Here's the first verse, used by Senator James Inhofe to prove that human-caused climate change does not exist.
While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22I'll be adding more verses as I come across them, so you'll start to see them now and then in the SAB. Just look for this icon.
And if you notice any that you think should be included, you tell me about it in the comments.
10 comments:
Awesome idea! Just to clarify, are you looking for what should be political, or what is political? For example, turning the other cheek versus attacking "enemy" nations.
Wise Fool,
I'm not sure yet, really. But I definitely want to include verses that the Religious Right uses to justify their politics. And I think it could also include verses that religious liberals use (or should use) as well.
Don't forget the buffoon who said global climate change can't raise the sea levels because of Genesis 9:15. This was John Shimkus, and I'm mortified to say he's from my state (Illinois)... though he *is* a republican. See this link for the story and a nice picture of this intellectual giant:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/44958.html
Steve Weeks
Thanks, Stephen, I hadn't heard about John Shimkus' use of Genesis 9:15. (Although I see he also uses Gen 8:22, along with Mt 24:31. I don't see how the latter applies, however.)
I didn't see a reference to Gen 9.15, though, in the article. Did I miss it?
And your just preaching another religion that actually thinks we humans are causing global warming, oh I mean climate change. Yep, when I was a kid it was that humans are causing a new ice age.... I guess you sound as fanatical as the fundies you mock. lol
Jay, I see what you're doing there. ;-)
However, you can't come on a skeptic site and call acceptance of anthropogenic global warming ("climate change") a religion and expect to be taken seriously. In the first place, you need to look up the definition of "religion". Secondly, no one here is going to consider such a label an argument for your point of view.
As a matter of fact, there is a broad consensus among *climate* scientists (the ones who have specific training and expertise in this area) that the climate changes we see are significantly influenced by human activity.
Even if the changes were independent of burning of fossil fuels, what is the problem with practicing conservation? These are finite resources. I like to think that my children's children and their descendants will be able to continue responsibly using them.
Let me guess: you own a Hummer, don't you? ;-)
Steve Weeks
Here is what Shimkus said:
"I do believe in the Bible as the final word of God," Shimkus said. "And I do believe that God said the Earth would not be destroyed by a flood.
AFAIK, he did not quote Gen 9:15 by specific chapter and verse, but it seems pretty clear that he could have had that in what passes for his mind. Also, Gen 9:11 is perhaps more consistent with what Shimkus said:
"And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth."
I think requiring the politician to actually refer to the bible (or other holy book!) by chapter and verse, rather than merely allude to it may be setting the bar a bit high for inclusion in the new category. On the other hand, including verses that are only alluded to would require more interpretation, as well as locating the actual verse... that's a job for a scholar like you! :-)
What I hope we see, in addition to the bible thumpers using scripture quotes to support their policies, is rational (maybe even skeptical) politicians using quotes to refute them. Let the games begin!
Steve Weeks
Ever notice how people like Jay (or Rick Santorum), when they want to denigrate the work of scientists, they refer to science as a "religion". It's rather hilarious that they implicitly acknowledge the superiority of scientific knowledge to religious superstition, so they try to drag scientific knowledge back down to the level of belief in talking snakes and guys who rise from the dead (or fly to heaven on a winged horse).
On another note, Steve, can you find me the verses in the Bible that are the basis for the founding of this country? I hear the right wing constantly blather about how the US was founded on Christian principles, and yet I can't seem to find "all men are created equal" or "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" anywhere.
;-)
I've no bible knowledge to help :(
Looking forward to this as it grows though :)
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