Greetings, great to be here!

SlightlyOddGuy
Fri, 08 Jan 2021 09:50:24 +0000
Conversation

Hello, Peaceful Science! I hope this is an ok way to do an intro, but I figure everyone’s probably pretty chill, so… yeah.

I’ve been lurking here since last month. I’m 30, a former YEC and ex-Christian. Approximately a year or so ago now, I was exposed to the first non-YEC material on evolution, and it ended up starting something of a journey of discovery for me not just about science but about the structure of my deeply held beliefs in general.

Anyway, I had been on Reddit’s r/debateevolution until about 3 months ago. Unfortunately due to the way Reddit works, it’s difficult to make a space where bridges can be built effectively. Basically, I had to take a break from the toxicity, as it was taking a toll on my ability to be empathetic.

I first heard of @swamidass on Capturing Christianity’s YouTube channel, but my first real exposure to him was the interview with Pinecreek. It took a while for me to appreciate the ideas introduced during that interview, but they really stuck with me.

I had no idea about Peaceful Science until a video on the Gutsick Gibbon YouTube channel mentioned it and connected all the dots.

What I love so far about PS:

Experts in the field from multiple faith/non-faith traditions coming together to discuss science

The effort to reach YECs

Conversations about religion and religious ideas from multiple angles

Engagement from members of Creationist organizations

Learning new things almost every day

Appreciating how much I don’t know

My interests lie in:

What differentiates former YEC Christians from former YEC ex-Christians

Religion and belief

Learning how to have better and more constructive conversations

Watching scientists engage YEC stuff

Weaknesses:

Layman, some calc and physics/chem exposure in college, but that’s it

Difficulty understanding scientific papers without guidance

Can be sarcastic, though I really think I’ve improved

Not as empathetic as I could be

I think you all are doing something special here, and I’m excited to be a part of it!

23 posts - 16 participants