May I have a word? Blind faith

In a recent Dallas Blog post, Wes Riddle made a pitch to teach creationism in our schools. In response, I called creationism a "crackpot idea." Tom Pauken said, "E.C. simply dismisses him out of hand as a 'crackpot' because Wes Riddle doesn't share E.C.'s blind faith in Darwinism."

What does Mr Pauken mean by "blind faith"? Is there a difference between "blind faith" and just plain "faith"? One definition of faith is a belief, trust, or confidence, not based on proof or material evidence, but based fundamentally on volition often associated with a transpersonal relationship with a deity or a higher power. Note the requirement that belief not be based on proof or material evidence. In other words, faith is by definition blind. If there is material evidence to support a belief, faith is no longer needed for belief.

Another Dallas Blog reader, RelicMM, seems to have this definition in mind when he adds, "Darwinists ... have only a one-track mind and are destined to believe only what they can see and touch. It is the things they can't see and touch that will ultimately prevail."

"Blind faith" is exactly what Jesus praised when he said to his disciple Thomas, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Yet Mr Pauken uses "blind faith" in a negative context, as if it's a bad thing if applied to a belief in Darwin's theory of natural selection. Does Mr Pauken consider "blind faith" to be something good when applied to belief in supernatural beings walking among us, yet something bad when applied to modern scientific theories? He doesn't say.

Personally, I reject "blind faith" in all matters. I rely on the scientific method, involving the gathering of observable, empirical, and measurable evidence, and applying specific principles of reasoning to draw conclusions, make and test predictions, and integrate with previous knowledge developed in the same way.

I reject creationism, not out of "blind faith" in so-called Darwinism, but because creationism is an unsatisfactory scientific explanation for the diversity of life on earth. Mr Pauken and RelicMM reject the scientific method itself in favor of "blind faith" in a supernatural being and the creation myths surrounding Him. They are welcome to their faith. I just wish they wouldn't keep trying to teach it in science class.