Atheists: Can't there be charity towards Young Earth Creationists?

In most cases, atheists don't really have a problem with individual scientific ignorance. It's what the politically-active creationists DO with that ignorance that we have a problem with.

Please note that the person you describe (fairly close to my own upbringing) is not the creationist that is encountered here in R&S or anywhere else on the internet. A Creationist who is uninterested in the evolution/creation "debate" tends not to post here, nor do they try to force creationism into public school science classes. They don't open museums or amusement parks with the sole purpose of making money off of the person you describe's ignorance and gullibility. They don't claim that evolution is "a lie from the devil" while running for political office.

THOSE are the creationists we have no "charity" toward. Because they deserve none.

I understand that it's not their fault that they were taught something in their childhood that is just plain wrong.

"Being a teenager" is not a legitimate excuse for not learning anything in science class, but there are still a lot of places where "science" is taught by YECs. Still not the kids' fault.

I don't really mind adults who don't care how old the Earth is because that's not relevant to their daily lives. I wouldn't be so offensive as to call them "stupid," but anyone so disinterested must at least be a little dull.

The problem is, in this century unless you live an extremely sheltered life, you can't make it to adulthood without hearing this particular belief challenged. You can't become a politician or a science teacher or post in this forum without somebody explaining to you the scientific method. The people who actively champion the YEC "theory" are not ignorant. They know that physics, biology, geology, anthropology, and pretty much every other field of science all agree that the world is old.

And yet they not only choose to believe in magic instead, they want to convince others to believe in it too. They're the ones brainwashing those uninterested children. And worst of all, they believe that because science is wrong about this then it must be wrong about other things, like climate change and the biodiversity crisis. These people are doing harm to the world that I have to live in. So no, I don't have any charity towards them. They are wrong and I want everyone else to know not to listen to them.

I agree with you. I am a christian and former creationist.

Creationism (the way the bible describes it) was disproved by evolution years ago. But i only just recently discovered this when i gained sufficient understanding and knowledge about evolution. Most people who refute this either lack knowledge or are in denial.

Ignorance is the a lack of knowledge. I don't believe i was at fault for my ignorance, because no one taught me the knowledge that i lacked (until now)

I can't imagine why ignorance, laziness, and delusion should merit "charity." They merit derision. A person's education is their own responsibility, and if they're too lazy to go learn facts, that's THEIR problem, not mine.

Additionally, if on top of their ignorance, laziness, and delusion, they insist on foisting their ignorance and delusion onto everyone else in public schools or in law, they not only don't merit "charity," they merit all the criticism they get (and then some). Because then they're not only ignorant, lazy, and delusional, they're trying to get others to be those things, which is harmful to human societies.

In the age of the internet, *anybody* who wants to know facts can learn them, quickly and easily. Those who refuse to do so are willfully ignorant and dishonest, and merit no "charity" whatsoever.

My sisters and I were NOT raised as YECs. One became a YEC in her twenties. She's not the only one I've known who became a YEC later in life (not raised as such).

My compassion for willful ignorance is limited - my tolerance for it even more so - and the world would be wise to do the same. REAL education is the key to real progress for humanity.

"Atheists: Can't there be charity towards Young Earth Creationists?"

When they stop brainwashing children (aka child abuse) I will ignore them instead of ridiculing their breathtaking stupidity.

"They're not idiots."

Really? These people have thrown out all of science so they could have their magically created universe which is 6,000 years old. And you want to pretend these drooling morons are not idiots?

Why do you suck up to retards?

I suggest you're part of the religious insanity problem. And that makes you equal to the terrorists and bible thumpers you suck up to.

I do not give a rat's patootie what magic rock you fondle, I DO care if you try and force me to fondle that magic rock. THAT is the problem.

Nono they are still deluded and moronic because they are willing to keep their mind closed !

Sorry, but if you become an adult and don't ever question things you learned as a kid, you are deluded and possibly (probably?) stupid.

So, you're saying... don't look down on them with words.

Look down on them with money?

Oh I see. Disguised condescension is fun.