Creationism dismissed as 'a kind of paganism' by Vatican's astronomer

Sam Hart

2007-12-05 17:14:55

I know I've had a lot of posts about this stuff lately, but it's been heavy on my mind since the discussion I mentioned here. It just astounds me, and confounds me, that people really are stupid enough to a) think that there is some innate conflict between science and religion, b) dismiss accepted scientific theories backed with strong scientific evidence (such as evolution, carbon dating, etc.) without studying them in the slightest, and c) fervently argue that science is out to destroy religion and it must be wrong without first getting their facts straight.

At any rate, I read this article today, and I was pleased to see that I'm not the last sane religious person on this planet.

Here we have a Vatican astronomer, one Brother Consolmagno, stating that believing in creationism is a form of paganism. He also 'described creationism, whose supporters want it taught in schools alongside evolution, as a "kind of paganism" because it harked back to the days of "nature gods" who were responsible for natural events.'

He also gave the following wonderful quote:

"Religion needs science to keep it away from superstition and keep it close to reality, to protect it from creationism, which at the end of the day is a kind of paganism - it's turning God into a nature god. And science needs religion in order to have a conscience, to know that, just because something is possible, it may not be a good thing to do."

Now, I'm not Catholic, and I know a lot of Christian Fundamentalists dislike Catholicism, but this guy makes an excellent point that should be read and understood by everyone, of every faith.