilton (hamilton@predator.cs.gmr.com)
Wed, 7 Jun 1995 15:10:06 -0500

(Responding to my own post -- gauche, I know :-))

Stephen wrote

>> The question is not whether "Evolution is a scientific theory", but
>> whether or not it is *inherently* an anti-theistic theory.
>
I said

>My perception is that it is a contradiction in terms to claim that a
>scientific theory is anti-theistic. Scientific theories deal with natural
>phenonena, not with first causes or supernatural or spiritual issues.
>_People_ can be anti-theistic, and they can even try to enlist the support
>of scientific theories for their anti-thestic positions. But I believe it
>is illogical to say that a scientific theory is anti-theistic.
>
I shouldn't have to add this, but just to ensure there is no possible
misunderstanding: _If_ it were possible for a scientific theory to be
anti-theistic, _and_ if I believed evolution to be anti-theistic, then I
would be in the trenches with you, Stephen. Please understand that. The
issue is one of truth and defending the search for it, not how I would like
things to be.

Bill Hamilton | Vehicle Systems Research
GM R&D Center | Warren, MI 48090-9055
810 986 1474 (voice) | 810 986 3003 (FAX)