Did all of humankind descend from Adam and Eve? Was the world created in 7 days? Did Noah build an ark that held two of every creature (and plants?) so that the world could start anew after God re-booted it? Did Jonah live in the belly of a leviathan? Was Jesus born of a virgin? Did he change water into wine? Did he walk on water?
Against all scientific evidence and logic to the contrary, many Christians, Jews and Muslims believe that the Bible and the Koran are inerrant – that their stories are true and historically accurate. A large percentage of Americans do not accept the concept of evolution, or the geographical age of the world, or the basic truths of cosmology, particle physics and the universe.
When it comes to matters of faith and religion, people stubbornly cling to a fantasy world that defies all modern science and reason. Two thirds of white evangelical protestants believe that human beings have always existed in their present form (Pew Charitable Trust survey). Between 2009 and 2013 the number of republicans that believe that human beings have evolved over time decreased from 54% to 43%.
The rationale for these beliefs is generally that they are a matter of ‘faith’. Some adherents will attempt arguments to support this ‘faith’ and counter the prevailing scientific views, but most will simply declare their absolute certainty that their beliefs are correct and avoid further debate. Sound familiar?
If one is able to accept biblical stories that contradict all of the long history of human discovery and accumulated knowledge in the service of protecting one’s closely held beliefs, then the leap to accepting all kinds of fabrications, half-truths, and outright lies to defend a political position is not a big one. Who needs facts or proof? If I believe hard enough, it can be true!
The habit of suspending disbelief is easily acquired. It is very human to want to believe things that support one’s position and we all gravitate toward explanations that fall in line with our way of thinking. But many of us are willing to reassess our stances if faced with clear, logical arguments that refute what we have assumed is true.
When the lifelong habit of refusing to reconsider religious myths or recognize the ambiguity of theological conundrums confronts the newly minted panoply of political and cultural myths, is it surprising that America’s evangelicals have smoothly transitioned to a new frontier of fantasy?
Is Trump a Godlike warrior with a heart for Jesus? Is religious liberty under attack? Is antifa the biggest domestic threat? Is climate change a leftist conspiracy? Was the election stolen? Is communist China in league with the democrats? Is BLM a Marxist movement? Was the pandemic an overblown flu? Did doctors and hospitals exaggerate COVID deaths? Is there a cabal of deep state cannibal pedophiles?
Let’s face it. If you can believe the Noah story, then you can believe just about anything. And that’s where we are right now, despite all of our efforts to educate, inform and teach critical thinking. Who said the dark ages are over?
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