Let the Quote Mining of Roger Ebert Begin

roger ebert the creationist

In case you are just now catching up, Roger Ebert posted a Q&A of creationist beliefs (6000 year old earth etc) on his blog the other day. The thought that such an apparently intelligent man could believe such nonsense caused quite a stir - PZ Meyers spoke about it here.

Today, PZ posted a follow-up after Ebert himself posted an explanation for the creationism satire. As usual, PZ’s analysis is insightful, as are the many comments left by readers of his blog.

One point I haven’t yet seen mentioned by either PZ or Ebert is that Ebert’s original article will, if my guess is right, be used extensively by creationists to bolster their dark-age views.

We’ve seen it before. Einstein, Stephen Hawking and even Charles Darwin have been quote-mined and taken out of context. And, despite our best efforts, as time passes, the myths of these incorrect uses of their words becomes further ingrained in those who would rather not delve deeper.

So, Mr. Ebert - although you may have made a point about our inability to see satire, you (and we) will pay a price.

Your name is, as we speak, undoubtedly being added to the list of people who believe in creationism. Well done.

September 24, 2008 · Filed Under Atheism, religulous

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U.S. Doesn’t Have a Monopoly on Fundie/Creationist Crap

Much of the ridicule aimed at fundamentalists and creationists is directed at the US Bible Belt. I’m not from there. I’m Canadian.

And while many people are correct to say that Canada has much less of this garbage going on, there is one province that is the exception. That province is where I make my home - the province of Alberta.

Alberta is known as the most conservative province in Canada. There are good reasons for it being included in a recent variation of the United States of Canada and Jesusland map.

After all, we have our very own Big Valley Creation Museum. Yay Alberta.

dinosaurs among humans

July 7, 2008 · Filed Under Atheism, religion

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