Wednesday, April 01, 2009

A two-way street

Pastor Dan, from yesterday:

It's reasonable for a scientist to expect that scientific discussions be conducted under the guiding framework of science. What is not reasonable is for that same scientist to take umbrage at the religious framework for the mere fault of existence, or to expect that a "rational" worldview should necessarily dominate moral discourse.

If the faithful are required to engage the scientific paradigm, the scientists should be prepared to do the same for the religious paradigm where appropriate. You don't have to endorse it, you don't have to consider it an equal either way, but you should be prepared to listen and seek understanding without hostility or contempt. Otherwise, you're just as narrow-minded as the intolerant people you decry.