The Theory of Evolution

[MewtwoX]

Umm first off...

I am sure the Theory of the Inverse Universe had believers just like you at one time.

Don't you find this response to be... somewhat of an ad hominem?

Secondly, An Appeal to Authority, Section 1 of the Site you provided, supports exactly what I said, and how I applied it.

Section 1, eh?

Are you a Paleontologist? A Geneticist? An Ecology Biologist? If your answer to these three questions is no, then I think the first part of #1 doesn't apply (it is unnecesary). Your objections will be simplistic and never grasp the full concept of the evidence unless you are scientist in the fields pertaining to Life Sciences and Evolution.

The second part of 1 (It's impossible) is laughably absurd, given the fact that I have yet to see a Creationist (those inclined to suggest no scientific consensus) to suggest there is no consensus in the scientific community and there can never be.

So, I require an explanation from you as to how your use of the Appeal to Authority fallacy applies here.

I so hope this is not the all I can expect from you, or that this is what will be setting the pace for your responses.

Sounds like a vague insult. This would not be a fallacy, but would hurt your credibility.

 

[Harry3142]

Evolution as it was originally thought was presupposed to be a steady march through time from the beginning of the earth's existence until the present day. It also presupposed that the flora and fauna progressed from that which was weaker to that which was stronger as the eons passed. Science has already shaken both these presuppositions.

Scientists have confirmed that there is conclusive evidence of five different extinction level events having occurred. Most of us are familiar with the ELE that occurred 65 million years ago and wiped out the remaining dinosaurs. But according to the scientists there have been other more catastrophic events which have effectively 'erased' nearly all life forms then in existence.

The theory of going from the weaker to the stronger has also been challenged. Coniferous forests have been replaced by deciduous forests. Flowers which could not have existed earlier began to exist, and creatures such as birds and butterflies came into being only after the original atmosphere and climatology of this planet had 'mellowed' sufficiently to ensure their survivability.

But one of the most interesting developments has been discovered recently by Dr. Wells. His study of the native people of Africa, Asia and Australia (a study funded by IBM and The National Geographic Society) has provided evidence through their root DNA that they all had the same father. They date this person as having lived between 60,000 and 30,000 years ago in the bushlands of Africa. A documentary was shown on the National Geographic Channel concerning the doctor's discoveries, as well as discussions concerning what had happened to Homo Sapiens that had caused, in their words, a near-total extinction of the human race.

Genesis with its stories of creation may seem to us to be little more than morality plays. But scientists are finding many more questions than answers as they study the earth, its flora and fauna of both the past and the present day. I believe God himself brought it into existence. How long it took him is not my affair; giving him the credit for its and my existence is. As a Christian I would consider it as being disrespectful to God to do otherwise.

 

[KerrMetric]

The theory of evolution is a product of over-educated people with way too much time on their hands (pun intended).

I suppose then the non-evolutionary explanations of biodiversity are the product of uneducated people incapable of understanding anything more complex than high school level science, if that.

 

[KerrMetric]

Wow.. talk about about an appeal to authority.

Human civilisation and day to day living rest upon appeals to authority. You listen to endocrinologists about your thyroid gland acting up not plumbers and you call the plumber to replace the water heater not an endocrinologist.

An appeal to authority is not a logical fallacy - it only becomes one when the authority being appealed to is making statements outside the field they are an authority in.

 

[KerrMetric]

.
But one of the most interesting developments has been discovered recently by Dr. Wells. His study of the native people of Africa, Asia and Australia (a study funded by IBM and The National Geographic Society) has provided evidence through their root DNA that they all had the same father.

Perhaps you know this but most people do not - the single "father" (Y-chromosomal Adam) does not mean there was only one male alive at the time and also it was not even a single individual at a given time. Y-chromosomal Adam was a different individual in the past and will be a different individual in the future.

 

[Zunalter]

Creation...?
Evolution...?

Back and forth we go...

So, I just want to hear some thoughts out there from those who prescribe to the belief in evolution, in whatever form that may exist (i.e. Theistic, "Big Bang", etc.). What are some thoughts about how the world, first organism and, finally, human beings actually came into existence? I would be most interested in the theories believed in by those who claim that a "god" wasn't involved. Thanks for any responses.

The only issue that I would have with evolution (theistic or otherwise) is that it says in the Bible that (1 cor 15:20-22) 20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

So basically, it states that Adam brought death into the world, whereas, for evolution to work, you have to have several thousands of generations living, changing, and dying to get to humans. Thus, an evolutionary mindset says that death brought Adam into the world...

 

[Archivist]

Do you think the world would be a better place if there were more scientists and fewer Christians?

This question assumes that the two are mutually exclusive.

There are many scientists who are Christians but who fully support the Theory of Evolution.

 

[JGL53]

This question assumes that the two are mutually exclusive.

There are many scientists who are Christians but who fully support the Theory of Evolution.

Yeah. And I've noticed that, rather than the atheists who post on this forum, it is the inerrant-type Christians who constantly present arguments replete with false dichotomies. What's up with that - is there some school you can send them to in order for them to learn how all that does is to set themselves up to be shot down by some hot shot atheist?

There must be some way to serve the cause of Christianity better - not to mention eschewing this constant harping on the horror of evolution, like Jesus preached sermons denouncing the concept. (I don't believe he did, right?)

 

[theQuestionist]

The only issue that I would have with evolution (theistic or otherwise) is that it says in the Bible that (1 cor 15:20-22) 20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

So basically, it states that Adam brought death into the world, whereas, for evolution to work, you have to have several thousands of generations living, changing, and dying to get to humans. Thus, an evolutionary mindset says that death brought Adam into the world...

So you would toss aside an incredible amount of empirical evidence for evolution, based on the musings of an uneducated (based on today's standards) dude from the 2nd century?

 

[OldWiseGuy]

So you would toss aside an incredible amount of empirical evidence for evolution, based on the musings of an uneducated (based on today's standards) dude from the 2nd century?

There is no evidence for evolution. If there was it would be paraded before the public in every venue possible. On the other hand the evidence of God's creative hand is just that: the creation, and is available free for all to examine. It is not locked up in a sterile ivory tower unavailable to the unwashed (uneducated). All arguements against the theory of evolution are based in the obvious absurdity of it. The shame is that so many well-meaning scientists either accept it as fact or must accept it as fact in order to advance in their fields. These little arguments are quite polite compared to what (I'm certain) both sides would like to say to the other about this matter.

One would think that the most important scientific discovery in the history of human civilization would have at least some supporting evidence. But it doesn't have even the smallest shred.

If anyone here knows where I can go and physically examine any evidence with my own hands, I will leave immediately.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

I suppose then the non-evolutionary explanations of biodiversity are the product of uneducated people incapable of understanding anything more complex than high school level science, if that.

You don't need a college degree to know B.S. when you hear it.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

I've constructed a brief outline of the evidence for evolution:

Sample A

Original organism
Intermediate organism (missing)
Evolved organism

Sample B

Original organism
Intermediate organism (missing)
Evolved organism

Sample C

Original organism
Intermediate organism (missing)
Evolved organism

Etc.

Etc.

Etc

(infinite etc's.)

 

[KerrMetric]

You don't need a college degree to know B.S. when you hear it.

It seems you often need one though to stop making stupid statements about things you don't understand.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

It seems you often need one though to stop making stupid statements about things you don't understand.

See my last post; #32.

 

[KerrMetric]

There is no evidence for evolution. If there was it would be paraded before the public in every venue possible.

Why? 95% of the public are as thick as pig**** when it comes to science. And for a good understanding the percentage jumps to 99%.

On the other hand the evidence of God's creative hand is just that: the creation, and is available free for all to examine. It is not locked up in a sterile ivory tower unavailable to the unwashed (uneducated).

Typical American anti-intellectualism that is rife in the US Protestant community especially.

All arguements against the theory of evolution are based in the obvious absurdity of it. The shame is that so many well-meaning scientists either accept it as fact or must accept it as fact in order to advance in their fields. These little arguments are quite polite compared to what (I'm certain) both sides would like to say to the other about this matter.

A personal appeal from ignorance + the usual appeal to conspiracy that plagues many uninformed commentaries.

One would think that the most important scientific discovery in the history of human civilization would have at least some supporting evidence. But it doesn't have even the smallest shred.

So says the layman with an axe to grind.

 

[KerrMetric]

See my last post; #32.

Yep - more uneducated nonsense. Stick to selling insurance or gardening or whatever it is you do.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

It seems you often need one though to stop making stupid statements about things you don't understand.

I believe I've made accurate statements about something that cannot be understood by you, or anyone else. But I'll give you the opportunity, in this thread, to explain the theory of evolution so that I, and the other 99 per cent sh-t-for-brains folks can understand, and believe, it.

 

[KerrMetric]

I believe I've made accurate statements about something that cannot be understood by you, or anyone else.

I've seen your posts for a couple of years on this topic and an accurate statement about biological science has yet to appear. Typical uninformed creationist claptrap.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

I've seen your posts for a couple of years on this topic and an accurate statement about biological science has yet to appear. Typical uninformed creationist claptrap.

Is a lie information? If I believe a lie am I then an informed person?

 

[KerrMetric]

Is a lie information? If I believe a lie and I then an informed person?

Is that English?