>>>From: TheSnail
Date: 19 Apr 13 - 08:49 PM

Stringsinger

Another interesting point by Douglas Adams who has given Ted Talks begins by saying that "science works through the testing of hypotheses that are framed to be vulnerable to disproof" and then says "Religion doesn't seem to work like that. It has certain ideas at the heart of it which we call 'sacred' or 'holy'. Here is an idea that you're not allowed to say anything bad about. You're just not. Why not? Because you're not."

Excellent. <<<

Two interesting points here. A supposedly would class scientist citing a beloved fantasy writer. Certainly this section is very childlike. "Here is an idea that you're not allowed to say anything bad about. You're just not. Why not? Because you're not." Perhaps Mr Dawkins is more interested in appealing to one's suspension of disbelief than and recalling battles with you parents over bed time than he is with serious analysis.



Above is the Adams quote with more context. There is a huge hole in his logic in " attacking religion." The hole is manifested two ways. Outside of the Adams (simplified reality field (this ia a joke)) religion is not the only topic "you are not allowed to talk about" By which, as he explains with the parable of the light switch, he means one can't talk about it without wondering if someone will take offense. Also fact there are more than a few things you can bring up in the field of science which will draw a lot more umbridge than questioning an orthodox Jew about using light switches on Saturday. In fact as I recall, I had a pleasant conversation about that with an observant Jew on this very forum, about that very subject. I won't accuse Mr. Adams of lying. He is a comedy writer after all.