I'm quickly growing weary of the reactionary hyperbole, coming from both Christian and atheist camps, about #Cosmos' supposed attacks on religion. Let's be very clear about what's going on here: "Cosmos" has not weighed in -- in any way, shape or form -- on the existence of god. It has not weighed in on whether or not faith is advantageous or dangerous. It has not questioned the intelligence or motivations of the devout. It has not commented in any way whatsoever about faith except insofar as faith has, at times, tried to masquerade as science. When faith makes a scientific claim, it can be judged scientifically. Thus, when faith says the universe is only 6,000 years old, "Cosmos" is merely pointing out the fact that science has revealed otherwise. When faith says evolution is a lie, "Cosmos" is merely pointing out the fact that science has revealed otherwise. When faith says natural phenomena is a sign of divine wrath, "Cosmos" is merely pointing out the fact that science has revealed otherwise. To repeat, the only time faith is addressed in the show is when faith presumes to speak for science (or in some cases, squelch it). And the reason the show pushes back on these issues in the first place is not because persons of faith are not allowed to believe things that are contrary to what we know to be true (they are and should), but rather that those same people are engaged in a culture war of their own creation, attempting to ensure that their way of thinking is codified in law and taught in the public sphere. They are not willing to merely believe; others must believe as well. You may question the wisdom and efficacy of "Cosmos'" stance, but let's not pretend that the show is somehow involved in a wholesale blitzkrieg on faith as some on both sides of the ideological aisle have asserted.

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