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Title: 12 arguments evolutionists should avoid.
Source:
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URL Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/get ... atures/arguments-evolutionists
Published: Jul 16, 2010
Author: answersingenesis.org
Post Date: 2010-07-16 18:49:15 by no gnu taxes
Keywords: None
Views: 126512
Comments: 153
For years, we’ve maintained a list of arguments creationists should avoid. There are enough good arguments for biblical accuracy and a young earth that dubious claims can safely be discarded. Now we want to address a similar topic: arguments evolutionists should avoid. These worn-out tropes have not only passed their expiration date, but they never should have been made to begin with. Argument1 Evolution is a fact When our core beliefs are attacked, it’s often easy for humans to retreat to statements such as this: “My belief is a fact, and yours is wrong.” That’s exactly why we cannot trust mere human understanding to explain the unobservable past—emotion and pride get in the way. Evolution is not a fact, no matter how many times evolutionists say it is. It’s a framework built on assumptions about the past—assumptions that will never have direct, first-hand, observational proof. Argument 2 Only the uneducated reject evolution Besides the arrogance of such statements, this argument has no footing and should be cast off. Mainly, those who make this claim usually define “educated people” as those who accept evolution. Anyone who disagrees fails the test, no matter what their background (e.g., if we follow this ideology, Isaac Newton must have been uneducated). There are many lists of well-educated scholars who look to the Bible for answers (here’s one)—and we could point out Darwin’s own deficit of formal education (he earned a bachelor’s in theology). But the bigger issue is that education—or lack—does not guarantee the validity of a person’s position. Argument 3 Overwhelming evidence in all fields of science supports evolution The irony, of course, is that for centuries prior to Darwin’s publication of On the Origin of Species, the majority of scientists found the opposite to be true: the “evidence” supported creation. What changed? Not the evidence. Rather, the starting point changed (i.e., moving from the Bible, God’s Word, to humanism, man’s word). Creationists continue to see everything in light of God’s Word and all evidence as supporting the biblical account. In reality, there is no “neutral” starting point; everyone—whether they acknowledge it or not—interprets the “facts” according to a particular way of thinking (i.e., worldview). Argument 4 Doubting evolution is like doubting gravity Why does this argument fail? We’ll show you. Take a pencil or pen. Hold it in the air. Then drop it to the floor. That’s gravity. Next, make a single-celled organism—like an amoeba—turn into a goat. Go ahead. We’ll wait. . . . No? As you can see, there’s a fundamental difference between operational science, which can be tested through repeatable experimentation, and historical science, which cannot. Argument 5 Doubting evolution is like believing the earth is flat Ironically, the Bible describes the earth as round and hanging in space—long before this could have been directly observed (Job 26:10; Isaiah 40:22). The appeal of this claim is that it stereotypes creationists as stuck in the past, since the common assumption is that people once universally believed the earth was flat before science “proved” otherwise (which wasn’t the case—only a few bought into the idea that the earth was flat). But even if this were true (it’s not), direct, repeatable observation shows us the earth is round and orbiting the sun. Evolutionary stories about fossils are not direct observations; they’re assumption-based beliefs. Argument 6 It’s here, so it must have evolved A conclusion does not prove the premises are true. That is, if the answer is “four,” we could arrive at that any number of ways: 2 + 2, 5 - 1, etc. In the same way, evolutionists often assume that since certain species or traits exist, this is proof of evolution because that’s how it must have happened. This argument, however, is self-reflexive and useless. The Bible offers another (and more sound) framework for how those traits and species came to be. Argument 7 Natural selection is evolution This is likely the most abused argument on the list—and most in need of being scrapped. Often evolutionists bait people into showing them a change that is merely natural selection and then switch to say this proves molecules-to-man evolution. However, this is quite misleading. Natural selection, even according to evolutionists, does not have the power to generate anything “new.” The observable process can only act upon existing characteristics so that some members of a species are more likely to survive. In fact, it’s an important component of the biblical worldview. Argument 8 Common design means common ancestry Historical common descent is not and cannot be confirmed through observation. Rather, certain observations are explained by assumptions about the past. These observations, we might add, have alternative explanations. Common body plans (homology), for example, do not prove common descent—that’s an assumption. A common Designer fits the evidence just as well, if not better. Argument 9 Sedimentary layers show millions of years of geological activity Sedimentary layers show one thing: sedimentary layers. In other words, we can—and should—study the rocks, but the claim that rocks prove the earth must be billions of years old ignores one important point: such an interpretation is built upon a stack of assumptions. When we start from the Bible and examine the rocks within the framework of a global Flood, the need for long ages vanishes. Argument 10 Mutations drive evolution Perhaps because of movies and fiction, the popular idea is that mutations make evolution go. Given enough time, shifts in the genetic code will produce all the variety of plants and animals on earth—and beyond. The problem? Mutations cannot produce the types of changes evolution requires—not even close. Some may benefit an organism (e.g., beetles on a windy island losing wings), but virtually every time mutations come with a cost. Argument 11 The Scopes trial Misconceptions about the Scopes trial run rampant. Often, accounts sound something like this: Fundamentalist Christian bigots arrested an innocent biology teacher fighting for scientific freedom, and while they won the court case, they ultimately lost the public perception battle to the well reasoned presentation of the defense. Thanks to the play Inherit the Wind, this common—though completely flawed—perception of the event continues to be used against creationists. But real history presents a much different account. Argument 12 Science vs. religion News stories thrive on conflict and intrigue, and one common meme presents science and religion as opposing forces—reason struggling to overcome draconian divine revelation. It grabs attention, but it’s bunk. Many atheists and humanists oppose biblical Christianity, but science does not. After all, the truth of a risen Savior and an inerrant Bible puts quite the damper on the belief that God cannot exist. However, science, as a tool for research, works quite well within (and, in fact, requires) a God-created universe. Otherwise, there’d be no reason to do science in the first place.
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#1. To: no gnu taxes (#0)
Good article.
That's a lie. We see it in disease all the time.
This should be posted under Humor.
"The ocean will take care of this on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is." - Rush Limbaugh
No one said mutations don't happen. When do new species emerge? NEVER!
Maybe a title change. 12 arguments to use against morons who think it is ok to fuck monkeys.
You should post an article about fucking monkeys. You seem to be fascinated by it.
"The ocean will take care of this on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is." - Rush Limbaugh
You make yourself proud.
It is you evolutionists who propagate the myth that we come from monkeys. So i'm just pointing out how stupid you folks are on this evolution subject. Afterall if we came from monkeys you folks should have sex with them. It would be ok because it was what we originally came from.
Go fuck a monkey fred.
You are stupid. I don't mean to insult your intelligence.
You're even dumber than I thought, and that's really saying something.
"The ocean will take care of this on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is." - Rush Limbaugh
And you call yourself a Christian.
"See in my line of work, you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda." --- George W. Bush (Rochester NY, 5-24-2005)
If Fred thinks that we come from monkeys he should think it is perfectly acceptable. That is following you fellows logic to its conclusion.
You're even dumber than I thought, and that's really saying something. So this is a figment of my imagination. Debate honestly.
And if "humans" aren't a disease, I know of none...
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
Oh, you've got a graphic. Well, I guess that settles it then. I've got one of Jesus riding a dinosaur. Would you like a copy to bolster your argument?
"The ocean will take care of this on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is." - Rush Limbaugh
Are you really saying that evolutionists don't or never have had a theory that we come from monkeys? Damn your stupid.
Why not post the link for all of us to see? Try to post a link to a legitimate source, not one of your lunatic crevo sites. And when you're calling people stupid, try to learn the difference between "your" and "you're".
"The ocean will take care of this on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is." - Rush Limbaugh
there is your link lamer http://www.ecotao.com/holism/huevo.htm Anthropoids : Prosimian primates of the Early Cenozoic (Palaeocene Epoch) were the earliest of the mammal groups that lead to monkeys and Homo sapiens. Grasping hands and feet as adaptive innovations distinguish them from other primitive mammals. These primitive mammals had tactile hairs, movable ears and their sense of smell was dominant. Most prosimians are now extinct, but lemuroids, lorisoids and tarsiers still exist. With its long geological isolation, many prosimian species survive in Madagascar. One may say that the primate niche arose because of a locomotor adaptation (Washburn, 1950). Around 40 to 50 million years ago (four to five pages ago: Eocene or early Oligocene) anthropoid primates (Suborder Anthropoidae) diverged from the prosimian lineage (Suborder Prosimii). This radiation as anthropoid primates represented a reorganisation of the special senses enabling these creatures to be successful during the day. Monkeys developed reduced external ears and ear muscles, a reduced sense of smell and stereoscopic colour vision (Washburn, 1950). Associated with this were changes in the brain, such as the expansion of the visual and auditory areas of the cerebrum. New World monkeys (Infraorder Platyrrhine: E.g.. Marmoset) and Old World monkeys (Infraorder Catarrhine: e.g.. Colobids) diverged about 35 to 40 million years ago (Avers, 1989) (Groves, 1994). Catarrhines are the lineage that led to Old World Monkeys, apes and humans. An ancient new world monkey Branisella lived about 26 million years ago (Groves 1994).
I believe I said not from lunatic crevo sites. Try again. I'll check back tomorrow.
"The ocean will take care of this on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is." - Rush Limbaugh
Here ya go. There are about a million choices. http://www.google.com/search?q=monkey+to+man+evolution&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Were neither simian nor sapien. Pro, in Greek, means "before"...Latin "forward"...
Padlock's article just did.
Who the fuck is padlock? No padlock here. What article?
On mutations. They are not good.
Padlock posted the article.
Since we evolved from genderless unicellular life into the multi-cellular complex sex crazed organisms that we are now, not all mutations are bad.
Then you are full of shit. I know for a fact that answers in genesis never says there are no mutations.
Quit making stuff up. You're not a good story teller. You can't even answer how chickens got here. You can't even answer how bees came into existance when they need flowers and flowers need them. Evolution is a desperate attempt by godless sinners to make themselves feel good. Then there the idiots (people like you) that fall hook line and sinker.
I'm not the one quoting the biggest frauds ever perpetrated on earth: The Bible. Yea...some guy built a big ass boat and with a handful of people took care of a shitload of animals for 40 days - most of them natural enemies - while some Sky Ghost made it rain The story of Moses isn't even original. They stole it and adapted it without attribution. Talk about a copyright violation...
No wonder you ***think*** Muddbutt is a fucking genius.
You're going to make his head explode. lolol I'm heading to the track shortly.
Compared to you he is a genius. The flood is the only logical explanation for fossils in mountains, for fossils in deserts. You probably just don't want to acknowledge God because your sins are so great.
You going with your chimp?
I'll tell her that you said so.
Hey Fred I like to give you a hard time sometimes. Especially on age of the earth stuff. But I think you are an ok guy. Have fun at the track and good luck.
By the way, you keep posting those bullshit threads like the latest one about a plane crash in Shanksville,PA on 9-11, Jethro will probably ban your sorry ass again and probably for good this time. Kapish jew lover? I;m not obsessed with the jews brainless one. I'm concerned over what they are doing to my country and the rest of the world and they are being aided by you jew lovers. People will remember you are one of them when the fighting starts. Your sorry ass will be looked up by the angry masses. LACUMO posted on 2010-07-17 8:21:54 ET I see that you're making friends and influencing people over at 4um.
Psychopaths take evolution to develop. In a small group they get eliminated off the bat. ;}
The Viral Vid Zeitgeist. The MEME is the same for all organized religions. Note they're all male dominated.
LACUMO posted on 2010-07-17 8:21:54 ET Looks to me like this LACUMO has waaaay to much time on his hands. Do you think LACUMO will be leading the way when these 'angry masses' come after your 'sorry ass' stone? ROTFLMAO......
Padlock's article just did. Actually, you are making Fred Mertz look like a genious because the article said nothing of the sort.
Comments (42 - 153) not displayed.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#2. To: no gnu taxes (#0)
Evolution is not a fact
#3. To: no gnu taxes (#0)
There are enough good arguments for biblical accuracy and a young earth that dubious claims can safely be discarded.
#4. To: war (#2)
#5. To: Skip Intro (#3)
#6. To: A K A Stone (#5)
#7. To: A K A Stone (#5)
12 arguments to use against morons who think it is ok to fuck monkeys.
#8. To: Skip Intro (#6)
#9. To: Fred Mertz (#7)
You make yourself proud.
#10. To: A K A Stone (#9)
#11. To: A K A Stone (#8)
It is you evolutionists who propagate the myth that we come from monkeys.
#12. To: A K A Stone (#9)
Go fuck a monkey fred.
#13. To: mininggold (#12)
#14. To: Skip Intro (#11)
It is you evolutionists who propagate the myth that we come from monkeys.
#15. To: war (#2)
We see it in disease all the time.
#16. To: A K A Stone (#14)
#17. To: Skip Intro (#16)
#18. To: A K A Stone (#17)
Are you really saying that evolutionists don't or never have had a theory that we come from monkeys? Damn your stupid.
#19. To: Skip Intro (#18)
Why not post the link for all of us to see?
#20. To: A K A Stone (#19)
However this simplistic speculation does not prove that human ethics is nothing but an evolutionary accident specific to our species. Creation being by God, the Divine Law (Revelation) is according to his Will. Prophets from God, such as Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (SAW), by defining God's Intentions and Law, have undeniably had great influence upon the behaviour and culture of societies over the last 20,000 to 40,000 years. Records of traditions and religious artefacts do not extend much earlier than this. These great leaders left their influence upon our societies, culture and behaviour and all claimed that the Creator guided them.
#21. To: Skip Intro (#20)
#22. To: A K A Stone (#19)
(Edited)
Prosimian primates...
#23. To: A K A Stone (#4)
No one said mutations don't happen.
#24. To: war (#23)
#25. To: war (#23)
#26. To: A K A Stone (#24)
#27. To: A K A Stone (#25)
On mutations. They are not good.
#28. To: war (#26)
#29. To: war (#27)
#30. To: A K A Stone (#29)
(Edited)
Quit making stuff up.
#31. To: A K A Stone (#28)
I know for a fact that answers in genesis never says there are no mutations.
#32. To: war (#30)
#33. To: war (#31)
#34. To: Fred Mertz (#32)
#35. To: A K A Stone (#34)
#36. To: Fred Mertz (#35)
#37. To: A K A Stone (#36)
[snip]
#38. To: no gnu taxes (#0)
#39. To: war (#30)
#40. To: Fred Mertz, A K A Stone, Jethro Tull (#37)
"By the way, you keep posting those bullshit threads like the latest one about a plane crash in Shanksville,PA on 9-11, Jethro will probably ban your sorry ass again and probably for good this time. Kapish jew lover? I;m not obsessed with the jews brainless one. I'm concerned over what they are doing to my country and the rest of the world and they are being aided by you jew lovers. People will remember you are one of them when the fighting starts. Your sorry ass will be looked up by the angry masses."
#41. To: war (#23)
No one said mutations don't happen.
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