Nice video testimony from a prominent LDS scientist

[_Dad of a Mormon]

Dan, for a Mormon investigator who is looking for reasons to either accept or reject the truth of Mormonism, is this meant to strengthen the case for Mormonism? If so, in what way does it make the case for Mormonism stronger? If not, what is its purpose?

[_bruno]

There are number of really good scientists who are, at the same time, very devout and faithful. I see nothing wrong with that. However, the handful of devout LDS scientists that I am acquainted with have a faith that I think the typical member would find difficult to recognize as LDS. Obviously a literal reading of many Bible stories is rejected outright. The story of Adam and Eve and the fall/atonement looks very different to a Steve Peck than to say, a Boyd K. Packer. It's a good thing the tent is as large as it is or I think many of our scientist friends would end up outside of the correlated Church.

[_DrW]

I couldn't have scripted that response more perfectly. Thanks!

You are most welcome.

I see that you have not yet owned up to your misstatement over on the Mormon History and Mormon Belief thread [Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:06 am].

You might want to take care of that before it gives rise to a less than favorable impression of your overall credibility.

[_Simon Belmont]

Quite frankly, I found the video embarrassing - extremely so. Can you imagine this individual standing up in front of graduate class in astronomy or planetary sciences and saying what he said on that video?

Translation: my beliefs about science are better than your beliefs about science?

If you disagree, think about what kind of grades this individual would have received in astronomy, or astrophysics, or planetray science classes if he would have given the same answers to his professors and instructors that he provided in that video.

Audience, DrW. Within the context of academia, one abides by certain rules and speaks to particular audiences. Within the context of one's personal and spiritual beliefs, the restrictions of secular institutions do not apply.

This was an overproduced joke. If this is what passes for science, or scientists, or indeed intellectual honesty in Mormonism, it is little wonder that the Church is concerned about losing the best and the brightest of its younger members.

It is not concerned.

[_Themis]

Dan, for a Mormon investigator who is looking for reasons to either accept or reject the truth of Mormonism, is this meant to strengthen the case for Mormonism? If so, in what way does it make the case for Mormonism stronger? If not, what is its purpose?

The only purpose I have seen is just what I said earlier, that if this smart guy believes, then you shouldn't worry about any problems and believe as well. I agree with Bruno that most active LDS scientists views will be fairly different then your average member. Also many people who study any of the sciences end up losing most of their religious beliefs. This is may be more true for LDS then others since the claims of the LDS church are so much easier to evaluate and see that they are incorrect.

[_DrW]

Quite frankly, I found the video embarrassing - extremely so. Can you imagine this individual standing up in front of graduate class in astronomy or planetary sciences and saying what he said on that video?

Translation: my beliefs about science are better than your beliefs about science?

Simon, my friend, do you not yet understand that one is not allowed to make whatever unfounded assertions they wish and claim that these assertions are consistent with science?

Faith is the product of unfounded imaginings and belief without evidence. If that is what one is talking about (as was the individual in the video) then one should call it faith or religion, not science.

Scientific knowledge arises from the application of reason and logic to physical evidence (and lots of it), to build an internally consistent and predictive view of reality.

Religious faith arises from fear, superstition and ignorance.

You really should learn the difference.

[_harmony]

If you disagree, think about what kind of grades this individual would have received in astronomy, or astrophysics, or planetray science classes if he would have given the same answers to his professors and instructors that he provided in that video.

Audience, DrW. Within the context of academia, one abides by certain rules and speaks to particular audiences. Within the context of one's personal and spiritual beliefs, the restrictions of secular institutions do not apply.

On the contrary, one should speak the truth, no matter what the context.

[_Wisdom Seeker]

Nice pretty pictures without substance, unless you think "he is a smart guy and he believes" is somehow substance. Of course that is the only real point of MST, if one can call it that.

This is such a wonderful, welcoming, friendly place!

And yet you continue to post messages reminding everyone who dwells in these nether regions of the good faith promoting things that is taking place in the world of Mormonism.

I know the personal attacks have driven you away before, but I am curious what is your true motivation for bringing this information to this site? Are you hoping for good discussion or debate about these things? Are you wanting to see these things mocked? Are you hoping to save Scratch or someone else here from their impending visit to outer-darkness?

[_Themis]

And yet you continue to post messages reminding everyone who dwells in these nether regions of the good faith promoting things that is taking place in the world of Mormonism.

I know the personal attacks have driven you away before, but I am curious what is your true motivation for bringing this information to this site? Are you hoping for good discussion or debate about these things? Are you wanting to see these things mocked? Are you hoping to save Scratch or someone else here from their impending visit to outer-darkness?

And he hasn't even been attacked in this thread, although he has done some himself. Whats interesting about his site and religion is the testimonial. It is used by religion and many businesses to sell a product. How many infomercials do we see using the testimonial to sell their product. I remember doing it for two years.

[_Buffalo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3qmkPoowXw