My understanding is that the Book of Abraham contains three or four chapters on the topic of Astronomy. Is this true? This seems like a reasonable discussion topic.
I was baptized and confirmed Lutheran and went to a private Lutheran College. I dismissed the Book of Genesis, as factually based, long ago, even as a youth it seemed like a tall tale. The problem I see is that some want religious beliefs taught in school, in science class to be exact. Many people here have commented that this topic comes up in the classrooms of Utah. This would make me hesitant to present Astronomical topics in the classroom. Religious topics were never discussed in the public classrooms I grew up in, that was left up to the private schools and churches. As for insults or antagonism on this list, I would remind everyone that intent is hard to figure on internet postings. Sensibilities can be easily to offended and these sensibilities are beyond anyones control. I do have a great deal of respect for my Astronomical Society friends, we are a very diverse group. Erik
Richard, I think you may have misunderstood some comments regarding your inquiry. Most of us on this list try to be sensitive about other points of view, but there have been those times when opinions are mocked and personalities become the targets of comments instead of scientific debate. Hence my initial question about the purpose of your investigation. Censure is too strong a term. Some of us are just a bit gun shy about potentially loaded questions such as yours. We have entertained many opinions regarding intelligent design, creationism, Big Bang, even steady-state theories. None have been promoted, per se, at least not officially. We just make fun of those who still believe in such nonsense. (BIG smiley face here.)
I wouldn't object to an open forum on this list on religious questions as they relate to astronomy, but the consensus seems to be that the subject is too toxic in Utah's culture. If our moderator chooses to allow it, why not? I'm not afraid, and I don't think most of us are. We just don't want to allow religious discussion to overwhelm intelligent discussions of astronomy, in general, which is after all the purpose of the list.
Kim
Richard wrote:
"I note that my questions concerning Mormon astronomy meet with censure, while the promotion of Intelligent Design does not. Fascinating."
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