I suspect the denial you encountered is intended to delay the awakening and full political mobilization of government funded educators. Here in Massachusetts, teachers' unions and associations are slowly awakening - but too slowly. They are unwilling to accept the fact that their very jobs are under an ongoing, concerted attack from the right and the Christian supremacist movement.

The argumentative style of people such as the businessman you mention is common, also, to the attempt to deny the accelerating human impact on the environment - in this tactical approach which is rooted in Greek Skepticism, facts, even overwhelming evidence, don't matter as long as it can be established that there is less than 100% certainty about the disputed case. It's a specious argumentative approach - we never have 100% certainty of anything and make decisions everyday based on probabilistic calculations. Hence, insurance policies.

I'd say there is about a 99.999% probability that the SBC is working to destroy public education. That's a strong enough case for me.

by Bruce Wilson on Thu Jan 19, 2006 at 10:47:46 AM EST

The denial of the retired CEO regarding SBC attacks on public education, is analagous to the denial that there was a fundamentalist takeover afoot in the convention, and indeed, denial of many of the things that have happened since.  

The same thing is true in other protestant churches that have been under attack for two decades, while in denial that conservative factions were working with outside agencies seeking to undermine their denominations.

Far too often, people are complacent and too comfortable in their lives. The denial often comes from people who might otherwise be concerned. They have to find a way to screen out disturbing information, because if they took it seriously, they would, in conscience, have to change. And well, they would rather not have to do that. That would mean less time for golf. Or TV. Or Sports. Or shopping. It might even disturb personal relationships among the similarly complacent.  They like their life as it is, thank you very much.

by Frederick Clarkson on Thu Jan 19, 2006 at 11:02:08 AM EST

...even if you don't have all the right responses then, on reflection you're always prepared for it the next time. Your post reminded me of the time I set up the painting at a University of Wisconsin student lounge, only to find out it was where the "religious studies" students (re: Christian studies) hung out. It made for interesting conversation/debate throughout the afternoon; none of them showed up for the panel discussion that evening. Thanks, Joel Pelletier

by joelp on Fri Jan 20, 2006 at 02:48:03 PM EST

Are there not flaws in the very religion SBC and others seems to want to protect from the march of culture?  The public education system undermines the beliefs of many Christians; this reactionary response, I feel, is not only fueled by a misinterpretation of the Bible but is also fueled by the many confusing and contradictory bits of information the Bible presents, regardless of interpretation.  If the Bible (primarily the New Testament) is a compilation of many generation's worth of writing, why isn't it fair game now to be added to?  Can't God stand outside the Bible?  It's a nutty document, soon to cause a huge collision of wills.

by sd on Fri Jan 20, 2006 at 09:14:21 PM EST