Restrictions in the Science Forums.

In case what I was saying on the earlier moderation thread was misunderstood, I'd just like to make it clear that I wasn't talking about the Science forums at all. I was proposing possible new forums in the Religion section that would focus on theology but not disallow scientific issues where relevant.

Such as?I would just like to remind everyone of the sequence of this discussion, or at least my part in it. Adminnemooseus proposed to Buz that he open a thread in Faith and Belief on the theological considerations involved in ID where he'd be free to express many points not allowed in the science forums.I followed that by saying that I'd like to see a forum dedicated to that kind of focus in the Religion section, except that I'm not into ID, so I'd like something that includes YEC thinking.Percy responded that he basically liked the idea because he's not happy with the present arrangement of the Religion section and would like more input.I later gave more detailed input, explaining the creationist presuppositions that the forums would be geared to, and insisting that scientific ideas be included in these forums rather than strictly excluded on the contrary presupposition of the evo side that Faith and Science are mutually exclusive.That of course prompted argument from the evos with the creationist point of view instead of a congenial attempt to assist in the effort to accommodate us, and we're back at square one.I don't see any other solution to the problem of creationist frustration that was being addressed both by Adminnemooseus and Percy than to have threads dedicated to creationist assumptions, or forums.Of course no solution is mandated. We can continue as usual.

I will look at TheologyWeb but I appreciate debate rather than discussion exclusively with likeminded people.Having a theology-focused forum on creationist and ID issues in the Religion section here would ideally still permit debate on scientific issues, only with more leeway for creationist methods and assumptions than allowed in the Science forums.

From the moderation thread, two examples of strict division between science and faith:Adminnemooseus post #287 If you wish to debate the theological merits of ID, independent of scientific consideration, then the topic (as previously suggested) belongs in the "Faith and Belief" forum.AdminSylas, post # 298 We have some "faith and belief" forums, where you can discuss the proper foundations for your faith and the theological basis for strict historical literalism [but apparently not science], and so on. We also have some "science" forums, where you can consider what physical evidence there is for or against a particular view point.My original post was #280 in response to Adminnemooseus' suggestion to Buz to start a thread on Theology of ID.This message has been edited by Faith, 05-20-2005 02:24 AM

What do you think of the idea of having a Theological Intelligent Design forum in the Society and Religious Issues section where you can argue all that as far as you like without any danger of being kicked out of the thread because the theological premise is accepted in advance?This message has been edited by Faith, 05-21-2005 12:22 AM

Thanks for considering my suggestions. Your definition of the aims of EvC was very succinct and I understand it is a concession beyond the call of duty even to have a religion section at EvC. But since you are open to improvements on that side of the Divide, here are some more thoughts on it:I'm not completely sure two new forums are necessary, though you can see from their titles the direction I have in mind. Theology of History was suggested because I had brought up the notion that science owes much to Christianity, but I don't really think a separate forum is needed for such issues. {Late EDIT: Mr. Ex Nihilo and I have been having exactly this kind of "theology of history" discussion on the thread he started titled "Is God determined not to allow proof of His existence" in the Bible Study forum where it seems to fit just fine}.I think what's needed is a well-defined umbrella forum for all these purposes, Biblical Creationism, Theological ID and everything else that is derived from the Bible -- or from any other religious premise I suppose, though this may take some thought.As it stands now, the forum Faith and Belief asks "Is God an objective reality or only a concept?" and Bible Study asks "What does the Bible really mean?" These are valid questions for debate but what's missing is the opportunity to argue from Biblical or other theological premises without always having to debate the validity of those premises -- that is, the premise that God IS objective reality, and that the Bible's meaning IS basically clear even if we may disagree on particular points.I'm not coming up with satisfying names for this umbrella forum, but the basic idea is Theological (or Biblical) Worldview or Theological (or Biblical) Perspectives, in which theological assumptions are taken for granted and the argument proceeds FROM them, on any topic whatever, from scientific questions to social issues, educational issues etc. etc. etc.All the scientific rigor anybody wants to bring to the discussion on this side of the Divide would be welcome, but science can't trump theology over here, and people can't be faulted for using theological arguments as such. Using them badly, not making sense, etc. can all be criticized of course, but they can't be disqualified for simply BEING theological arguments.This message has been edited by Faith, 05-21-2005 07:40 PM

Neato. I think it's reminiscent of the Biblical dogma of creation too. Don't understand why IDers fight it, or why they fight the idea of junk DNA either. Junk DNA may not end up supporting a Biblical viewpoint but at first thought it looks like it could.But I guess I'm off topic.