FTF1 PZ Myers – Scientists! If you’re not an atheist, you aren’t doing science right!

Brianne Bilyeu, , , , , ,

This entry is a  recap and review of PZ Myers’ Freethought Festival 2012 presentation as observed by me as an audience member. Shitty writing or misinterpretation of the presenter’s material is completely my fault. If you see any egregious errors or you think I got something wrong, please let me know in the comments or feel free to email me at bio_dork(at)hotmail(dot)com.  

With a level of maturity rarely seen in presentations of this type, PZ Myers from Pharyngula somberly and respectfully called all scientists to abandon superstition and set down their God beliefs.

Oh, I’m sorry. Are you experiencing déjà vu? As promised – a second viewing of the divine nipple tweak.

“Science is godless. Relgion is nonsense. ” These are the themes that ran through Dr. Myers presentation. Like JT Eberhard’s talk, PZ focused on the arguments and excuses that people give for believing in religion, but PZ focused on the rationalizations that religious scientists give to explain how they can be rational, critical, scientific method-using people and yet retain their religion.

According to a 1998 publication in Nature, a survey of members of the National Academy of Scientists showed that 93% of the most prestigious scientists in the United States do not believe in a personal god. PZ thinks this last 7% has some ‘splaining to do.

PZ knocks down the most common arguments he has run across from this population of people. Below is a sampling of the arguments and counter-arguments that he presented.

Some scientists are Christians. – But they do not use god in their science, and that they’re scientists doesn’t justify their god beliefs.

Some of the greatest scientists in history have been believers.  Isaac Newton was a crackpot – he believed in alchemy, bible prophecy, and the occult. But what do we remember him for? The REAL THINGS. Gravity, laws of motion, optics, calculus. The take home: science is lasting, and religion plays no part in that science.

Einstein – the believers who would claim him as their own always “forget” that he said this: “I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly.”

Scientism! Yeah. Okay, there are some things that maybe can’t be explained or predicted by science. But this is a shitty argument. Being scientistic means I’m too logical, that I require evidence? And that’s a bad thing? What’s your alternative?

Science can’t explain love. We know that love is real, we experience it. It is a natural phenomenon, though.  It doesn’t belong on the religious table if it’s a natural phenomenon.

God is the sum total of all the laws of the universe, so all scientists worship god. God is in the stars and the cells. Prove it. And if god gets to be in the pretty stuff, he has to be in the ugly stuff too. And please tell me how this isn’t religionism (in response to cries of “scientism” being a fallacious way to think)?

God’s works are cunningly undetectable to science (quantum indeterminancy). God rigs the dice. = bending natural laws to explain stupid shit. And if they’re cunningly undetectable to science, how have you managed to detect the undetectable?

Religion is a natural part of the human mind. If this is true, why do we need to indoctrinate every new generation of children?

Religion will never go away, so accept it. Futility of effort argument. And just wrong. We’re seeing an increase in nones and a decrease in those with religion. Look at Europe! No religion = 50%

Without religion we’d still be living in the stone age. God increases health, prosperity, etc. Religion throws us back! Human sacrifices? Priestly classes that don’t contribute anything to society and only take? This is religion’s idea of health and prosperity.

Science does evil things. Death rays, nuclear bombs, eugenics, sexual revolution. Science has done way more AWESOME things than bad things (a short list). People do bad things with science, science isn’t inherently evil.

Scientists lack an objective morality. I derive my morality from humanist principles, not science! Science says what is, not what ought to be.

This was another fast-paced, humor-laced presentation that addressed a serious topic. I particularly enjoyed this talk because while I’ve heard PZ Myers speak at a number of events (it’s one of the benefits of living in Minnesota with the guy. The MN Tourism board actually lists this as a reason to live here), but it’s always on that boring science stuff when he’s in mild-mannered professor mode. I haven’t previously heard him go all fire and brimstone. Oh wait, he didn’t. Yes, Dr. Myers was sarcastic and irreverent, but he presented rational arguments. He backed up his opinions and jokes with reason. You know, the way scientists do. Well…93% of scientists anyway.

{advertisement}
FTF1 PZ Myers – Scientists! If you’re not an atheist, you aren’t doing science right!

About the author

Thoughts from a Minneapolis-based nerdy, liberal, humanist progressive on topics such as science, skepticism, religion, atheism, critical thought, politics, and local and global humanitarian and equality efforts. Biodork <3's geek culture, groan-inducing puns, world travel, cultural exchange and sharing and listening to stories.
{advertisement}

465 thoughts on “FTF1 PZ Myers – Scientists! If you’re not an atheist, you aren’t doing science right!”

    1. Brianne Bilyeu
      Reply
      1.1

      I’ve most often seen the word “nones” used in reference to those people who have answered “no stated religious preference, atheist, or agnostic” to religious identity surveys (e.g. the 2008 ARIS). “Nones” as a more generic term means people who don’t claim or participate in a religion or religious rituals.

    1. Brianne Bilyeu
      Reply
      2.1

      PZ was tongue-in-cheek calling the sexual revolution out because there are a lot of right-wing conservatives who blame science (Planned Parenthood! Kinsey! The Pill! Sex Education!) for the sexual revolution and the (again, tongue-in-cheek) moral downfall of America. PZ doesn’t think sexual liberation is an evil thing.

  88. Fernandanxhm
    Reply
    88

    I am extremely impressed along with your writing talents as well as with the layout in your blog. Is this a paid topic or did you customize it your self? Anyway stay up the excellent high quality writing, it’s uncommon to look a nice blog like this one today..

  120. Edgardoopon
    Reply
    120

    I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.

  147. Geraldhxkd
    Reply
    147

    I simply could not go away your web site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard info a person provide to your visitors? Is gonna be back steadily in order to check up on new posts

  186. Kraiguuwz
    Reply
    186

    I leave a response each time I like a post on a site or I have something to contribute to the conversation. It is caused by the fire communicated in the post I read. And after this article CF Colors v 2.1, Post Formats Admin UI v1.3.1, and Social v2.10 : alexking.org. I was actually moved enough to post a thought 😛 I do have a few questions for you if it’s allright. Is it only me or do some of these responses appear like they are coming from brain dead individuals? 😛 And, if you are writing on additional places, I’d like to follow everything new you have to post. Would you list all of your shared sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?

  198. Jestinenmnc
    Reply
    198

    Hello there, I discovered your website by means of Google whilst looking for a comparable subject, your website came up, it appears to be like good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hi there, just become aware of your weblog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I’m going to be careful for brussels. I’ll be grateful when you continue this in future. Lots of other folks will probably be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

  230. Sadefbrj
    Reply
    230

    Terrific work! That is the type of information that are meant to be shared across the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this submit upper! Come on over and consult with my website . Thanks =)

  250. Elnaxmrl
    Reply
    250

    Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.

  253. Latashalwdl
    Reply
    253

    Hi there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a fair price? Cheers, I appreciate it!

  340. 토토사이트
    Reply
    340

    Hello.
    This time is a precious time.
    I want to have many memories and good memories with you.
    I always want to support you and remain a good memory.
    We hope to help you a lot in the future, and I always want to be with you. I will always do my best and support you! 토토사이트

  349. 사설토토사이트
    Reply
    349

    Hello.
    We always share happiness with many people with good writing.
    I want to become a good friend with you and share a lot of things with you.
    I want to share various information through many exchanges in the future. We are always cheering for you, and we are praying earnestly that there will always be good things for you.
    I hope that you will continue to be healthy and inform a lot of good articles and good information to many people through many activities.
    I wish you always happy and good things. Fighting.! 사설토토사이트

  354. kiemtienusdnet
    Reply
    354

    It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it is time
    to be happy. I have read this publish and if I could I wish
    to recommend you some fascinating things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles regarding this article.
    I desire to read even more things approximately it!

  364. Mab instructor course
    Reply
    364

    Thanks on your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.
    I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will come back very soon. I want to encourage
    you to ultimately continue your great job, have a nice afternoon!

  377. 사설토토사이트
    Reply
    377

    Hello.
    I always see and feel a lot from you.
    Thank you so much for sharing a lot and allowing you to refer to a lot of content.
    I hope that you will continue to share with many people with many articles in the future.
    I want to be a good friend with you and do a lot of things together.
    I think you give hope to many people.
    I will pray that you will always be strong and be full of only good things.
    We look forward to your continued activities.
    Thank you. 사설토토사이트

  382. plumbers in Colchester
    Reply
    382

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically
    tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you
    would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *