Explain Human Chromosome 2 with Creation Science.
OK, now, this challenge is significantly different to the usual "challenges" here in a few important respects:
1) There's a point to it.
2) I will explain the point to it, in order to aid sensible discussion, rather than just assigning an "F" to anyone whose answer isn't what I wanted. So:
Human Chromosome 2 is my favorite piece of evidence for evolution. I see it as the equivalent of the observation of the phases of Venus for heliocentrism. It makes 100% sense in the light of evolution and, as far as I can tell, 0% sense in the light of creationism. Now, Danyc's recent thread showed that it is under attack from the likes of AiG, but the criticism there (1) suffered from the usual problem of discussing a nebulous "information" concept, and, more importantly, (2) didn't actually address the main problem: how could such a structure come about in any way except random mutation and a common ancestor for Man and the other Great Apes?
So I'm left wondering: do any creationists have any actual explanation of Human Chromosome 2 from a creationist perspective? Why are there telomeres in the middle of the chromosome? Why two centromeres instead of one (and one inactive)? If "Goddidit", why on earth would God do it that way? As far as I can see, in order to claim "Goddidit", you have to subscribe to a "deceptive God" kind of theology. Can any creationists explain how God is not a liar if He created Chr. 2 the way He did without evolution?
Non-creationists, have you come across a creationist argument about this? Anyone? I really want to know how creationists can dismiss this amazing piece of evidence (and I mean truly dismiss it, not just attack tangents or strawmen).
3) This is a genuine challenge. I'd be quite happy for someone to "answer" or "win" this challenge. This can be done by simply presenting a case. I may not agree with it, and I may argue the point, but I will -- for the sake of encouraging actual answers -- concede that you have successfully answered the challenge presented if you can give me a consistent explanation of how the structure of Human Chromosome 2 makes sense without God being deceptive.
Sidenote: I'm not much into the "interventionist" idea of God, but I do wonder if God didn't allow/plan/pick your word for the evolution of Chr. 2 just to make a point. I remember YEC literature that banged on about the disparity in the number of chromosomes of humans and other apes -- it was proof that humans couldn't have shared a common ancestor blah blah. And then... absolutely perfect evidence FOR evilution comes from this very same sticking point. The fact that one of the most beautiful pieces of evidence for evolution in general, and common descent in particular, happens to be in us -- oh-so-special humans, the pinnacle of creation, etc -- is a wonderful irony. Nice one, God
OK, now, this challenge is significantly different to the usual "challenges" here in a few important respects:
1) There's a point to it.
2) I will explain the point to it, in order to aid sensible discussion, rather than just assigning an "F" to anyone whose answer isn't what I wanted. So:
Human Chromosome 2 is my favorite piece of evidence for evolution. I see it as the equivalent of the observation of the phases of Venus for heliocentrism. It makes 100% sense in the light of evolution and, as far as I can tell, 0% sense in the light of creationism. Now, Danyc's recent thread showed that it is under attack from the likes of AiG, but the criticism there (1) suffered from the usual problem of discussing a nebulous "information" concept, and, more importantly, (2) didn't actually address the main problem: how could such a structure come about in any way except random mutation and a common ancestor for Man and the other Great Apes?
So I'm left wondering: do any creationists have any actual explanation of Human Chromosome 2 from a creationist perspective? Why are there telomeres in the middle of the chromosome? Why two centromeres instead of one (and one inactive)? If "Goddidit", why on earth would God do it that way? As far as I can see, in order to claim "Goddidit", you have to subscribe to a "deceptive God" kind of theology. Can any creationists explain how God is not a liar if He created Chr. 2 the way He did without evolution?
Non-creationists, have you come across a creationist argument about this? Anyone? I really want to know how creationists can dismiss this amazing piece of evidence (and I mean truly dismiss it, not just attack tangents or strawmen).
3) This is a genuine challenge. I'd be quite happy for someone to "answer" or "win" this challenge. This can be done by simply presenting a case. I may not agree with it, and I may argue the point, but I will -- for the sake of encouraging actual answers -- concede that you have successfully answered the challenge presented if you can give me a consistent explanation of how the structure of Human Chromosome 2 makes sense without God being deceptive.
Sidenote: I'm not much into the "interventionist" idea of God, but I do wonder if God didn't allow/plan/pick your word for the evolution of Chr. 2 just to make a point. I remember YEC literature that banged on about the disparity in the number of chromosomes of humans and other apes -- it was proof that humans couldn't have shared a common ancestor blah blah. And then... absolutely perfect evidence FOR evilution comes from this very same sticking point. The fact that one of the most beautiful pieces of evidence for evolution in general, and common descent in particular, happens to be in us -- oh-so-special humans, the pinnacle of creation, etc -- is a wonderful irony. Nice one, God
