http://pewresearch.org/pubs/578/when-science-and-faith-compete-faith-usually-wins
"Interestingly, many of those who reject natural selection recognize that scientists themselves fully accept Darwin's theory. In the same 2006 Pew poll, nearly two-thirds of adults (62%) say that they believe that scientists agree on the validity of evolution. Moreover, Americans, including religious Americans, hold science and scientists in very high regard.
So what is at work here? How can Americans say that they respect science and even know what scientists believe and yet still disagree with the scientific community on some fundamental questions? The answer is that much of the general public simply chooses not to believe the scientific theories and discoveries that seem to contradict long-held religious or other important beliefs.
When asked what they would do if scientists were to disprove a particular religious belief, nearly two-thirds (64%) of people say they would continue to hold to what their religion teaches rather than accept the contrary scientific finding, according to the results of an October 2006 Time magazine poll. Indeed, in a May 2007 Gallup poll, only 14% of those who say they do not believe in evolution cite lack of evidence as the main reason underpinning their views; more people cite their belief in Jesus (19%), God (16%) or religion generally (16%) as their reason for rejecting Darwin's theory."
So, there is no hope. How do you educate people who choose to be ignorant of facts?? Anyone??
1 comments:
I think it's a question of utility. Most Americans gain very little from having beliefs that are logically consistent and scientifically based. For them, there is not much satisfaction in an honest search for knowledge.
On the other hand, the average American has a great deal to gain from holding certain beliefs that are outrageously implausible. If one chooses to believe in Jesus, for example, one can typically gain general peace of mind, and above all social acceptance. Going to church is not all about listening to someone drone on and on about nonsense. It's also a place to meet potential friends and business partners. Church is a good place to find a job. If you need a hairdresser, chances are there is one who attends your local church. You can meet this person outside of the business context and decide whether you are comfortable with her or not before ever walking into the salon.
The catch is that you have to actually believe these outrageously implausible things in order to obtain the social rewards. While it is possible to lie to a large group of people for a long period of time, it is more difficult than the alternative of simply bullshitting oneself. I remember hearing a friend of mine speculate that this sort of sustained inconsistency is psychologically stressful in that one must constantly be on one’s toes.
So, perhaps there is no hope... or perhaps the only hope would be to make atheism more socially rewarding for the middle-class. This is difficult because we do not have the Church as an institution, but that is not to say it is impossible.
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