Reply #27: This calls to mind the typical response I've gotten regarding the bible...

[Brotherjohn]

... from religious types here in the South.

If you express a scientifically-based thought that is in contradiction to a literal reading of the Bible (as they interpret it), the response is an apoplectic "but the Bible says...!"

They see such a statement as actual evidence of something. They don't know WHY it's true, other than that they are TOLD it's true. They can't seem to grasp that therefore, they believe it on FAITH. That's why it's CALLED "faith", after all.

They can't put their heads around the idea that the bible isn't necessarily literal, or that their interpretation isn't necessarily the only one. It's really disheartening to hear this response. Really is a direct demonstration of how far critical thinking has gone (down) in this country.