My last three columns focused on politics, religion and science — not necessarily articles that are the least controversial nor the easiest to write. I was fully aware of the potential powder keg these articles could be if written carelessly or without regard for the emotional ties many individuals have to politics and to their faith. As a person of the Christian faith, I also did not want to say anything that could be interpreted in a negative context toward anyone else’s faith.
While my whole intention was to stimulate thought and reflection on our own methods of processing the truth and not to push my own agenda, I felt like some pushback would be forthcoming. I did not anticipate a throng of angry mobs with torches and pitchforks, but I thought a few would not appreciate what I presented.
However, I was pleased that the discussion that followed was encouraging. There were those who agreed with me and those who did not. With a couple of exceptions, everyone was professional, and most who connected with me told me they appreciated that I was willing to shed some light on these issues.
Trying to discuss emotionally charged topics via printed material is difficult at best. I would always prefer a face-to-face discussion. Otherwise, it is sort of like arguing on Facebook. No one wins that discussion. Typically, two people look very foolish before one finally unfriends the other.
Social media makes discussing and understanding science difficult. So does our faith and our politics. You should remember this when discussing emotionally linked topics with employees, club members, golfers, friends and family. These discussions may result in outcomes that you never saw coming. Is promoting your opinion worth those consequences?
Understanding modern science is difficult if you are not a Ph.D. scientist with 20 or more years of experience. I am not saying this to be critical or condescending. Science is complex, and analyzing the results and application to the real world is even more complicated. A good analogy is for me to understand what being a golf course superintendent is like. I am not going to get it right much of the time. It is not how I was trained nor what I have experience in, and I know just enough to be dangerous. This does not mean I am not smart; it simply means it’s not my strength, and I am not an expert on the topic.
Over the past 40 years, I can’t recall how often I have heard superintendents lament about golfers telling them how to do their jobs better. They realize this person has no clue about the difficulties of managing a golf course and all the challenges involved. I also can’t recall how often people tell me that scientists are clueless; sponsors pay them off, live in their ivory towers, have no concept of reality and so on. This has been especially common for the past 10 years. Same conceptual approach by the outsider, different profession.
I’ve studied climate change in Africa for 30 years. I have seen the devastating effect it has on agriculture and the suffering it is causing for so many. Yet many people I know, including friends, choose to post things on social media that mock climate scientists using cherry-picked data and information that is false. Most of these individuals have never read a single scientific study regarding climate change, yet they are experts.
Science isn’t perfect. It never has been, and it never will be. Science doesn’t own “truth.” Science pursues what is true by continually collecting more data to answer critical questions. For many, we seek truth with our faith journey. Yes, scientific consensus does change. That change happens when scientists collect more data, clarify what is true, and adjust our understanding of that topic through new knowledge. All of us, scientists included, can find value in the following quote: “Meet regularly with someone who holds vastly different views than you.” In the end, you’ll be a better person.
I appreciate the feedback I have received on the topics I have addressed. This is certainly not a conventional column for GCM, and I am grateful for the opportunity to express my experiences and thoughts. There will be more on the topics of politics and faith and science in future articles. I promise.
Rick Brandenburg, Ph.D., is a turfgrass entomology professor at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, a post he’s held since 1985. The 28-year GCSAA member is also a frequent presenter for GCSAA, both in webinars and at the annual GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.