SciLigion

Adam's apple and the missing rib...

by Bernie Dehler
9-29-07

  This one is filed under "loonyligion" because there is a slight chance that someone might take this seriously.  Last night I was at a family function.  Some relatives mentioned how males have an Adam's apple, but females don't.  Also, males have one less rib than females.  (I didn't know this; or it could be that I'm old enough and once knew this but forgot... that has happened many times before.)

  Adam's apple... this proves... that the Adam and Eve story is true.  Just think, it is called an "Adam's apple" for a reason... not "Steve's apple" for example.  By the way, apparently the statement that "only men have an adam's apple" is too simplistic and not true.  Click here for more info on it.

  Also, some say that the fact that males have one less rib than females verifies the Adam and Eve story, as the story says that women was made from the rib of man.  But is it true that if a man lost a rib through surgery (as Adam did), that only his male offspring would also be missing the rib?  That would be like saying that someone who had their limbs amputated because of a war injury would also have children with amputated limbs, but obviously that isn't true.  Our DNA is still what determines our growth-- whether we lose a limb or not doesn't change our DNA one bit. 

  Apparently, the "rib claim" is not even true; males and females have the same number of ribs (click here to read it).  (My college biology textbook also made no references in difference of ribs between male and female, implying that they have the same number.)

What is Loonyligion?

By Bernie Dehler                  9-12-07

  Loonyligion is a term I made up.  It is what one gets when one ignores science and instead relies on religion or superstition that is generally known to contradict science.  Loonyligion also happens when one is opposed to indisputable science because of religious reasons. 

  However, not all science is "indisputable."  Sometimes theories are accepted, and then later modified or proven wrong.  However, there are principles that are generally received, such as the law of gravity or a round earth.

  Perhaps a good illustration is the "Flat Earth Society."  Apparently, they have been in operation even as late as the year 2001.  Click here to read about it.  While anyone with a basic understanding of science doesn't question that the earth is round, some thought it was still flat; apparently because of their interpretation of biblical texts.  To believe in a flat earth today would truly be loonyligic.

  For more on sciligion and related topics, click here.

A Loonyligion Introductory Example

By Bernie Dehler                  9-13-07

  As mentioned previously, Loonyligion is what you get when you have religion which is ignorant of modern science.  For example, suppose you are the government leader for the airlines in your nation.  Suppose there has been a rash of bad accidents or airplane technical issues.  What would you do to fix the situation?  In America, our FAA would likely try to do a root-cause analysis and put new methods in place to solve the problem.  However, if one is instead driven more by religious superstition, rather than science, you may do something like "sacrifice an animal to the gods" in order to fix your problem.  In fact, this is exactly what happened in Nepal this year (2007).  Click here to read the news article.  That is an example of loonyligion-- ignoring science and instead relying on superstition.

For more on sciligion and related topics, click here.