Blog 314 – 06.09.2016

I have used the term recently several times to refer to my religious friends as “faith based friends.” Before I try to define what I think that term means let’s take a look at the other side of that coin at my “fact based friends.”

First some ground rules. I don’t think one side is right and the other one wrong. They are but different approaches at trying to find truth or at least to get a handle on life. They actually are not as different as most of those on the different sides think. The scientist (fact based) makes assumptions or develops theories and does experiments to try to prove his or her theories. The true believer (faith based) makes assumptions develops teachings and uses sacred texts and experiences in an attempt to prove his or her teachings and interpretations correct.

Fact base folks laugh at believers and the other way around because both sides no matter their strong claims to a commitment to truth are slow to change their theories or interpretations in the light of clear evidence to the contrary. Fact based and faith based alike find it hard to give up paradigms (Strongly held theories or beliefs) As Pasteur had a hard time convincing educated doctors to change their bloody clothes and wash their hands before surgeries to prevent the diseases they were spreading so religious leaders in the Southern United States defended Slavery using the same Bible Northern religious leaders used to condemn the practice. In the face of all the evidence some people still believe germs and bacteria do not spread disease and that it is okay for the rich and powerful to be masters and the poor and powerless their virtual slaves.

I heard a fact based scientist say recently that we can argue about opinions but we should not argue about the facts. I remember from debate class, philosophy class, and logic class that all  disagreements are over interpretations of what the evidence does or does not prove. There is a middle ground between faith and fact it is called tolerance and understanding. One takes the high road another takes the low road but some choose the road less traveled.

There is after all a third side to the coin. The side that touches both sides and joins them together. It is the edge and some of us like it out there on the edge.

Your friend and fellow traveler,
David White