> > > > "Agnostic" means "not knowing", right? I don't really
> > > >see that there is much to DISAGREE with there. You might personally
> > > >KNOW, but should be open to the possibility that others don't.
> > >
> > > I'm not sure what you are getting at in the last paragraph. Let's change
> > > the topic under discussion from religion to astronomy (or math, or physics,
> > > or some other subject at which you may be considered an expert). When I go
> > > into the classroom, it is assumed that I know something about the topic,
> > > and that it is not just a possibility but a certainty that the students in
> > > the class do not know as much about it as I do.
> >
> > No, our situation is more like a seminar. We all know a lot
> >about some subjects, and less about others. You need to be
> >respectful, and not assume you know more than others.
>
> Does this mean that the statement "You might personally KNOW..." was
> intended specifically for John? : )
No, it was directed at all religious people who feel
that they can talk others into their faith. As I understand
St. Paul, faith is not something one picks up by being argued
with.
> >We have
> >different data and viewpoints, and are trying to work out what
> >is true. In that sense, I'm asking for a spirit of scientific
> >inquiry.
>
> Some also think it's useful during a scientific or academic inquiry to
> consult those who have spent significant time studying the subject and who
> have taught the subject.
>
> --Ronn! :)
If they have anything useful to say. It's certainly
possible to have studied something but not be able to articulate
what one has learned. What I was saying is that if you can't
articulate your knowledge, yelling at people won't help.
---David
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