Discussion Wk 6

Films 6-10
In the short film called “Truth Lies: Mendel, Code, and Evolution” there was mention of Darwin and how there was room for other possibilities. It mentions how people believe in nonsense because it is easier. It talks about evolution and how it is people are so willing to believe in heaven and GOD. There was a quote that stated “nonsense evolved as and adaptive function to a large brain because believing in nonsense makes more sense”.
Yes it is easier to believe in God because not only is it a simple explanation but the idea alone gives hope. There was another quote that I got from the film and it stated people “cannot live without purpose, even if purpose is an adaptive fiction”. In other word this is what was taught when there was no research done, when there was no real facts, but now that there is nothing has changed. Religions still teach god and deny evolution. It is interesting because I am not sure that any if older generations who lived there life with such dedication to their religion could adapt to the change in ideas even though there is so much scientific support. On the other hand there is the younger generation who may be more willing to accept that science has proven evolution and not intelligent design. It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist; it just means that there is no scientific or proven support.

In the film “Fundamentalism is a Mental Disease” there was once again the discussion of religion and science. Evolution vs. intelligent design. In this film it states that fundamentalism is taught to those who cannot think. At some point in time fundamentalist put out two texts against Darwin’s idea and they were ridiculed because they did not have correct facts and science. Darwin’s ideas have been appraised so much and still are to this day. Basically the film is about who people with small mind can easily believe in intelligent design and those that are more intellectual wont be so willing to dismiss facts. I really don’t know what to say with out repeating myself. It is incredible that so many people are willing to just deny the facts that evolution has occurred. I am not sure why they don’t just accept the truth and move on. Yes I know that sounds harsh, my grandmother would be pissed if she would read this, but she won’t. I know a little about evolution and there is no way that I am going to deny my belief in God.

In the short film called “Java Philosophy” there was a lot of quotes from different people. In the beginning there was a quote that ended with “do it or don’t do it- you will regret both”. Basically he is stating that life is a catch 22. I like the saying damned if you do and damned if you don’t, no matter what you do it will always be wrong. I could really relate to this meaning that leaves us questioning our actions. As for the other quotes they also had some relevance to the reality of life but the one I had first seen stood out the most.

The short film “Innervision and Running Trains” was about how Baba Faqir Chang became Master of Surat Shabd Yoga. It was a short documentary that talked about having vision of holy men during a war. Baba Faqir Chang said that he got a vision of his guru when his unit was about to face certain death. He reported to his superior officer what his guru had said. The officer followed the guru’s directions and the unit lived. When Baba Faqir Chang had returned home he was praised and worshiped. When he asked why, they said that he had appeared to them and gave them directions that saved their lives.
In this short film called “Flame On!” it discussed homosexuality and how in the past it was shameful. Many people were in denial because homosexuals were believed to be damned. At the end of the film there was a list of people who were homosexuals. I have to admit there were some names that I was surprised to see on the list. Homosexuality has come a long way from being a damned life style. Now they are more open about their sexual preference and in some states can even marry. Even though homosexuality is more openly expressed, those that are living this life style still have a ways to go.