It takes more faith . . .
Viral wisdom
Occasionally updated and edited. Copyright © 2009

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I call it 'viral wisdom'. It comes in the form of a simple sentence that seems to make sense. It may not actually be wise or sensible, but those who pass it along use the quip to summarize a particular perspective.

For example, consider this statement frequently offered by evangelicals:

"It takes more faith for me to believe in evolution than creation."

Translation:

"I can't think of a valid argument, so I'll say something stupid."

Or, more politely:

"In lieu of thoughtful consideration, I'll offer a superficial statement."

I've heard it dozens of times from dozens of Christians as it weaves if viral path from one religious brain to the next.

The statement is often framed in a variety of ways. Sometimes the apologist says, "It takes more faith to be an atheist than a Christian." Or, "It takes less faith to believe the Bible than to believe the critics."

Faith is the core of the statement. It suggests that their faith is substantiated by evidence; that their perspective is rational.

But isn't that true in every case?

A Mormon believes it takes less faith to believe in the fanciful tales of Joseph Smith than to reject them.

Believers in UFOs say their faith is simply a matter of weighing the evidence. It's the skeptics, they say, who are taking a leap of faith.

Bigfootologists find it easier to believe in Bigfoot than to deny his existence.

A four year old finds it easier to believe in Saint Nic than to believe his dad placed gifts under the tree.

Easy faith has no innate value. Often it's a marker of willful ignorance.

-- September 10, 2011