Travis Vocino Experiments in Art, Science & Technology.

6 Responses to “15 Answers to Creationist Nonsense”rss

1. X-ray, on May 25th, 2005, said:

   There’s plenty of outlines on current thinking of HOW evolution occured. But what is there that addresses the question of WHY it occured. I suggest that it leaves open three possibilities as to why.

   1. 1. Through some random process that required no stimultion or design life has evolved to its current form. (Atheism)
   2. 2. An intelligent designer set the process in motion and then abscented him/herself from the process. (Deism)
   3. 3. There is an intelligent designer manipulting the process in order to achieve a particular outcome. This choice also raises the question of whether there is constant or occasional manipulation. (Theism)

   Any of these three WHY’s requires an act of faith. I can’t see where science can make that choice for us. It does appear to me that when evolution is taught that option 1. is either taught or implied.

   I contend that in the teaching of evolution, part of the teaching should be that this is HOW we believe that evolution happened, but that we don’t know WHY evolution happened. The WHY should then be part of a class on philosophy or religion, with all points of view being discussed.

2. Travis, on May 25th, 2005, said:

   Wow. That was fast, 10 minutes?

   Anyway, there is no such thing as evidence of non-existence. Evidence doesn’t work that way. There can only be evidence for positive assertions.

   So are you saying that we should be teaching something that is impossible to prove or ever have evidence for?

   Science isn’t about the “why” as you’re implying.

3. X-ray, on May 26th, 2005, said:

   God withholds some evidence of Him for bringing us to Himself by faith alone. Obviously, being God, he could provide all kinds of evidence but He doesn’t, and we have to answer why. His use of miracles over the centuries could be said to have been sparing considering what He could have done.

4. Travis, on May 27th, 2005, said:

   So God is deceiving you? He’s fully capable of showing evidence of his existence but he would rather send, what.. at least 80%(?) of his most prized creations to hell for not following the letter of the bible?

   Sounds wrong to me.

5. Rich, on May 27th, 2005, said:

   This is where the reason religious beliefs exist becomes plainly obvious. Religion, among other uses, was very useful in providing an explanation for those things the people at the time couldn’t explain through natural means. This obviously continues to this day.

   Most religious fanatics love the discussions that begin with “Yeah but, science can’t explain this…” Once science can explain something, they simply move the argument. Well, after several years of arguments with, persecution of and, in the past, executions of the scientists providing the explanations.

   Religion provides nothing of value to mankind. It provides and encourages ignorance and hatred. All the positive that they claim to provide can also come from decent human beings. It shouldn’t require borderline schizophrenia for people to be decent to each other.

6. Peter G., on June 17th, 2005, said:

   “But he would rather send, what.. at least 80%(?) of his most prized creations to hell for not following the letter of the bible?”

   Travis: If I may, God sends people to hell because He is absolutely righteous and just. As a result He cannot not punish people for doing wrong. Wrong must be punished. Would you disagree?

   Now you may define what is wrong differently from God, but I think we can all agree that people must be punished for doing wrong, whether it be here or hereafter. Would you prefer that criminals not be punished?

   Let me finish with a verse I think may be relevant to this discussion:
   “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” —Romans 1:20