When I was looking up how the Discovery Institute contributed to the spread of creationism in Brazil, I spotted an article by Brian Miller claiming that the Discovery Institute summer seminars were a turning point in his life. What’s this? It says, “The program is free, and travel expenses will be paid as needed.” Cool! I’m broke, I have some oppressive legal debt, and I’d love to spend some time in Seattle. It’s my favorite city, and my mom lives near there! Then, the application form says:
The seminars are primarily designed for upper-division undergraduates and graduate students, but each year we try to reserve a few spaces for a special cohort of professors, scientists, teachers, pastors, and other professionals.
I’m special! I’m also a professor, scientist, and a teacher. I should qualify!
What do you think? Should I apply? Or I might be delusional, just like the people who write testimonials for the program.
As a former research engineer (now a Catholic priest) I was convinced of the theory of evolution and always taught it in a Christian context (guided by God, a spiritual soul being infused into the first human beings by God himself). But a few years ago I watched the video Unlocking the Mystery of Life and my mind change overnight.
Uh…maybe it’s not for me after all. I think maybe they reaffirm the religious beliefs of people who already have creationist predispositions, but I don’t have any of those. Also, speaking of delusional:
Then, in 2016, I attended the Summer Seminars. That experience was a turning point in my career. I cannot adequately express my excitement at hearing directly from many of the leading scientists and other academics who so shaped my thinking. Even more striking, I learned that science is on the brink of the next great revolution. The evidence from multiple disciplines has demonstrated that, in accounting for the emerging scientific data, the philosophical framework of scientific materialism is hopelessly inadequate. I then realized that I wanted to be part of the cutting edge of scientific research and progress. I still recognize the significance of the design debate for faith and society, but I now also see its importance in maintaining the integrity of the scientific enterprise.
I’m neck-deep in various of those multiple disciplines, and I’m sorry, none of them are arguing that the “philosophical framework of scientific materialism is hopelessly inadequate”. If you go to one of these seminars and come away thinking that the sciences are at all challenged by intelligent design creationism, or that we’re on the brink of a scientific revolution led by the likes of Behe or Meyer or Wells, you’ve been lied to. Those people are totally irrelevant to the progress of science, except perhaps in the sense that they impede it.
Still, I’m tempted to apply, just to learn what kind of nonsense they’re teaching. I’ve got until the 4 March deadline to make up my mind.
Of course, the alternative is to stay home and explore fields and lakes and old barns for spiders. Mid-July is peak spider season around here.
Someone was really rooked if the impression was given that “leading scientists” were featured at the seminar.
I’d say that anyone who walked away from a Disco Toot seminar thinking that it was anything other than a dumpster fire has an understanding of science that’s a lot less impressive than they believe.
Oh look! It’s another case for the Salem Hypothesis.
New scientific paradigm: For any phenomenon that is not already understood (and many that are), the Goddidit Postulate. Guaranteed to revolutionize science!
we’re on the brink of a scientific revolution led by the likes of Behe or Meyer or Wells
It worked for Trofim Lysenko.
If you go, be sure to use an assumed name; plastic surgery also might be advised
They’re definitely up to something. Normally their office is dark and deserted. Today the lights are on and someone’s moving around with a purpose.
I don’t think your blood pressure could handle so much wrong.
Frankly, in your place, I would and take either copious notes or record the whole abomination for later reference.
Then design a deconstruction of the entire abysmal mess, giving the deceived a bridge to reality.
The bastards in this world are sneaker, but they actually did have parents, I was raised by wolverines and am a card carrying True Bastard card, will happily allow them to speak their mind, to their own harm.
Then, deconstruct the bullshit.
If it worked against very real terrorist recruits, it’ll work with these simpleton recruiters.