"Why Jesus Makes Me a Bad Scientist"

[LongTomH]

I cross posted this to the religion forum. My purpose is just to add another point of view to the dialogue / debate between science and religion.

The title of this post comes from a blogger who calls herself: "Isis the Scientist" (You do find the most interesting people in the science blogosphere!) Isis the Scientist is: 1) A working scientist - a physiologist at a major research university, 2) A practicing Catholic - two things which many people don't think can go together. To round out the picture, she's also: 3) An outspoken feminist, 4) a mother, and 5) a sexy lady!

It all started with a discussion of Chris Mooney and Sheril Kirshenbaum's new book: Unscientific America. Apparently "Isis" hasn't finished reading her copy yet.

But some of my Sciblings have and that began this week's hooplah. PZ is unamused and ERV has basically called Chris and Sheril traitors. ERV's comments section is a whole 'nother discussion to be had. All I'll say for now is that there is some mention there over whether Abbie or I are the bigger "drama queen" here at ScienceBlogs. I think the entire question is rooted in a fallacy. I can't be a drama "queen." I am the domestic and laboratory goddess already. Thus, by default, the win is hers.

But, my interest in the discussion is minimal at best. I have written before about being a Catholic scientist and my relationship with church and science. But even though I agree vehemently about the need to separate education and science from religion, the comments typically come back to how to scientifically test the existence of God in a way that will satisfy those who do not currently believe in a higher power.

If I knew dudes, don't you think I'd have done it?

It's largely the broad-brush painting of anyone who has faith in a higher power as a "wackaloon theocratic neofuedal douchescrote" though that largely makes me avoid these discussions to begin with. I get that there are some real nutters out there -- creationists and global warming deniers -- but that's a hard place to come back from short of retaliating with "godless goatfucking cockknuckle." And even then, what's the point? I don't really think my atheist brethren are godless goatfucking cockknuckles. I usually agree with them when it comes to issues of science education.

Wow!:wow: Such language from a young lady who, presumably, attended Catholic schools!

OK, I wouldn't really call this lady conventional on any level. I posted this to add another point of view to an extremely polarized discussion; here's a very intelligent young person who can be a person of faith and a working scientist.

By the way, the current poster - LongTomH - is a person who described himself as an agnostic for years. I fell in love with a beautiful lady who was a devout Catholic, who loved me despite my agnosticism. Jeanne was also a person with a gift for seeing all sides of a debate.

She departed this life three years ago. These days I find myself believing in - or at least hoping for - a hereafter. As for being an 'agnostic,' I'm not certain what tag to use; maybe 'deist,' or maybe I really don't want to use a tag.

Read the rest of her post, and the thread "Hot Jesus Action."

Why Jesus Makes Me a Bad Scientist

[Buzz Clik]

1. She would not be treated with any level of respect in the Religion/Theology forum.

However, I find her interesting and of a similar mind as me. I'm guessing you have an interesting tale to tell.

[TZ]

2. I've known plenty of scientists who also were religious

Many of whom are practicing Catholics...Like this lady they understand that science and religion are separate issues.
I don't have a problem with this. And I'm an atheist who often finds herself in agreement with Dawkins and Meyers.
She has some good points, but lets make it clear not all her atheist colleagues are as she describes.

[redqueen]

3. I'm going to start describing men as sexy or hot whenever it applies.

Especially when it has absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand.

[dalaigh lllama]

4. +1

Yup.

[GaYellowDawg]

6. Will you start with me?

Been a long time since I've had a compliment.

[angryfirelord]

5. Science and Religion aren't necessarily mutually exclusive ideas

Although the crowd that hangs out in the Religion/Theology section seems to think otherwise.....