Deacon Bill Mason - Right-Wing Fascist

[Psycho Circus]

I'm afraid this may be a long post, but I must vent my extreme frustration and displeasure over the pamphlet ("Darwin's Legacy - An Epic Blockbuster Production") that was pushed through my door this morning. It was put together by a man named Bill Mason, deacon of the Leyland pentecostal church and is filled with completely laughable opinions and arguments, trying to push beliefs onto residents of this area.

One of the main issues I have with it  (and there's lots!), is the fact that it puts forward a case for Charles Darwin being responsible for the Nazi uprising, both major world wars and the downfall of industrial Britain! I have never read anything so one-sided and filled with so much bile and hate. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I have contacted Bill Mason by email and plan to go up to the church later. I have also informed the borough council (as it blatantly attacks them too) about this pamphlet being posted around.


Here are some select snippets:

"Concurrent with Darwin's barmy ideas there arose a brand of theology with the pretentious title of 'Higher Criticism' this was a liberal interpretation of the Bible, by a motley crew of decrepit carpet-baggers, or shall we say sorry scholars, which effectively undermined its integrity and cast doubt on most of its important claims. This chattering class of time-wasters carved into the 'science' of evolutionary, socialistic philosophy. They were instrumental in millions of church-goers losing their faith and also creating a massive falling away from the church, resulting in many of them closing down permanently."

*My argument is always this - If the church has all the answers (which it thinks it does) and their faith is so strong, then nobody would be turning away from the church. Also, if Bill Mason is so steadfast in his beliefs then why must he feel so threatened as to go out of his way to write a pamphlet to denounce one man's "theories"?? He has done this without even a modicum on integrity in my opinion.

"It is tragic to think that here in Britain and other parts of Europe politicians and 'intellectuals' - that must be an oxymoron - actually drooled over this appalling man (Darwin), he could do no wrong to their blind eyes!"

"Darwin just made assumptions - there IS NO EVIDENCE  -around which his adoring, free loading followers, jumping with rabid glee could bury the great god of the bible. When anyone pointed out a flaw in the theory it was easy - just 'invent' another assumption to bridge the gap."

*Oh, he means just like the bible or any catholic, protestant or christian I have ever met then? This is a man referring to a book of text over a hundred years old. Theories and "evidence" that have since been expanded on and proven to the fullest extent that technology will allow at present. A man basing his whole life and ideas on a book thousands of years old, that is far more sensationalist, that people cherry pick from to fit their own lives and 'invent' endless reasons to justify their own arguements.

"If atheism is so wonderful why don't they exhort us all and emigrate to North Korea."

"There does appear to be a moral cowardice amongst evolutionists, either that or their vanity will not permit them to share a platform with people who to question their 'faith'."

*Cowardice? Vanity? I consider myself a modest person, but proud of my own individual thought. I like to think I am well read, more so that deacon Mason, so he should prepare himself and his vast hypocrisy....

"Geology, archaeology all point to a very recent creation, followed by a corruption, then a world flood which instantly buried millions of creatures turning them into sedimentary rock. There is no evidence that life appeared from non-life or that animals can change 'magically' into different animals! The Tommy Coopers of the evolution industry try hard to 'conjure' up new evidence to support their wacky theories and thus acquire funding from the long suffering tax-payer. We would all be better off if they were stacking shelves in Tesco!"

*Okay, so he needs to go and read a few more text books, and also explain to me the lack of "dinosaurs" in the bible. The Tommy Cooper line is just another example of cheap childish name calling, which in no way helps this man's hateful rantings. He makes another hypocritical point about tax payers money (that made me laugh!), how much does the church ask for and get each year!?
It will surely pale in comparison to scientific research, which I feel is far more important than idol worship. And finally, what's so bad about working in Tesco? There's probably one of his 'flock' that works as a shelf stacker? Won't they be offended by that unnecessary snipe? I believe in evolution over millions of years and yet my job is to help people in emergency situations, which I do well. Attacking people and just "praying" that things will be better doesn't solve a situation.


I'm sorry if anyone takes offence to this post. It is not aimed at anyone or their specific belief system, it is just my reaction to something I strongly disagree with on moral grounds. It was posted through "my" door, therefore I feel I have a right to express myself on the matter.

[Doggett]

WOW

I'm getting angry on your behalf. 

That stuff is out of order.

[Doggett]

"If atheism is so wonderful why don't they exhort us all and emigrate to North Korea."

We would if we could, but it's fun to laugh at stupid people sometimes.

[Doggett]

There does appear to be a moral cowardice amongst evolutionists, either that or their vanity will not permit them to share a platform with people who to question their 'faith'

Science is theories and ideas that are questioned constantly. That's the bloody point of it ! The problem is, religious people don't like the answers.

Geology, archaeology all point to a very recent creation, followed by a corruption, then a world flood which instantly buried millions of creatures turning them into sedimentary rock. There is no evidence that life appeared from non-life or that animals can change 'magically' into different animals!

I think the word he is looking for is mutation, not "magic" Gimmie a break.

[Psycho Circus]

Geology, archaeology all point to a very recent creation, followed by a corruption, then a world flood which instantly buried millions of creatures turning them into sedimentary rock. There is no evidence that life appeared from non-life or that animals can change 'magically' into different animals!

I think the word he is looking for is mutation, not "magic" Gimmie a break.

He must not "believe" in caterpillars and butterflies then, or the ageing process for that matter.

[3mnkids]

wow. I would be livid as well. Where the hell does he get off. What he is preaching is fine, in church, where it belongs.
Sorry you had to deal with this idiot today.

[SkullBat308]

This guy sounds like a nutbar. People like this give good, rational Christians a bad name.

[Psycho Circus]

This guy sounds like a nutbar. People like this give good, rational Christians a bad name.

It sure does. I'm not letting this drop either, as it's so wacked out. I really, really hope this backfires big time on this guy because he has not checked his facts at all. The church said he wouldn't speak to me tonight, so I will go again tomorrow.

I ain't clowning around. 

[SkullBat308]

Just try not to get emotional, just stay rational and calm with good arguments. Who knows, maybe you can make him see the "light". But realistically, some one with such entrenched irrational beliefs is gonna be hard pressed to give them up. Good luck though.   Keep fighting the good fight!!!

[indianasmith]

As a Christian, I am almost afraid to post here . . .  but Circus, if you promise not to bite TOO HARD, I'll add my own comments.

"Young Earth" creationists, such as your Deacon Bill here, do NOT represent a majority of Christians.  Period.  I have dealt with his kind many times, and they are very frustrating to talk to.

I am a practicing Christian of the Baptist persuasion.  I am also an amateur paleontologist.  I have read the Bible through multiple times.  I have also excavated nearly a dozen prehistoric beasts in my lifetime (1 mammoth, 1 mastodon, 1 plesiosaur, and about 8 partial or nearly complete mosasaurs).  I see no conflict in my belief in God as our Creator and my belief that the earth is millions, if not billions, of years old.

Bottom line, as one who has spent a lifetime studying the Scriptures, is this:
A careful reading of the Biblical creation account does not require a "young" earth, nor does it rule out evolution as a means of biological diversification.

There are many, many ways to interpret the narrative found in the first six chapters of Genesis.  But the basic message of science and evolution and the basic message of Scripture are not that far apart:

Once there was nothing.  Now there is something.

Where we differ is simply this - was something MADE to happen, or did it happen all by itself?

Geneticists are fond of telling us that a single strand of human DNA contains enough written, coded information to fill all 66 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica.  Evolution would ask us to believe that all of that code was written by pure chance, operating through natural selection.

I find that harder to believe than the idea that a divine architect created life on this planet.

In the meantime, I wouldn't waste too much time on poor old Deacon Bill.  He probably means well, but his mind is small enough to be threatened by the admission that God's creation is too vast and complex for us too fully understand, or cram into a 6,000 year old box.

[Psycho Circus]

Thanks for your input Indy. 

I was interested to see what your view would be of this, especially as I know full well of your interest in archaeology. I respect other peoples opinions and beliefs, but obviously I have my own and don't always agree. This man just gives many men of the cloth a very bad name. I admit I think many religions do serve a purpose for teaching between right and wrong and is comfort for the ones that go searching for it. What I don't like is aggressive propaganda.

[Paquita]

Geez, that really sucks.  At least he didn't actually come to your door and TALK to you though.. that probably would have ended badly.

The bright side of this is that he is probably turning more intelligent people away from his cause by passing out flyers like that.

I believe in Jesus and all, but I really think it should be someone's choice - some people are just going to choose not to.  No one should be forced, bullied, frightened, harrassed or guilted into believing anything.   

[Eyesore]

Where we differ is simply this - was something MADE to happen, or did it happen all by itself?

Is it possible that "evolution" is a tool used by a "creator"? Food for thought!

Thanks indy, and karma too.

[indianasmith]

That is my point of view - I lean towards the so-called "gap theory", as well as some theistic evolution, to explain the diversity of the animal and plant kingdoms. 

I do believe, however, that mankind himself is a unique creation, imbued by God with in immortal soul that is crafted in the Creator's own image.  That is where our creative impulse comes from.  In nothing does man so much resemble his maker as in his desire to create for the sake of creating.

And Paquita, I agree with you as well - faith HAS to be voluntarily chosen, not compelled, or it is not faith at all.  That is why Jesus told his disciples, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations."
Not conquer.  Not coerce. Not threaten.


Teach.

[trekgeezer]

This is my problem with these "young earth" folks.   Darwin's theory has nothing to do with the creation of life on this planet.  Those who claim to be people of faith spend too much time trying to make proof for the "how and when" of the creation instead of having faith in the "Who and why".

Evolution to me is blatantly evident all around doesn't conflict in anyway with the Biblical creations story .

I do believe, however, that mankind himself is a unique creation, imbued by God with in immortal soul that is crafted in the Creator's own image.  That is where our creative impulse comes from.  In nothing does man so much resemble his maker as in his desire to create for the sake of creating.

I've always been mystified with people's belief that "being made in God's image" means that he physically looks like us. Even as a child I believed that this meant we were given a creative mind, a soul, and a conscience.