Intelligent Design suffers a political setback
Transcript of today's show: Sound Off: Science & Faith. Our point/counterpoint regulars Shelley (the voice of science) and Peter (the voice of faith), comment on the story.
Scientists cheered the defeat of Republican Senator Rick Santorum in last fall’s election. Although he has been one of the most politically influential supporters of the Intelligent Design movement, he distanced himself from the group during election season. Political analysts say the flip flop cost Santorum both moderate and conservative votes. Several other pro-intelligent design candidates suffered decisive losses to their pro-science opponents, one of whom described his candidacy as a referendum on intelligent design. [source: Science Now]
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The Voice of Faith: Peter Williamson, M.Div., comments:
Rick Santorum has been a strong and valiant voice for the Christians he so respectfully represented. I regretfully believe that he was ill-advised politically and should have stayed true to the beliefs that he so fervently shared privately in the Christian community. Had he remained true, I believe he would have won in November. And America would still have one of the most eloquent and devoted Crusaders for Christ in office.
The Voice of Science: Shelley Greene, Ph.D., comments:
Senator Santorum has been in the hot seat for far more than his spotty allegiance to Intelligent Design. The beliefs that people hold dear are tremendously deep motivators. Step on the sanctity of your constituency’s beliefs, and you might get cooked. I believe Santorum’s downfall was wrought by his own act of disloyalty. Scientists cheer, of course, because a prominent and powerful activist against the progress of science has been voted out. Hooray!