The critical approach (was Re: [asa] Miracle healing?)

Hi Iain,

Thought I'd change the topic of the thread as it's a bit tangential to
the main issue.

My perception is that the "taught to question everything" attitude
applies not only to scientists, but to those educated in the Western
education system in general.

That is to say, as one who has degrees in both engineering and theology
(and read rather widely in philosophy to boot), I can affirm that a
"question everything" mentality is not unique to the physical sciences.

I've come to the view that this is a major reason for the eruption of
flame-wars on e-mail discussion groups - as the first response is often
to criticize the flaws in a position, rather than identify and affirm
the strengths.

Perhaps it could be an interesting exercise for folk on the ASA group to
pause before their next critical e-mail and ask whether they've given
due consideration to the potential strengths of an "opposing"
point-of-view. As the old adage says; "you never learn anything from
somebody who agrees with you."

Blessings
Murray Hogg
Pastor, East Camberwell Baptist Church, Victoria, Australia
Post-Grad Student (MTh), Australian College of Theology

Iain Strachan wrote:
> I think this thread has immediately diverted into a discussion of
> Dawkins vs McGrath, rather than concentrating on the question
> Christine asked. I think it would be more interesting if instead we
> tried to have a discussion about miracles, and how we respond to
> miracles as the sceptical and honest scientists that we are. I don't
> mean sceptical in a derogatory sense - science is all about being
> honest, and that means questioning every result that you see, and
> endeavouring not just to see what you want to see. T
> <snip>

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Received on Fri May 23 20:56:42 2008