Beyond Belief Session 9—Melvin Konner

Some of his statements are ridiculous and unjustified. He states that all testable claims of religion can be proven false however he does not give one example. This is probably because there are none. It is true that many claims of religion cannot be tested, so this statement is of no importance. He also states that religion has caused great harm. What harm has religion caused? People that have religious belief do commit horrible atrocities but those actions are not condoned by their religion. Religion does not cause harm it is the people that cause the harm.

He then states that science can explain most things. Why can’t science explain all things? Can religion explain all things? No, it can’t either. Does the fact that science can explain many things negate the fact that religion can explain many things as well? No it doesn’t. Most mainstream religious beliefs have no conflict with scientific studies and beliefs. Just because science can explain many things doesn’t mean God does not exist. If God created science then science should be able to explain things, as it can. Again, this is another example of scientism. Even though they deny they practice scientism, all of their statements follow with scientism to the tee.