Evolution is a religion, but Christianity is not?

[Split Rock]

I have read many posts from creationists who claim that evolution is a religion. I have also read posts from creationists who claim that Christianity is not a religion. I would like to use a poll to determine what the predominant view on this subject is among the creationists here and compare it to what evolution supporters think. For the intent of this poll, an "evolutionist" is a supporter of common descent, while a "creationist" supports special creation.

 

[KWCrazy]

Actually, I believe that evolution CAN BE a religion just as anything you love more than God is your god; be it money, your new car etc. As it stands, evolution is simply a theory of origins that extrapolates observed adaptation (a conservative process) into a hierarchy of increasin complexity. Interestingly, in mathematics repeated subtraction never equals addition, but with evolution it does.

 

[Paulos23]

This will be interesting.

 

[Split Rock]

Actually, I believe that evolution CAN BE a religion just as anything you love more than God is your god; be it money, your new car etc. As it stands, evolution is simply a theory of origins that extrapolates observed adaptation (a conservative process) into a hierarchy of increasin complexity. Interestingly, in mathematics repeated subtraction never equals addition, but with evolution it does.

So, I assume that you will be voting evolution is not a religion? What about Christianity?

Why do you say that evolution represents a repeated substraction?

 

[KWCrazy]

So, I assume that you will be voting evolution is not a religion? What about Christianity?

Christianity IS a religion. Evolution CAN BE a religion.

Why do you say that evolution represents a repeated substraction?

Adaptation is a conservative process where traits may be accentuated or extinguished but never created. Evolution is the antithesis of adaptation.

 

[Davian]

 

[Split Rock]

Christianity IS a religion. Evolution CAN BE a religion.

If evolution is not intrinsically a religion (in the sense that anything CAN become a religion) but Christianity basically IS a religion, then I would suggest that your vote be #3. I suppose if you are not comfortable with that, you can skip voting... but I would like your view counted.

Adaptation is a conservative process where traits may be accentuated or extinguished but never created. Evolution is the antithesis of adaptation.

I can't say I agree with that. The same cells that make scales can make feathers. Legs can be multiplied or decreased by adjusting a regulatory gene. A jaw bone can be altered to improve hearing. A lung can become a swim bladder or visa versa. A gill arch can become a jaw. A brain can go from two neurons (like an insect) to billions (like us).

 

[Strathos]

If evolution is not intrinsically a religion (in the sense that anything CAN become a religion) but Christianity basically IS a religion, then I would suggest that your vote be #3. I suppose if you are not comfortable with that, you can skip voting... but I would like your view counted.


I can't say I agree with that. The same cells that make scales can make feathers. Legs can be multiplied or decreased by adjusting a regulatory gene. A jaw bone can be altered to improve hearing. A lung can become a swim bladder or visa versa. A gill arch can become a jaw. A brain can go from two neurons (like an insect) to millions (like us).

Closer to 100 billion, actually.

 

[Split Rock]

Closer to 100 billion, actually.

Thanks!

 

[juvenissun]

I have read many posts from creationists who claim that evolution is a religion. I have also read posts from creationists who claim that Christianity is not a religion. I would like to use a poll to determine what the predominant view on this subject is among the creationists here and compare it to what evolution supporters think. For the intent of this poll, an "evolutionist" is a supporter of common descent, while a "creationist" supports special creation.

I am surprised that this is still a problem for you.

There are many faith-based systems. If one of them it taken as the truth, then others are then called religions.

This applies to Christianity, as well as to evolution.

So, get it over with. This is a definition problem, there is not much to talk about.

 

[Ophiolite]

I am surprised that this is still a problem for you.

There are many faith-based systems. If one of them it taken as the truth, then others are then called religions.

This applies to Christianity, as well as to evolution.

So, get it over with. This is a definition problem, there is not much to talk about.

When I was a Christian I had no doubt that Christianity was a religion. I never encountered any minister of the Church suggest it was anything other than a religion and heard many of them clearly assert that it was.

It has all the trappings of religion, both positive and negative.

Evolution is a scientific theory and has very little in common with religions. That said, there are some thoughtless individuals who take the findings on science on faith and thereby act in a thoroughly unscientific manner. They should be roundly condemned.

 

[Split Rock]

I am surprised that this is still a problem for you.

There are many faith-based systems. If one of them it taken as the truth, then others are then called religions.

This applies to Christianity, as well as to evolution.

Since when are other faith based systems called "religion, while the one you believe is not?" So, I am correct when I conclude that many creationists here see the term "religion" as an insult or accusation... yes?

So, get it over with. This is a definition problem, there is not much to talk about.

There is in my opinion. Scientific theories are not faith-based, and therefore are not religions according to your own definition. Yet, I read here all the time that creationists think otherwise.

I also noticed that you didn't vote in the poll... why is that?

 

[Split Rock]

Are creationists here afraid to vote in this poll, or something? I read here all the time that "evolution is a religion." Where are you guys now??

 

[lasthero]

Are creationists here afraid to vote in this poll, or something? I read here all the time that "evolution is a religion." Where are you guys now??

I notice that, when there's a poll like this, the creationists don't vote much in it, even though they obviously see it. Don't get why that is.

 

[jacknife]

I notice that, when there's a poll like this, the creationists don't vote much in it, even though they obviously see it. Don't get why that is.

It's our good looks. scares them all off every time.

 

[KWCrazy]

I'm a creationist and I voted.
Maybe it doesn't captivate the interest.

 

[lasthero]

I'm a creationist and I voted.
Maybe it doesn't captivate the interest.

It doesn't show your vote. Maybe you pressed the wrong button?

 

[Split Rock]

I'm a creationist and I voted.
Maybe it doesn't captivate the interest.

Your name doesn't show up in the poll. Are you sure you voted?

 

[SkyWriting]

Actually, I believe that evolution CAN BE a religion just as anything you love more than God is your god; be it money, your new car etc. As it stands, evolution is simply a theory of origins that extrapolates observed adaptation (a conservative process) into a hierarchy of increasing complexity. Interestingly, in mathematics repeated subtraction never equals addition, but with evolution it does.

There is no scientific support for the increasing complexity concept.
Nothing increases in complexity as a rule.

Christianity also CAN be a religion. Or it can be a simple worldview
that is used in a scientific manner as a framework to explain the world
around us without religious trappings of a formal church or it's leadership.

 

[selfinflikted]

Or it can be a simple worldview
that is used in a scientific manner as a framework to explain the world
around us without religious trappings of a formal church or it's leadership.

Do what?