I’d rather be right than certain

The New York Times has a really interesting article on the faith-based presidency entitled Without a Doubt It covers a lot of the concerns, particularly within the Republican party, that people have about Bush’s willingness to ignore inconvenient facts.

I find it interesting, though, that the term for this degree of certainity is “faith-based”. The term, of course, comes from GWB’s constant decree that he is doing God’s work. Why do I find it interesting? Well, what does faith mean? Faith, in this context, really means “Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence”.

Well, fair enough. Note, however, that it does not say “Belief that ignores inconvenient logical proofs or material evidence that doesn’t support it”. While I don’t even pretend to be a religious person, I’m not so silly as to describe that approach as being “faith-based”. I tell it like it is: idiot based. Idiocy dressed up in religious trappings. And that’s assuming he’s sincere and honest, so it’s really the best possible interpretation. It’s much more likely that it’s a cynical ploy to manipulate the American public and let him do what he wants without actually needing to justify it.

To deny evidence that is conclusive and firm is not an act of faith, and it really shouldn’t be called one.

Author: Robert Watkins

My name is Robert Watkins. I am a software developer and have been for over 20 years now. I currently work for people, but my opinions here are in no way endorsed by them (which is cool; their opinions aren’t endorsed by me either). My main professional interests are in Java development, using Agile methods, with a historical focus on building web based applications. I’m also a Mac-fan and love my iPhone, which I’m currently learning how to code for. I live and work in Brisbane, Australia, but I grew up in the Northern Territory, and still find Brisbane too cold (after 22 years here). I’m married, with two children and one cat. My politics are socialist in tendency, my religious affiliation is atheist (aka “none of the above”), my attitude is condescending and my moral standing is lying down. View all posts by Robert Watkins