Yahoo News (AP): Congressman calls evolution lie from 'pit of hell'

[thebluefood]

Such "throwbacks" are still far more popular with far more supporters to a far greater degree than I care to envision (likely to the tune of at least a couple million holding much the same thoughts). I remain very grateful his views as expressed are not the majority views of the our overall Christian population, and even more grateful that those Christians are able to advocate their faith without turning time back to darker ages.

And, in my opinion, Mr. Broun's world view is getting less and less popular among Christians in America.

[HeluCopter29]

What bothers me isn't so much that there exist people who can say things like that.

It's not the fact that people who say things like that aren't institutionalized.

It's that saying things like that doesn't have consequences.

It's the fact that people can say things like that, and a majority of the people will say "I want him to represent me".

I used to say the same thing. Then I started thinking about how diverse we are as a nation and the fact that still about a quarter of the US doesn't believe in evolution. It doesn't shock me honestly that this guy is from Georgia. But this is one of those things where us having representatives who believe this type of stuff and are willing to go as far as calling it a "lie from the pit of hell" is holding the rest of the nation back. (By which I of course mean that his stubbornness and unwillingness to entertain other possibilities hurts our ability to get **** done. Not that the state of Georgia, or the south is holding the rest of the Nation back).

I believe it was you who said "A common sense of reality would help us a lot." Us being such a big diverse nation is hurting us right now.

[Jumbo]

And, in my opinion, Mr. Broun's world view is getting less and less popular among Christians in America.

I hope so and usually that's my mindset because most of the Christians in my circle (less so recently with my relocation) were not of such views. But most studies say more extreme forms of fundamental and evangelical Christian denominations (we can get into a bailiwick definition-wise so I choose words carefully, as is my wont anyway) and creationists (all kinds) have notably increased over recent decades. So there's that angle. I think most reasonable folks pretty much accept that and regard it now as evident (the increase), even though we all also continue to take comfort in the idea it's still "just a vocal minority" thing.

[Madison Redskin]

I know it's not how we run the Big Top, but I'd have that guy off the damn science committees.

He's on the House Science committee along with Rep. Akin.

[Jumbo]

He's on the House Science committee along with Rep. Akin.

Not much gets by you, eh?

[SpringfieldSkins]

Jumbo doesn't always post political threads...

...but when he does, they're full of nutjobs.

[Destino]

Far be it from me to argue with a man of science

well played.

I wonder if his fellow committee members have gotten used to his dramatic interruptions.

"Get behind me, Satan!"
*douses speaker with holy water*

[PeterMP]

But most studies say more extreme forms of fundamental and evangelical Christian denominations (we can get into a bailiwick definition-wise so I choose words carefully, as is my wont anyway) and creationists (all kinds) have notably increased over recent decades. So there's that angle. I think most reasonable folks pretty much accept that and regard it now as evident (the increase), even though we all also continue to take comfort in the idea it's still "just a vocal minority" thing.

I'd thought it had been pretty flat.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/21814/evo...nt-design.aspx

[Jumbo]

I'd thought it had been pretty flat.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/21814/evo...nt-design.aspx

You've been thinking that way? I'm curious as to why (we're going a bit OT I know)--I mean what studies or articles led you to that view other than this gallup poll? I ask simply because it seems to me that most folks I know in political studies, or sociology/psychology, or even related religious studies, have been thinking more like what I stated.

The typical conversation that I'm used to when the subject arises in most such circles is more about how research and general public perception seems (being repetitive) to indicate that denominations within the Christian community who identify as more conservative, or fundamental, or evangelical, as well as creationist and associated movements, had grown over the last few decades.

In the paragraph you quoted, I made a point to mention my using words carefully---what I stated that "most studies" suggested had increased wasn't just creationism. I point that out because of the way your reply is worded with the use of "it", and the poll being about responses to questions on evolution/creationism only, and there's a reason I want to make that clear.

But I did (and do) include creationism, so if you want to isolate creationism when referring to "it", that's fine. Now your link is one source---a gallup poll (which is also fine---and I only scanned it quickly for now) and it's worded very specifically. I remember seeing at least a couple other studies by various social scientists that show roughly similar results. Such studies do not all land the same point in terms of claims, of course. Few such ever do, including ones on global warming. But I believe!

I hope I am wrong in my sense of it as stated, but I admit it's unlikely I'll be doing a serious literature review on it any time soon. I would be happy if support for creationism has actually been flat for a few decades. It may not seem like this has been the case to many people, lay or professional, but I hope it is so.

But hasn't that whole Jesus riding dinos theme (and related exhibits/parks/"museums"), and increased legislative efforts to teach it in science classes and the call for textbook revisions, etc etc been mainly peaking in the last few, or couple, decades? Oh well. Never mind.

But that's all I have to say on that stuff---the dog I have in this fight is calling out wingnuts influencing the system that governs all Americans. I identify this guys' comments as wingnut comments. I got more of that feeling reading more on him and that church.

<the gallup poll is still pretty scary to me>

---------- Post added October-6th-2012 at 11:45 PM ----------

well played.

I wonder if his fellow committee members have gotten used to his dramatic interruptions.

"Get behind me, Satan!"
*douses speaker with holy water*

I was looking for something a little "Church Lady" ish with him featured, but didn't see anything.

I did find this---it's kind of fun, and the music is swell.

[Koolblue13]

Yep, a friend of mine posted this earlier today and my reply was "what a strange time we live in where the Trinity is seen as optional and literal seven day creation is held as absolute doctrine." As early as th 4th century AD Origen denounced the literal seven day creation account as nonsense which would be shown false even with a simple reading of the texts.

Eventually we'll get around to disproving the rest of it too.

Dear everyone,

We're not with him.

Signed,
Most Christians in America, especially those from mainline denominations

I think ASF can back me up here.

You don't get to pick and chose who is in your group any more than the Muslims do and look how we've been treating that group of people, based on the actions of a small handful.

I think believing in religion is crazy and this guy isn't to far off from what you probably think, in regards to my opinion. fwiw

[scruffylookin]

Boy this guy is what I hate, and yes HATE is not strong enough a word for what i feel about these people and the knuckle draggers who elect them, and what is wrong with this country.

A bible thumping politician who gets off on killing other life ("sportsman" my ass) who sits on a panel deciding my future and future of our country.

We need to get rid of this kind of person in our government or we will continue to be not only a laughingstock but far worse, the main obstacle in moving our country and world forward.

[mistertim]

I did find this---it's kind of fun, and the music is swell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUODkd9_8-E

That choice of music is...fascinating. It segues from beginning as the score for an action movie trailer (as written by Hanz Zimmer's much less talented and much more intoxicated brother) to the score for a "being hunted while running through the jungle" or "fast paced bank robbery" scene (as written by Hanz Zimmer's much less talented and much more intoxicated brother)...all while an old guy stands around and talks in a boring monotone to the camera. My brain is attempting to reboot now. Please stand by.

[Koolblue13]

Anybody who shoots and stuffs a bear, puts it in their office and then brags about it, is an *******.

[AsburySkinsFan]

Eventually we'll get around to disproving the rest of it too.

Considering literal 7 day creation isn't what the Bible teaches it isn't a matter of disproving the Bible.

You don't get to pick and chose who is in your group any more than the Muslims do and look how we've been treating that group of people, based on the actions of a small handful.

You sure as heck do, where is the rule that says I have to remain associated with some idiot who doesn't know what he's talking anout when it comes to the Christian faith, or that I have to remain connected at the hip with Klnasmen who would pervert my faith to justify their hate? Sorry, but fail you did.

I think believing in religion is crazy and this guy isn't to far off from what you probably think, in regards to my opinion. fwiw

Been down this road before, but crazy is not a matter of opinion, crazy is divergence from the norm, and the norm is theism.

[Koolblue13]

Just because you speak like Yoda, although a strong and admirable move, doesn't mean it's not crazy.

From the inside looking out, I'm sure you'd like to remove yourself from extremists like this guy, but from my seat, it's just different ramblings from the same group.