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jeff courtman <[log in to unmask]>
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Date:
Mon, 1 Jan 2007 10:15:47 -0600
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ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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 There's no need for translation of "fear" - it has, as one of its meanings,
'to revere and respect'.   Just like the word 'awful', which more often than
not, is used to describe something terrible, can also be used (without fear
of being wrong, I might add) to describe something that creates a feeling of
awe.

Why belittle anyone for trying to make sense of their universe?  Would you,
for instance, be sarcastic towards indigenous people who still might believe
a photograph captures their soul?

Although I admit to succumbing to cheap shots sometimes, it is not about
feeling superior in my knowlege, or 'they', whoever 'they' are, feeling
superior in their faith.  It is about dialogue that might, if nothing else,
lead to mutual respect.  An agreement to disagree.  And, as in often the
case, such a dialogue might not appeal to extrememists from either end of
the bell curve.

Can I be amused at a game of Intelligent Design where players try to win as
many brains as possible?  Yes.  Should I make fun of people who take it as
truth?  Probably not.

It is  that gray area between belief/knowledge and proselytizing, from
either camp, that I think concerns me most.  


Jeff Courtman
Exhibits & Special Projects Coordinator
251.208.6851
Exploreum Science Center
www.exploreum.net

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