Do you accept the theory of evolution?

[KalMart]

So what you're saying is that everyone should belong too the cult science, trusting totally what the experts say without questioning it at all?
Isn't that why a lot of atheists think that religion is evil?

No, it means trust the scientific truth, that's been reached through moral and sound discipline, just like you have in other fields of science, but don't treat it as a threat to religion. That goes for both atheists and theists.

 

[Shemtov]

So you would consider teaching any form of science "forcing" views on children.

Stop putting words in my mouth.
I would consider declaring teaching creationism as a form of child abuse to be forcing your views on other.

 

[Thundercrack85]

So what you're saying is that everyone should belong too the cult science, trusting totally what the experts say without questioning it at all?
Isn't that why a lot of atheists think that religion is evil?

You make it sound like we take their word on faith. Science by definition, has to be proven. Do you know how fearsome competition is in the scientific world? If you make a claim, you better be able to back it up. You need to prove it. Repeatedly. To countless skeptics.

The point of science is that you can question it. And you can get answers.

 

[KingMob]

Hey, thats how I understand science. You accept scientific findings WITHOUT question.

 

[Lighthouse]

You make it sound like we take their word on faith. Science by definition, has to be proven. Do you know how fearsome competition is in the scientific world? If you make a claim, you better be able to back it up. You need to prove it. Repeatedly. To countless skeptics.

The point of science is that you can question it. And you can get answers.

I think this is a word we should avoid using. Proof has a pretty specific meaning, and science really deals with evidence. Math deals with proof.

 

[Thundercrack85]

No scientist will ever tell you to take their word for it.

You want evidence, ask for it. Or use google.

 

[Shemtov]

Evolution is not a view. It's reality.

Creationists would say the same thing about creationism.
So if creationists would say that teaching evolution is child abuse, how would you like it?

 

[KalMart]

Same as teaching children views that lead to cultural and religious hate...that leads to terrorism/bigotry/oppression/etc. Technically, you might not call it 'child abuse', but it is perpetuating ignorance and harmful nonetheless.

 

[Thundercrack85]

I think this is a word we should avoid using. Proof has a pretty specific meaning, and science really deals with evidence. Math deals with proof.

Alright, evidence, you're right.

We should rename this thread semantics...

 

[Lighthouse]

Alright, evidence, you're right.

We should rename this thread semantics...

It's kind of necessary. Misusing words gives the opposition ammo.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Creationists would say the same thing about creationism.
So if creationists would say that teaching evolution is child abuse, how would you like it?

I doubt I'd be as offended as you are.

But again, I've got science, and more evidence than I know what to do with.

 

[Shemtov]

You make it sound like we take their word on faith. Science by definition, has to be proven. Do you know how fearsome competition is in the scientific world? If you make a claim, you better be able to back it up. You need to prove it. Repeatedly. To countless skeptics.

The point of science is that you can question it. And you can get answers.

Make up your mind:
Is Evolution really reality or is it what seems like reality for now, but that reality could be disproven with evidence against it?

 

[Lighthouse]

Make up your mind:
Is Evolution really reality or is it what seems like reality for now, but that reality could be disproven with evidence against it?

YES! It absolutely could! That's the whole point of science! It's the reason we have Einstein's Theory of Relativity, because he disproved concepts of Newtons.

You put creationism up to the same test, and it fails. Completely. Yet creationists ignore this. Because to them, creationism cannot be disproven.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Make up your mind:
Is Evolution really reality or is it what seems like reality for now, but that reality could be disproven with evidence against it?

Like any scientific theory, it will be fine tuned.

But you do realize that we use the theory in day to day life, right? Anti-biotics are the simplest example.

We and other animals have a common ancestor. That much is apparent.

I'm assuming you don't believe that?

 

[Shemtov]

YES! It absolutely could! That's the whole point of science!

So acknowledge that! Don't say that it's reality, but rather what seems like reality for now, but that reality could be disproven with evidence against it.

 

[KalMart]

The problem that creationsists have with evolution, as opposed to other truths and sciences...isn't so much the particulars of what it describes as what happened...but the implications of it. Quite simply, it poses a threat to religion by exposing a major fallacy in the idea of an intelligent, supernatural design, the actual age of the Earth as biblically indicated, and the idea of humanity being specially chosen to be what they biologically are. Evolution isn't meant to do that...it's not an intended anti-religious tool. It's a science strictly for the sake of providing accurate knowledge. But because of that implication, it becomes the focus of the conflict between theists and atheists...and that's unfortunate. It doesn't deserve to be that axis for either side.

Evolution is a fact, and it it historic and real...and that as a truth needs to be acknowledged as an altruism regardless of religion or the lack thereof. If religion sees that as a threat, then they need to reassess their reliance on it, and those who aren't religious need to be courteous enough understand that and not feel it's rightful to gloat over it, either.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Shemtov, how can you look at the other apes, and people, and not see a relation?

I mean, seriously. Never mind the skeletal similarities. Never mind the genetics. Just look at them.

 

[Lighthouse]

So acknowledge that! Don't say that it's reality, but rather what seems like reality for now, but that reality could be disproven with evidence against it.

Except that YOU are the one stating this, not scientists. Scientists come to reasonable conclusions based on evidence, but they don't confirm things as 100 percent certain. Creationists do.

 

[KalMart]

So acknowledge that! Don't say that it's reality, but rather what seems like reality for now, but that reality could be disproven with evidence against it.

But it IS a reality, not 'seems'...that IS supported by evidence and not disproven by it. Just like theories of lightspeed and galaxy formation and physics are. If one is to claim that evolution is only a proposed theory with no evidence or sound scientific support...then they should be holding countless other scientific disciplines to the same standard, but aren't.

Again, the only difference with evolution is its implication as adopted in the atheists vs. theist debate. As a science, it is absolutely sound and adheres to disciplines that we have come to accept in other fields.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Spoiler

Just look at that, and tell me we're not related.

 

[The Squirrel]

Ok, we're not related.

Did I pass? Do I win something? Can it be candy? I like candy.

 

[Thundercrack85]

First you got to beat him in arm wrestling.

 

[Shemtov]

But it IS a reality, not 'seems'...that IS supported by evidence and not disproven by it. Just like theories of lightspeed and galaxy formation and physics are. If one is to claim that evolution is only a proposed theory with no evidence or sound scientific support...then they should be holding countless other scientific disciplines to the same standard, but aren't.

Again, the only difference with evolution is its implication as adopted in the atheists vs. theist debate. As a science, it is absolutely sound and adheres to disciplines that we have come to accept in other fields.

Is it theoretically possible that Einstein's Theory of relativity could be disproven?

 

[KalMart]

We share a common evolutionary ancestor, from which we branched in different directions. We didn't just suddenly transform from apes to men.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Theoretically we could be in the Matrix...