When I first became involved in “The Argument” over Intelligent Design (~2005), I had some deep discussions with a very nice Christian gentleman (“Bob”) who was also firm supporter of science. We could share ideas about what it would require to actually test such ideas. Our discussions were constructive, rather than the endless bickering that characterizes most discussion. It was evident a lot of people were arguing on the basis of their religious belief, rather than from any knowledge of science. I came to the conclusion that no scientific argument was ever going to reach such people, and what was really needed was more people of faith (like my friend Bob) to step up and take a stand supporting both faith and science.
So then I spent a lot of time in The Argument, too much really, but always looking for more people like Bob, and trying to encourage them. I knew they must be out there, a majority of Christians even, watching quietly but not taking a stand. I only encountered a handful of other “Bob’s” over the next ~10 years. Two years ago I found the Facebook group Answers to Answers in Genesis, which is full of just the sort of people I was looking for. The group is only a little over 3 years old, so I see this as a sign that Christians are starting to recognize the difficulties posed by Young Earth Creationism, and are taking a stand in support of reasonable belief (my words for it).
So the value in Peaceful Science is, at the lowest level, a place to have a better sort of argument. Joshua is aiming higher than that though, he wants to establish a place for Common Ground. So much of The Argument is people talking past each other, never trying to understand the other. How can we have meaningful discussions with people when we can’t even share a joke? Common Ground means having a little bit of understanding and compassion for the other guy, even when you disagree on almost everything. I have been able to establish a sort of common ground with a few YEC supporters on Facebook, but it’s damned hard work to gain their trust and respect. It’s so much easier just to argue, and most people never try to do anything more.
I wrote a post getting at this idea the other day, but I’m afraid the people who need it most haven’t read it yet.