Comment: We can all decide for ourselves
For an organisation which objects to beliefs being foisted upon people, the Humanist Society certainly does a lot of, well, exactly that.
Earlier this year they attracted a lot of publicity for their bus ad campaign which said God probably does not exist. They are entitled to this view and in a free society, they are entitled to convey that view to others.
But their latest target is the Noah's Ark Zoo Farm at Wraxhall. And true to form, the Humanists are basically saying the zoo should not be able to advance a Creationist message.
Frankly, the Humanists should heed their own advice and stop telling others what to believe.
Noah's Ark has always been very open about its philosophy. And in fact, they speak clearly about a belief in "an evolution framework with an initial Creation by God".
They go on to say that they are not convinced by Darwinism or 6000BC Creationism, insisting that both have flaws.
The crucial question for the people at Noah's Ark is how life with its highly complex DNA suddenly "appeared".
This has taxed many minds over many years and will not be solved in these 400 words. What is clear, however, is that Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is an establishment which is founded on beliefs, but there is a willingness to be open-minded.
Frankly, this is hard to apply to the Humanist Society. Their mission is to support people who do not have religious beliefs, but their method, at times, seems to be targeted at those with faith.
In our society, organisations like the Humanist Society have a place.
But for too long, Christians and indeed those of other religions have been seen as easy targets for some intellectuals who dismiss their beliefs as fairy stories.
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm does have a religious message. It's also a very popular attraction for families.
Most of us are able to make our own minds up without the interference of the Humanist Society.
5 Comments
by Martin, Knowle,Bristol
Saturday, August 29 2009, 6:17PM
“How small minded of me for not looking at all the "facts". Or am I small minded for looking at the facts. Being small minded I am having difficulty with that one.
Of course I must be small minded for not promoting my kids to take seriously the other ideas on the subject put forward by Aborigionals, Ancient Greeks, Romans, Hindus, Vikings, and a few hundred other ideas out there Jessica. They all have equal claims in your eyes I guess. We can put them all to kids and let them make up their own minds yes?.
Lets hope that your children choose the right one as you apparently won't have any influence in the process is that right?. Is that how you bring up your kids? You didn't perhaps sit your child at an open upstairs window and suggest they try the "theory" of levitation as opposed to the theory of gravity?
Why on earth not. It is about as credible as a biblical flood after all. How small minded of you.
Of course some people are influenced by the displays put on at this place. Some minds are of course so young that they soak up anything and some people are just gullible. As you say plenty of people seem to fall for it or just don't care. Sad don't you think?.
The humanists just want to make sure that people know what this place promotes. Is that a bad thing do you think?”
by Jessica, swindon
Friday, August 28 2009, 10:34PM
“Good to hear some sense spoken at last! Everyone here is talking about teaching pseodo science but scratch the surface and it all comes down to the fact that they belive in a God.
Noah's Ark has always been very open and I for one would much rather my child make up his own mind with all the facts instead of being pushed into my way of thinking, whether that be faith or not.
What a lot of rubbish to say children will be affected by one visit?! I wouldn't be doing my job as a parent if that were the case.
I hear they got record numbers this week so looks like all this flack has actually helped them instead of hindered. Would appear your small minds are in the minority....”
by Martin, Knowle,Bristol
Thursday, August 27 2009, 10:41PM
“I agree with the previous two statements.
Firstly a non belief (non belief in gods/creationism) is not a belief. It is ,well, a non belief.
That is exactly the opposite.
Secondly the humanists have asked for responsible bodies to stop promoting spurious beliefs, or faiths if you prefer, dressed up as education. Since when has psuedoscience been on the curriculum? There is no censorship request.
Thirdly Christians and other religionists have for too long been allowed to get away with promoting faiths and pseodoscientific statements (god made the world/ us etc etc etc) without the ridicule these statements deserve.
We are talking about science education here, not someones personal faith.”
by Spartacus, Bristol
Thursday, August 27 2009, 11:39AM
“I concur the comment from Robin, but would like to add that I would not like to see this place closed down, just to see them being upfront about their beliefs, and schools not visiting it for an "educational" trip.”
by Robin, Redfield
Thursday, August 27 2009, 9:18AM
“I agree that this zoo has every right to open, although I wouldn't visit myself. However, I strongly object to school trips visiting, as this gives imprsssionable young minds the impression that their foolish views have some scientific credence.”