The Most Futile Debate Of All Time

Recently I accidentally stumbled onto a cable TV talk show and heard an ex-preacher/politician, now temporarily working as the show’s host, discussing with guests how important it is for all of us to respect the opinions of others, especially those different from our own. So far so good. I thought he was being consistent because he was one of the presidential contenders in last year’s Presidential debates who said he didn’t believe in the theory of evolution but thought it should be offered in public schools for students’ consideration alongside theories of Intelligent Design. He suggested all political and religious views not only should be allowed but welcomed because they enrich the whole society. Great, my sentiments exactly! He suggested that all religions (including Zoroastrianism, I suppose) be celebrated with a national holiday. This was stretching it a bit, but okay with me. Then the kicker: he recommended that April 1^st be designated as the holiday for those who do not believe in God.

Meaning, of course, that anyone still unsure that a supernatural world and spirits actually exist must be a fool. All the guests giggled and the host was obviously pleased with himself. I’m sure most, but not all, of the show’s viewers agreed, which probably helped the show’s ratings but surely hurt the feelings of some.

The April 1 remark most likely was not a first time event for him. It probably was well practiced by his previous “flock” and his current followers, friends and business associates. What his attempt at humor did was send a powerful message that it is okay to ridicule those who do not at least pretend to believe as they do.

Ridicule is a powerful tool that has been used for thousands of years to market products and ideas and to gain power over others. Epicureans, Stoics, Cicero, Plato, and Socrates probably used it frequently during their great debates attempting to sway public opinion to their side of the most futile debate of all time, does God exist?

Since, by definition, a supernatural world is separate and beyond the reach of our conscious world it will always be impossible to know for sure whether it is there or not, so anyone’s opinion on the mystery should be respected, not ridiculed, especially by those that claim to love everyone.

In my book, Settled Science, I urge readers to beware of those with special agendas who champion ignorance and ridicule as means to promote them. Whether it be atheism, religion, or political influence, zealots peddling ideas will use any means they think will be effective in spreading them.