I have previously mentioned that there are two organizations that have been giving me a lot of attention over the years, one of which I have already mentioned: Vetenskap och Folkbildning (Vof), the other is Humanisterna. It is apparent that they work side by side and that they are also skilful at what they do in promoting their own form of propaganda. One of the most prominent figures of their number is Christer Sturmark, the president of Humanisterna. In an article he wrote for Aftonbladet last year he states that the humanist movement works against superstition and delusion about spirits and demons that hurt and kill people around the world (http://www.aftonbladet.se/debatt/article14475756.ab). That is a huge generalization. It is interesting how he in that statement puts everything in the same box, it gives the feeling he needs to research his information a little more. However, there is one area where he has gained my respect, he dares to give his version of the truth and does not hide away in a corner.
Christer Sturmark is obviously an intelligent man, but every time I read something he has written or watch him on TV I am left with a big question mark: Where is the empathy and compassion? He often comes across as being very aggressive and angry.
Why is it that Christer Sturmark can be found on different websites and on facebook pages used by the negative sceptics whose only wish or purpose is to have their opinion confirmed? It would appear that he has aligned himself with these sceptics who uses pseudonyms etcetera to trash other people on the net. What has happened to the man of intellect whose wish is to eradicate superstition and delusion? Does he not realize or consider what effect these practices that are used on these websites have upon the intended recipient?
I ask this question: Do these people that seemingly promote science and knowledge have any understanding of the damage they can cause? Intimidation is a powerful weapon to use, to openly mock someone that does not think like you in order to defame what they are doing. That can be psychologically damaging to those who are at the receiving end of this form of mobbing, whether it be on the internet, in written articles or on TV.
I wonder if these negative sceptics with seemingly closed minds realize how close to the wind their ship sails and how harmful their tactics can be, pushing individuals to the very edge and possibly leaving some marked for life. If you think in the extreme, if someone as a result of this were to take their own life, what could the consequences be? Are the negative sceptics so closed in their mind-sets that they could live with this or would they just offer another academic explanation? My opinion is that they one day will unwittingly cross a line because of the tactics they use.
Albert Einstein said: The true nature of intelligence lies within the emotions. I am of the opinion that once we dare to create new tools and the models, it will give us the possibility to pioneer areas of the mind that have yet to be understood. It will give the human race a possibility to use other areas of consciousness that up until now have not been acknowledged by science, instead of denouncing the world of spirit, demons and the alike. Surely we have reached a point where these things should be seriously researched and understood as opposed to making generalized assumptions? Is not science about investigating and researching with an open mind without having the need to humiliate others that do not think alike? Is that not emotional intelligence?
/ Terry Evans
Another beautifully composed blog post on the fanaticism of skeptics. Hope you don’t mind me sharing it on FB and twitter. Thank you. 🙂
It is my honour if you wish to share what I write. This message need to spread to those who feel the same. Thank you! Terry