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Author Topic:   Career paths and occupations:
U can call me Cookie
Member (Idle past 4974 days)
Posts: 228
From: jo'burg, RSA
Joined: 11-15-2005


Message 1 of 19 (263050)
11-25-2005 9:38 AM


I was just wondering, despite the fact that we often have opposing viewpoints (the very nature of EvC!) we’ve come together to form, what could be regarded as, a community.
I would be interested to see what sort of people actually frequent this forum, with regards to their occupation, or even career.
Do you feel that your chosen career path has affected your beliefs much?
Beliefs regarding science, religion, politics, etc.
To get the ball rolling, I get to start!
I’m a Master of Science student, currently involved in human evolutionary genetics, and genetic ancestry. As can be seen, it’s no surprise why I’m a proponent of evolution
I would like to think that science has not affected my theological viewpoint, but I’d have to say that it has contributed to its molding.
Right, your turn .

Replies to this message:
 Message 2 by Phat, posted 11-29-2005 6:40 AM U can call me Cookie has not replied
 Message 3 by truthlover, posted 11-29-2005 7:18 AM U can call me Cookie has not replied
 Message 4 by Percy, posted 11-29-2005 9:37 AM U can call me Cookie has not replied
 Message 5 by Mammuthus, posted 11-29-2005 10:08 AM U can call me Cookie has not replied
 Message 12 by NeuroCycle, posted 12-02-2005 12:29 PM U can call me Cookie has not replied
 Message 14 by Asgara, posted 12-02-2005 6:49 PM U can call me Cookie has not replied
 Message 18 by Funkaloyd, posted 12-16-2005 7:37 AM U can call me Cookie has replied

  
Phat
Member
Posts: 18298
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 2 of 19 (264026)
11-29-2005 6:40 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by U can call me Cookie
11-25-2005 9:38 AM


U can call me Phat
UCCMC writes:
Do you feel that your chosen career path has affected your beliefs much?
Beliefs regarding science, religion, politics, etc.
Not me. I am a clerk at a grocery store...although if I would have finished college, I would have gotten a job with the State, probably.
My Beliefs are influenced by 1)Impartation---relationship with God
2)Education
3) Others opinions--those whom I trust

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by U can call me Cookie, posted 11-25-2005 9:38 AM U can call me Cookie has not replied

  
truthlover
Member (Idle past 4080 days)
Posts: 1548
From: Selmer, TN
Joined: 02-12-2003


Message 3 of 19 (264036)
11-29-2005 7:18 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by U can call me Cookie
11-25-2005 9:38 AM


I'm a bookkeeper, specializing in taxes. It's not a chosen career; it happened to me. It hasn't affected my beliefs at all that I know of.
Concerning the topic of this board, Evolution vs. Creation, the thing that affected my viewpoint most was reading the writings of the 2nd & 3rd century church. Those writers strongly believed that God spoke through nature as well as through the Scriptures. They saw evidence of resurrection in the change of seasons, for example, and they felt that God put that evidence there on purpose.
I was a young earth creationist at the time. When I found out about organic molecules being produced in supernovas and that the cause of supernovas was an unusual property of iron, I let nature speak to me of evolution. I faced a LOT of flak for considering evolution, and I'm not sure I would have been up to it, had I not had the influence of the early church writings.
Supernovas occur in stars that have grown large enough to fuse carbon into larger atoms. When iron atoms are produced, they take in energy rather than releasing. The resulting vacuum and rapid collapse of the star produces the heat that results in a supernova. Since the star is full of carbon, organic molecules are spread all over space in the explosion.
I think it's totally cool to be made of stardust, and that sure didn't stop me from believing in God.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by U can call me Cookie, posted 11-25-2005 9:38 AM U can call me Cookie has not replied

  
Percy
Member
Posts: 22480
From: New Hampshire
Joined: 12-23-2000
Member Rating: 4.8


Message 4 of 19 (264066)
11-29-2005 9:37 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by U can call me Cookie
11-25-2005 9:38 AM


I'm a software developer and former digital designer with degrees in electrical and computer engineering. Nothing in my education or occupation has influenced my religious beliefs, though I do find that the more I learn about science the more cockamamie my religious beliefs seem, since I believe in God and that there's a purpose to the universe. My religious beliefs are definitely based upon faith, since I can find no objective evidence supporting them.
--Percy

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by U can call me Cookie, posted 11-25-2005 9:38 AM U can call me Cookie has not replied

  
Mammuthus
Member (Idle past 6496 days)
Posts: 3085
From: Munich, Germany
Joined: 08-09-2002


Message 5 of 19 (264077)
11-29-2005 10:08 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by U can call me Cookie
11-25-2005 9:38 AM


I'm a molecular biologist with a Ph.D. in Human Genetics.
Has it affected my beliefs regarding science? Well, my career path has taught me a lot about science and about being a scientist so it has influenced my beliefs about science. It certainly has confirmed my belief that it is the only useful system for learning about the natural world.
politics, not really unless you mean some of the politicing for funds in science In non-science politics, I would say having travelled to and lived in various countries, having as a result of my career path been exposed to many different points of view via higher education, and having been exposed (thankfully) to many very bright and educated people in college, grad school and during postdocs, I can't take a simple black and white view of politics.
Religion, I would say not really. I was an athiest before I started in science. If anything, the explanatory power and rigor of the scientific method probably does keep me from getting intellectually lazy and saying "the pink unicorn" didit. Come to think of it, I was never that lazy

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by U can call me Cookie, posted 11-25-2005 9:38 AM U can call me Cookie has not replied

  
macaroniandcheese 
Suspended Member (Idle past 3948 days)
Posts: 4258
Joined: 05-24-2004


Message 6 of 19 (264081)
11-29-2005 10:26 AM


i'm currently pursuing a master's in political science. the more i get into it, the more i think i will be pursuing international relations and war studies. i'm also interested in government theory and i'd like to invent a new variety. just cause that'd be cool.
i don't think it's affected my beliefs. except god help me if i have to be in another class with that one crazy jewish lady who dared to say she was more evolved than muslims. like for serious. i wanted to maim her severely.
anyways. the older i get and the more hopeless everything around me seems, the more hopeful i am. i see people doing their terrible people things and i see potential energy. i know what people are capable of both negative and positive, and if they aren't using the positive, that can only mean it's storing up until someone is smart enough to unleash it.
good and evil may be human constructs, but we must lie in the bed we build and why can't we fill it with love?

  
nwr
Member
Posts: 6409
From: Geneva, Illinois
Joined: 08-08-2005
Member Rating: 5.3


Message 7 of 19 (264168)
11-29-2005 3:18 PM


Mathematician, computer scientist
My undergraduate and graduate studies were in mathematics. I have since switched into computer science.
I already enjoyed math in elementary school. I was introduced to science at around age 11 (by a teacher), and have enjoyed studying it ever since.
My current religous views date from shortly after I entered graduate school, but were not in any way influenced by my study of mathematics there. I would say that they mainly derive from my self-study of science, and my self-study of the Bible.

Replies to this message:
 Message 8 by iano, posted 12-02-2005 8:05 AM nwr has not replied

  
iano
Member (Idle past 1961 days)
Posts: 6165
From: Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
Joined: 07-27-2005


Message 8 of 19 (264991)
12-02-2005 8:05 AM
Reply to: Message 7 by nwr
11-29-2005 3:18 PM


Re: Mathematician, computer scientist
Mechanical engineer involved in the 'food' industry. Its been as good an industry as any to observe mans lack of concern for man (do not under any cirucmstances trust food labelling and bear in mind that phrases such as "Prime Irish Beef" contain more in the way of subjectivity than they do objectivity)
I was a mature student having spent my working years up to about 24 in a series of dead end jobs. Something told me there had to be more to life than this. The revelation of Mechanical Engineering has its parallels with being born again. New life full of richness and interest compared to the old life.
Being logical and analyitical, I would have thought "No God" for the same lack of empirical evidence that others do. That was before I realised empirical evidence is no the only evidence there can be.
I see no conflict between logic and reason and knowing God. He did make logic and reason after all

This message is a reply to:
 Message 7 by nwr, posted 11-29-2005 3:18 PM nwr has not replied

  
robinrohan
Inactive Member


Message 9 of 19 (264992)
12-02-2005 8:14 AM


I used to be a lighthouse keeper until that business became obsolete. Those years spent alone in the lighthouse molded my character. Sitting and staring at the ocean (a symbol of infinity) for long periods of time, with my only companions the stars, it was bourne in upon my mind the insignificance of man and the paltriness of his passions.
As a result, I took to drink.

Replies to this message:
 Message 10 by iano, posted 12-02-2005 11:35 AM robinrohan has not replied
 Message 11 by iano, posted 12-02-2005 11:43 AM robinrohan has not replied

  
iano
Member (Idle past 1961 days)
Posts: 6165
From: Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
Joined: 07-27-2005


Message 10 of 19 (265034)
12-02-2005 11:35 AM
Reply to: Message 9 by robinrohan
12-02-2005 8:14 AM


Man...what I wouldn't give to be a lighthouse keeper now!
They have a section in tuedays Irish Times where they do a 20 questions column with a leading light in the medical profession. One question is:
"What 4 books would you take to a desert island (or presumably to a lighthouse)
In two years of reading this column, 95% Roman Catholic Ireland hasn't managed to produce one person who responded, "The Bible"
Maybe that's because it's 66 books

This message is a reply to:
 Message 9 by robinrohan, posted 12-02-2005 8:14 AM robinrohan has not replied

  
iano
Member (Idle past 1961 days)
Posts: 6165
From: Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
Joined: 07-27-2005


Message 11 of 19 (265035)
12-02-2005 11:43 AM
Reply to: Message 9 by robinrohan
12-02-2005 8:14 AM


I remember my mam used to bring us down to the Dodder river in Dublin. We'd traipse off with our little nets on bamboo poles and a couple of jars to bring home whatever we caught.
"There, There!!" she would scream excitedly "Pinkines (tiny fish) and lots of them!!" We'd all stare at the water. "Where? We can't see them" "There!!" she would scream in exasperation and pointing down "right on front of you!!"
We were looking only at the reflection of ourselves on the surface of the water. Mam had learned to ignore the reflection and look into the water to see the fish.
Sometimes Robin, I feel like my mam must have felt.
Ask him. Beg him if you have to. "There!!"
This message has been edited by iano, 02-Dec-2005 04:43 PM

This message is a reply to:
 Message 9 by robinrohan, posted 12-02-2005 8:14 AM robinrohan has not replied

  
NeuroCycle
Inactive Member


Message 12 of 19 (265040)
12-02-2005 12:29 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by U can call me Cookie
11-25-2005 9:38 AM


I am currently working at an executive marketing firm (small outfit). Not my first choice for a job, but it was hell of a lot better then working the morning shift at a local bakery.
Right now I am going to school for a bachelors in Graphic Design then planning to get into web design on the side.
I don't think, at least directly, my future career choice will have any effect on my view of any EVC topics. I chalk my views/opinions, relating to a career, to having a creative and open mind. Also I always break down and examine everything, viewing/studying it at every angle.
Neuro

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by U can call me Cookie, posted 11-25-2005 9:38 AM U can call me Cookie has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 13 by purpledawn, posted 12-02-2005 12:39 PM NeuroCycle has not replied

  
purpledawn
Member (Idle past 3478 days)
Posts: 4453
From: Indiana
Joined: 04-25-2004


Message 13 of 19 (265044)
12-02-2005 12:39 PM
Reply to: Message 12 by NeuroCycle
12-02-2005 12:29 PM


Administrative
Work background is Administrative. I currently do temp work.
Bible study impacted my religious beliefs, not the outside world.
Nature influences my faith.

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. -Eleanor Roosevelt-

This message is a reply to:
 Message 12 by NeuroCycle, posted 12-02-2005 12:29 PM NeuroCycle has not replied

  
Asgara
Member (Idle past 2323 days)
Posts: 1783
From: Wisconsin, USA
Joined: 05-10-2003


Message 14 of 19 (265128)
12-02-2005 6:49 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by U can call me Cookie
11-25-2005 9:38 AM


I just finished an associates degree in programming/web development and I'm currently working an internship with my college, Fox Valley Technical College , doing Flash and web work for Learning Objects - Wisc-Online OER. I'm hoping to get hired on fulltime there. I'm also starting some side web work for a local webdesign company.
I came into computers from 10 years in the mental health care industry.
My political inclinations, religious beliefs, and acceptance of science were set in place long before either career track.
I'm a liberal because to be anything else seems heartless .
I'm an agnostic because I have found no evidence for anything other than what we have now.
I'm accepting of the scientific method because there is no better way to find out about our natural world while keeping as much bias out of the process as possible.

Asgara
"I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now"
select * from USERS where CLUE > 0
http://asgarasworld.bravepages.com
http://perditionsgate.bravepages.com

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by U can call me Cookie, posted 11-25-2005 9:38 AM U can call me Cookie has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 15 by NeuroCycle, posted 12-06-2005 2:43 PM Asgara has replied

  
NeuroCycle
Inactive Member


Message 15 of 19 (266109)
12-06-2005 2:43 PM
Reply to: Message 14 by Asgara
12-02-2005 6:49 PM


Web design
Asgara,
I am going to be getting to web design/programming after I get my associates in Graphic Design. My question to you is this: Is the programming end of web design hard to grasp at all?
I am computer sauvy but in no way am I anything close to that in programming. I had one class on C++ in high school, but all the information is lost to me.
Just trying to get a feel of I can expect.
Thanks
Neuro

Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with
boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more
approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear. -
Thomas Jefferson
(1743 - 1826)

This message is a reply to:
 Message 14 by Asgara, posted 12-02-2005 6:49 PM Asgara has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 16 by Asgara, posted 12-06-2005 6:55 PM NeuroCycle has replied

  
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