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. . . In This Issue.
Celebrating Darwin Day on February 16th. Quote of the Month. "Darwin Day and John Scopes" by Clay Costner. Letter to the Editon . . . from Gene Barmore. "Planet-A and Planet-Z" by Robert A. Richert. Humor - "Things You Don't Want to Hear During Surgery!" At the February 16th Meeting: HAOC Celebrates Darwin Day At the February meeting we are going to share stories and observations about how Charles Darwin has changed to world and how his discoveries have changed the way we think about ourselves and our place in the world. For the Community of Reason, Darwin's birthday, February 12th, should be cause to celebrate our rational philosophy of humanistic values. We hope you will come to this meeting and share with us your thoughts and feelings about Darwin Day. Quote of the Month: "Don't pray in my school and I won't think in your church!" . . . bumper sticker. Darwin Day and John Scopes By Clay Costner In 1965, when both Tennessee and Arkansas were proposing new laws concerning prohibiting the teaching of evolution, I was able to attend a meeting at Peabody College in which the featured speaker was John Scopes. He had just returned from 40 years in South America working for an oil company where he had gone after his conviction at the infamous "Monkey Trial" or the Scopes Trial in 1925. He was an eloquent speaker against those who would restrict academic freedom. Obviously he was not simply a dumb coach who was made a test case for the ACLU. He was a passionate advocate for the teaching of evolution and academic freedom. Both the Arkansas and Tennessee laws failed to pass forbidding the teaching of evolution in both states in 1965. John Scopes was again influential in the debate. Charles Robert Darwin Born in Shrewsbury, England, on Feb. 12, 1809. Published "The Origin of Species" 1895. "The Descent of Man" in 1871. LECTURE ADDENDUM ON SPIRITUALITY By Paul Ricci The spirited discussion in the Q & A period following my review of Robert Fuller’s Spiritual but not Religious, motivated me to write a few additional comments regarding the concerns and reservations using the word "spiritual" in regard to Humanists and/or other free-thinkers. Some thought we need not use the term "spiritual" in the way described in the Q & A session as an intense feeling associated with what gives our lives value and meaning as suggested by Carol Copp. Though not denying Humanists and other free-thinking groups have such feelings, the questions arose--as they have in the past--as to why we need to call these feelings "spiritual," why we even need be concerned about making an issue of them or comparing them to the spirituality claimed by various religions. All good questions needing answers. Apart from the answers I suggested in the Q & A period, namely, that including spiritual values gives Humanists an additional positive factor to add to our movement, and that it shows religions have no monopoly on spirituality, which they think they have, a more important reason is that making a point of this naturalistic spirituality might aid in the enrichment of our lives. We have beliefs and values which give meaning to our lives just as much as do traditional religious devotees. Though these may vary from one Humanist to another, I would think there are some core values and beliefs common to most Humanists which it would be wise to name, develop, extol, and cultivate. To quote from The Affirmations of Humanism: A Statement of Principles, "We believe in the fullest realization of the best and noblest that we are capable of as human beings." If this is true, why not encourage and disseminate such human values? They need to be given a collective name otherwise their recognition and cultivation would be minimized. I don’t like calling them "religious" since they are not peculiarly religious but human and devoid of any connection to a creed or with a theology. Calling these feelings and associated values "spiritual" and separating them from supernaturalism seems to me the best we can do. Though we may not always realize it, we are in competition with traditional religions and we need to give them one less bit of ammunition to use against us; they already have enough. Lastly, we do not need to define, in any great detail, what "spirituality" is, to know what it means any more than we need to define "love" or "compassion" or even "religion" to know what these are when we are faced with them. The reticence in accepting the term is, as I see it, it’s relation to the word "spirit" from which the term derived. However, as any student of language knows, words don’t always mean today, nor must they mean, what they were derived from. The word "lunatic" which originally meant those mentally affected by the moon, doesn’t quite mean that today, nor does the word "religion" any longer simply mean "that which binds together." I would suggest we take one of the present common meanings of the term "spiritual" and expand on that. Definition 9: "of or relating to the conscious thoughts and emotions" (Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language) should avoid confusion with some esoteric or supernatural connection with its base word "spirit." But enough said. Letter to the Editor: To those who want to post the Ten Commandments in the schools, and elsewhere, as a means of promoting morality, I suggest we offer the "new and improved ten commandments" Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Gene Barmore Planet-A and Planet-Z Dear (relative or friend), Thank you for your letter, I hope all is well. I read the religious literature that you included because I know that caring motivates your intentions. However, I must say that your view of reality is distinctly different from my own. It is as if I live on Planet-A and you live on Planet-Z. To explain what I mean, I chose to represent our opposing points of view by dividing them into the two sections below: Planet-A Citizens of Planet-A admire the power of the human mind to reason, inquire and discover. Rational thinking, respect for the scientific method, and healthy skepticism are core values. Scientists are held in high esteem because doing good science requires rigorous training, exceptional intellectual capacity and considerable patience. Planet-A’s are not likely to accept ideas or arguments based upon authority alone, they need to see the evidence. Likewise, personal testimonials are given very little credence because they are notoriously unreliable. Planet-Z On Planet-Z, faith, intuition, and reliance upon the "Revea1ed" authority of sacred religious scriptures are core values. Faith, which is vaguely defined as, "The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen", is one of the highest of virtues. How one comes to believe is not nearly as important as that one believes. There is great adulation for charismatic leaders. Those able to inspire with passion and use the power of persuasion to motivate people to action may gain an enormous following. Considerable prestige and weight are credited to personal testimonials affirming "Faith" or miracle stories. Planet-A It is widely recognized that the scientific method has proven to be the most reliable way, by far, of advancing knowledge about the universe in which we live. Scientist's continuously updated accumulating knowledge and exchange new information through peer reviewed journals. Disagreements are resolved through further research. Through this process and with time, errors weeded out and reliable, productive knowledge progresses at a rapid pace. On this planet, How one comes to knowledge is as important as the knowledge itself. Planet-A people are more interested in what you know than what you believe. Planet-Z Sacred scriptures, interpreted literally, are the final authority on matters of scientific truth on Planet-Z. All knowledge must harmonize with Scripture. Scientific theories or discoveries will be declared in error, or simply ignored if they are perceived to conflict with fundamental religious "Truths". Religious beliefs are rarely subject to revision in light of new knowledge. Throughout history, religious disagreements have resulted in bloody wars and the splintering of factions into hundreds of sects. Most of these claim to be the "One True Church". Planet-A Our beliefs about the nature of reality should be proportional to the available evidence. For example, Planet- A people tend to be quite skeptical of miracle stories, including Jesus’ alleged resurrection, because the vast bulk of the evidence consists of hearsay and/or uncontrolled testimonials. Conversely, biological evolution is widely accepted because of the mountains of confirming evidence accumulated since Darwin’s day. Planet-A people recognize that human emotion often bias or prejudice our perception of reality. They cherish intellectual honesty. Those who seek truth try to follow the path of evidence wherever it leads, no matter how psychologically disquieting the journey may be. Planet-Z Many Planet-Z people are religious hedonists --"If it makes you feel good, believe it". Most become so emotionally committed to their religious beliefs, that no amount of disconfirming evidence or counter arguments will change their minds. Despite a lack of credible supporting evidence, they are fervently convinced in the existence of life after death, that miracles occur and that a loving God listens to their prayers. Conversely, any idea, theory, or fact that makes them feel uncomfortable is subject to rejection. For example, many Planet-Z people refuse to believe that humans evolved from a "lowly ape". This is not an opinion formed by weighing the evidence - it’s an emotional gut reaction. To them, the idea that humans and apes are biologically, related is demeaning and disgusting. Planet-A Planet-A people nurture human traits such as a sense of awe, wonder, curiosity, and the desire to understand the universe around us. They love learning and emphasize education. Few make claims to absolute knowledge or truth. They understand that most knowledge is provisional and is subject to refinement or abandonment as new information comes forth. People are comfortable with uncertainty. They do not accept that our sense of self-esteem is bestowed upon us from on high, nor linked to our place in the cosmos. Instead, we earn our sense of self-esteem through the works we do in life. An objective view of the evidence supports the idea that humans created God in their own idealized image. Our long evolutionary history demonstrates that humans are members of the animal kingdom. Planet-Z Planet-Z people nurture traits such as obedience to authority and a strong sense of commitment. Their sense of wonder is focused upon the "Works of God in nature and human affairs". Most Planet-Z’s are quite uncomfortable with uncertainty. Knowledge of absolute truth is a starting point, not a long-term goal. They have a bumper sticker that says, "God said it - I believe it - that settles it!" Invoking the hand of God fills the gaps in scientific knowledge. When confronted by contradictions in their belief system, they use expressions like, "God works in mysterious ways", or "God can do anything". They tend to be egocentric, believing that God created "Man" in his image. "Man" is distinct from the animals, and has "Dominion" over them. Planet-A Most Planet-A people look toward the future instead of dwelling in the past. They do not believe that a Savior will come to bail us out of our problems. Nor do they believe that a judgmental God rewards or punishes people in an afterlife. These beliefs have been an impediment to social progress. Planet-A’s understand that humans must work together in the here and now to make this world more just and humane. Planet-Z Planet-Z people hearken for "The good old days". Most are pessimistic that humans alone can solve the world’s problems. They see moral decay everywhere. Many believe that we are living in the "Last days" as foretold in the Book of Revelations. They believe that justice not meted out in this life will be in the next. Planet-A We derive our ethical standards through accumulated human experience over eons of time. Most Planet-A people believe that in the long run, progress has been made. Ethics are autonomous, and moral decisions should be grounded in reason and consistent with modern knowledge. They recognize that humans evolved as social animals and that moral codes evolved concurrently. Most of human progress and accomplishments are the result of cooperation. Planet-Z Morals are absolute and come to us through God. Humans have an intuitive knowledge of right and wrong. These are fixed and unchanging. When in doubt, Planet-Z people look to their Holy Books for moral guidance. They believe that in our time, morality is in a state of degeneration. Despite their claims that morals are absolute, historically there has been widespread disagreement on planet-Z about many moral issues (Slavery, the death penalty, etc.) Planet-A, Planet-Z and Planet-E I understand that many religious people also love science, accept that humans evolved from ancient apes, and don’t believe we are living in the last days. Likewise, many scientists believe in God and an afterlife. These people live on Planet-E (Earth), which includes a wide spectrum from A through Z. However, I argue that there are far too many people with far too many Planet-Z beliefs, especially in America, the "Leader of the free world". Most of the belief systems of Planet-Z are inconsistent with modern knowledge and just plain wrong! Their opposition to safe, early abortion, in-depth sex education, stem-cell research, physician-assisted suicide, gay rights and other social issues has caused great harm to great numbers of people worldwide. The percentage of people who hold Planet-Z beliefs is quite large, often a majority, in third world nations. Conversely, in the last thirty years, conservative religious beliefs have declined dramatically in nearly all of the prosperous, well-educated democracies, Europe has moved from being the center of Christianity to being the center of secularism. However, when it comes to conservative religious beliefs, America is still a third world nation. In the last five hundred years, Planet-A people have shown us our true place in this vast cosmos. They have given us profound insights into the nature of the physical universe and our own origins and behavior. Their "Enlightenment" ideas helped form our nation and inspired the Constitution. They brought us relief from many devastating diseases, and made our lives generally better. Yes, they also brought us the ‘bomb’, but I think Planet-Z people are most likely to use it in our time! It is my contention that the solutions to our global problems and our future well being can only come through Planet-A thinking and that Planet-Z thinking is only exacerbating the situation. We need more Planet-A people here on planet Earth, especially in America! Sincerely, Note: This paper was inspired by my good friend Charles Rulon, retired professor of Biology, Long Beach City College. Many of the ideas, as well as the concepts of using a letter to a relative and dividing the opposing viewpoints into two planets are his. I thought it was such a terrific idea that I just had to add my own two cents. Thank you Chuck! Things You Don't Want to Hear During Surgery! Better save that. We'll need it for the autopsy. Someone call the janitor -- we're going to need a mop. Wait a minute, if this is his spleen, then what's that? Hand me that ... uh ... that uh ... thingie. Oops! Hey, has anyone ever survived 500 ml of this stuff before? Ya know, there's big money in kidneys. Heck, the guy's got two of 'em. Everybody stand back! I lost my contact lens! Could you stop that thing from beating? It's throwing my concentration off! What's this doing here? That's cool! Now can you make his leg twitch?! I wish I hadn't forgotten my glasses. Well, folks, this will be an experiment for all of us. Sterile, shcmeril. The floor's clean, right? Anyone see where I left that scalpel? Nurse, did this patient sign the organ donation card? She's gonna blow! Everyone take cover!!! Rats! Page 47 of the manual is missing! FIRE! FIRE! Everyone get out! MUSEUM TOUR HAOC member, Brenda Metchikian has kindly offered to take Humanist members on a tour of the Irvine Museum. The Irvine Museum has a fine collection of Impressionist art; with an emphasis on California artists. Brenda is a docent at the Irvine Museum and will take those who wish to sign up on a personalized tour. This event will take place on a Saturday afternoon, about 1:00 or 1:30 p.m. on a date to be determined in late February or early March. For those of you wishing more information Brenda will bring brochures to the February 16th meeting. |
