PZ Myers: The war between science and religion - Part 7/12

[CharlesjChan]

4:08 Ooh, angsty ominous music. In the words of Latumway, "congratulations, you've learned how to rip off Michel Bay"

[daithesceptic]

Good to see that the company that made 'Expelled' has gone bust.

David B

[johnjamo1]

Jim Brown i agree with ya but u quoted it a little wrong - Religion is seen as true by the people, as false by the wise and as useful by the leaders. I have this quote on my channel, as well as some others.

[ArthurD3nt]

religion should be like masturbation LOLOLOLOL

[jursamaj]

@ArthurD3nt

Yes: do it in private and wash your hands after. XD

[Aletheophile]

Expelled has to be one of the greatest comedy movies of the last decade.

[NeedsEvidence]

6:00 "Why religion ought to be like masturbation." LOL!

[punkonater]

lol yep, something to be done in private for your own pleasure, and not taught to children (they can easily discover it themselves at the right age)

[hoomelemele1]

how do you listen to these in order??

[Frosttty]

Just look in the Related Videos column to the right. Seems they follow in order on the list.

[VoteNixon2008]

Knitting and weaving technology has had an enormous role in human progess. We'd all be wearing animal skins or being naked. It's so much an art and a utility whether for clothing or for rugs.

It's had a pivotal role in history. The Civil War was largely about cotton picking labor.

[VoteNixon2008]

I like how during the clip the music sounds like the Doors song "The end" with the electric sitar lol

[ananiasacts]

How do we know that religion isn't an ancient technology? Suppose you lived at a time when there were no alternatives to magical theories for everything and discovered the power of experiment and reasoning. The leadership of the time may have gradually tweaked the fables until they selectively attracted the very worst people to help ensure they didn't discover the scientific method, while also artificially enriching the working intelligence of the entire society. Religion may be a great thing.

[jimbrown257]

"Religion is seen as stupid by the wise,

as wise by the stupid

and useful by those who want power."

A lot of people ask me how can I possibly have any morals if I do not believe in god. I think that is pathetic that people need to have someone watching over them to do what is right rather than just being a good person because it affects those around you.

It's a tricky subject though because there are many who could not tell right from wrong if they only had reality to deal with:(

[ananiasacts]

Dan Dennett has the best solution: teach young children what we know to be true about religion to help preempt the indoctrination they're likely to get at home. I think the web is doing great damage because sophistry just doesn't work well online where people can pick apart what is said. Plus, religion depends on a critical mass of folks willing to publicly endorse it. As more and more educated people condemn it, the morally indolent that used to endorse to appear caring will likely hesitate.

[jursamaj]

@jimbrown257

To those people my answer is: "If you knew no god existed, would *you* go out stealing, raping, and murdering?"

If no, then you don't get your morals from God.

If yes, then you are an immoral psychopath!

[PLScotland]

@jimbrown257 I think that there is the perception of atheism attempting to silence the voice of the conscience. Religious belief and conformity to fundamental tenets is not grounded on a fear of divine reprisal/karma but heightened awareness of the significance/meaning of our individual actions. Guilt is often derided as an unhelpful relic of religious belief by many atheist speakers who often go the consequentialist route to morals which isn't really about rights/wrong but the greater good.

[VoteNixon2008]

Holy shit, yes religion should be protected as much as masturbation

[ananiasacts]

I think he should have said "philosophical pornography."

[VoteNixon2008]

I have to agree with PZ here. Normally I take a stand offish approach. but the religious interests are such a festering problem that is a systemic problem in all aspects of public life.

Look at the people here on youtube. Look up the video "jesus wore pants" it's hilarious