Creationism

As I'm never one to avoid controversy, I want to acknowledge the problem creationists pose to Christianity, particularly in the USA. I want to hear everyone's experience with it and tips on how to fight it.

umm...doesn't creationism and Christianity kind of go hand in hand? lol And why is it just Christianity you're targeting? Jews are the same. So are Muslims.Same basic belief systems. One all-mighty God, creates the universe and everything in it.

I personally believe in creationism, but not in the same way as most people. I believe God set forth events. He caused the "big bang". Yes, he may have created the world in 7 days, but the Bible tells us that a day in Heaven is not the same as a day here on earth. I believe that when the conditions were right, he began the process of creating life.

By the way, I do hope you plan to be more respectful this time around. Last time you brought up creationism, you used the term "retarded creationists". Please be mature and respectful about this this time. That is how a Jedi is supposed to be, and it is part of what this forum is for...a place where people can respect others' point of views without name calling and disrespect. *steps off of soap box*

I've run into these people before... now no offense to anyone who holds such beliefs and keeps them to him/herself (no attempts at converting others), but all of the creationists I've met so-far have been utterly ridiculous and fanatical to the point where they became almost violently agitated when queried seriously about their beliefs. Most of the hard-core creationists simply aren't willing to even consider the possibility of anything outside their ingrained belief system. Of course I can't blame them personally, these things are merely a product of their upbringing.

Because of this though it does make it awfully hard to consider opening their minds. You might have luck with some of them, especially in the younger crowd, but to do so would require the level of charisma and eloquent argumentative skills usually reserved for presidents or shoe salesman. (Besides, then you're just doing what they do, in reverse. No preaching at all dammit!)

My best answer for combating archaic belief systems is to simply be there; lead by example. Show the youngest generations that there's a different way of looking at things, give the kids an option in their lives while they're still young enough to to be open-minded. Eventually, over time and with a little luck, the old belief systems will simply cease to exist as a new way of looking at the world begins to creep into the mass consciousness. Course that's just me being hopeful. My best advice is don't try to discuss any serious topic with a hard-core creationist unless you're within screaming distance of a friendly cop.

To fight something like this is to fight something that has no end or solution. As long as man exists, this point of view shall exist. You'll be going in circles. I'd rather prefer to teach myself how to intelligently and maturely co-exist with them instead. We're all on the same boat having to experience the same things no matter the difference in the labels we give these experiences. While you choose to "fight" fanatics like these, you are simply adhering to the same ideals that they are with others (ex. "Fight the terrorists!!). In this way, you aren't exactly setting yourself apart from them. This is the differences that matter to me. Some of us want to go out and "save the world from doom", and others have come to see that there is nothing to save from any doom but ourselves.

There will be a big war soon enough, and everyone's going to die, except for the smart guys living in space. Survival of the fittest (I mean, the guy in the rocket -- no not the one with the nukes) will take care of that creationist problem.

I do not see a need to fight. They are entitled to their opinion just as much as anyone else.

If the subject comes up and you do not think things will remain civil do not allow yourself to be drawn into a debate, simply state your beliefs and try to agree to disagree.

After all a Jedi is first and foremost an instrument of peace.

MTFBWY