I am half way through a series of 3 documentaries by Richard Dawkins on Evolution. I have always enjoyed his documentaries and the passion he takes to them. In his documentries, it is interesting to watch him when talking with/observing religious fundamentalists and people involved in hoemopathy etc. He comes across as genuinely wanting people to explain why they hold their views in the face of alternatives - and evidence that opposes their view. You see his quizical - even surprised - face when views are espoused that he can't see the rationale, logic or evidence for - and he seems to shake his head not quite believing that people can hold such views.
In the documentary, there are scenes of him teaching older school students about evolution (a cameo teaching role) - his argument being that so little time or effort is put into teaching children at school about the force that has shaped our planet and all living things! Even in this scene, he appears shocked at how little they know - and how confronting a number of students found the concept. In another scene, he talks with a senior minister (Bishop) in a Church in Kenya (next to where he lived as a boy) - and again seems surprised at the atttitude of rejecting that mankind is effectively the "5th Ape". Incindently, the Bishop spoke about his perspective very well - without the usual defensive or aggressive response Dawkins often gets from religious leaders.
Interestingly, while seeing evolution as what has shaped us as a people - he does not see it is a basis - or excuse - for a dog eat dog view of society - or a justification for the strong winning over the weak. It was interesting to see how he looked at these notions in business and politics. Dawkins was actually quite swayed by Sam Harris in thinking about how the notion of how morality developed in humans as our brain capacity grew - where we could almost step outside of ourselves and think through consequences in an empathetic way and not driven just by genes survival and procreation.
Dawkins wrote a book on evolution for the everyday reader "The Greatest show on Earth - the evidence for evolution". This is a good, considered work. His last chapter is entitled "There is Grandeur in this view of life". He also has an appendix entitled "The History Deniers".
Why is evolution and our natural origins so threatening to many of those who believe in God?
Another comment received by Murray:
ReplyDelete"Your final question is a good one. An additional one (a the risk of sounding defensive?) is, "Why are so many such as Dawkins threatened by those who hold a different set of beliefs particularly given that the basic presuppositions of both are unprovable (not necessarily irrational)?" What is it about faiths different than their own generate such angst and concern? I can understand why those with a Christian faith might get upset etc. but why should Dawkins et. al? Why should they not just not care - why does it matter so much?"
Thanks Murray - I think the point is that people like Dawkins really do care - they don't want to see people miss out on appreciating what they see is the wonder of life and how it was formed and, from their perspective, what makes us - us. They get concerned when people are constrained from opening their eyes and making judgments based on evidence rather than just ideology. Bishops/Church leaders have publically asked him why you shouldn't just rape, steal, murder etc if there is no God. Dawkins is appalled at this - because it suggests that without a celestial policeman looking at you - or without the promise of heaven - there is no cause or logic for men/women to be loving, caring and decent. Dawkins and others argue that the awe of understanding our orgins and who we are - and the way our natures and society were shaped - is more than enough to shape these qualities in us without the external threats or promises.
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