Actually the religious right was really happy with the first show. The show very carefully made sure to say that god could have created the universe. It criticized certain already discounted religious believes but it did not discount belief in religion. It was actually more sensitive to religious beliefs than the original Cosmos was. They were very "FOXxy" in their presentation.
I think they made an effort (perhaps an ill-fated one) to depict the person of faith as virtuous and the institution of faith as inflexible and fragile; an attempt to show that religious people have contributed to science for the sake of inclusion. Listing the birth years of various religious figures was another example. I don't know if it will be worthwhile in the long run but they are trying.
And we recently had a thread about him saying there is no way to reconcile religion and science. At all. I agree
It's was interesting to see how gentle they were with religion in the 1st episode and the full on smack down they went with against it in the 2nd episode. Tonight's episode should be interesting.
Why in the world should this show try to not offend (or try to offend) any religious belief? This is a show about what is scientifically known, or what is currently being researched scientifically about our universe. There is no reason religion should enter the picture at all. No need to say god could have started the ball rolling, and no need to say no god. Why can't we just get a show like this that just concentrates on scientific theories. That being said, I have enjoyed most of the first couple episodes and will watch the rest.
First, it's on FOX and their sister networks. Also religion has been brought up in the first two episodes. Religion has entered been entered into the picture.
Most Christians aren't Creationists and will appreciate the series including religion in the historical context.
I just watched Cosmos, hour #1, on free Hulu. As expected, the attraction was special effects, not information, since I am well-versed on that. I disliked 3 things: 1) He travels in an oval spacecraft, a constant distraction from the great view behind him I'm trying to see, 2) the cartoon portions are low-quality and not up to the standard of the special effects, and 3) the unimaginative, superficial calendar portion wastes an opportunity to show evolution of both physical universe and then life. The show copies the Sagan version in most ways, including the host standing on a deck and looking down on stars, which I disliked in the late 70s and still do. One change is that this host doesn't look up all the time with a Hollywood toothy smile. The original Cosmos was America's answer to the vastly more interesting British series Connections, starring James Burke, which I used to say was my favorite TV series of all time. I suppose it still is. You really should see it if you like science history.
Sorry, should of specified YE Creationists. But again that is my general impression and polls might show otherwise.
Polls generally don't ask specifically about age of the earth so it's hard to say what percentage are objectively YEC's, but results do consistently show most Christians still believe in "Creationism" over evolution, or that "Man was created in present form" - http://www.gallup.com/poll/21814/Evolution-Creationism-Intelligent-Design.aspx
Oh no he didn't! Neil is causing a shit storm now. Too bad everyone's mind is already made up on this. Oh wait, this is on Fox. Fox is mother, Fox is truth. So global warming must be true! I'm so confused.
