Does ‘The Late Great Planet Earth’ Openly Discourage Thinking?

The Book’s Introduction Indicates Some Students Would Rather Be Spoon-Fed The Answers Than Think For Themselves

I began reading Michael Shermer’s How We Believe. I didn’t even get to the end of chapter 1 before being taken aback.

Before Shermer converted to a religious skeptic, he spent several years as a born again Christian. Among other works, he was influenced by Hal Lindsey’s The Late Great Planet Earth. While attending Glendale College, Shermer challenged Richard Hardison, his philosophy teacher to read the book, hoping it would leave his teacher in awe. After reading the book, Hardison responded to Shermer with a two page report detailing the problems with the book. ^{[ 1 ]}

As Shermer reports this incident in chapter 1 of How We Believe, he mentions how Hardison concluded his report with the following thought:

Of all Lindsey’s statements, the one I most want to quarrel with is found in the introduction: “There are many students who are dissatisfied with being told that the sole purpose of education is the develop inquiring minds. They want to find some of the answers to their questions—solid answers, a certain direction.” I think I can offer some possible explanations for this “egregious” development. But even more, I feel impelled to propose that such a student is dead.

Yes, the quote above is REALLY in The Late Great Planet Earth. Don’t take my word for it, look it up ( top of page 8 ).

One Less Thing To Think About

I realize the first thing out of an atheist’s mouth might be something to the effect of “Well, all major religions take intelligence out of the equation.” But that’s not true, nor is it the point I am getting at.

Major religions do not necessarily discourage thinking (or at least they don’t come out and say it so blatantly), but it seems that’s just what the introduction to The Late Great Planet Earth does. As if the author (or anyone) has the definitive answer to life’s mysteries.

Here are the answers to life’s biggest questions. You don’t need to think it anymore because this is it. You don’t need to revisit the matter because this is how it is, always has been, and always will be. Really??

School Is Never Out

If our education system has taught me one thing, it’s to keep learning and be the perpetual student. Human beings are inquisitive by nature. If we don’t know the answer, we can’t just give up! Or follow science as far as it goes then take a giant leap of faith.

I have no problem admitting there’s a lot I don’t know for sure. I lot of BIG things, like how our universe was created. But I don’t pretend like I know, either.

This is not limited to theists: It would be equally bad to commit oneself 100% to complete atheism.

I can’t say I’ve read The Late Great Planet Earth cover to cover and certainly don’t care to comment on any other part of the book at this time. If Lindsey’s supporters truly aren’t interested in questioning things, I wonder what else the author can convince them to do.

Citations

1. Shermer, Michael. (2000). How We Believe: The Search for God in an Age of Science. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
   Where was this cited?

You should follow us on twitter.

Tweet by The Monkey on May 3, ‘08 in religion