I've recently become aware of this book, popular among creationists and a favourite among the home-schooled crowd. The thesis, as far as I can tell, is that "living fossils" (a term coined, ironically enough by Mr. Darwin himself) refute the theory of evolution, i.e., since some animals have not changed (or changed very much) this means that the ToE (theory of evolution) has not been "proved". I don't know the date, but a favourable review of this tome appeared in a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod layman's publication. Has anybody else heard of this book? I don't have much patience for scientific ignorance so please spare me your scientific ignorance. Thank you. Make your case for creationism in some other thread.
The statement that 'because animal X hasn't evolved, animals A,B,C, etc. haven't either' is an absurd argument against evolution.
I don't mean to thread hijack, but this is related issue. On my way to lunch today I passed by MIT's (much, much smaller) version of the West Mall. Some folks were handing out free copies of Origin of the Species. I have an old tattered copy, so I picked up a new one for myself and one for my roommate. I asked one of the gentleman passing them out what kind of organization he represented. He responded by saying something like "the forward is by Ray Comfort and we're part of his group." Then he patted me on the back. I sensed something was awry. It turns out, of course, that the forward is a refutation of Darwin using arguments similar to what you've described (including the living fossil argument), advocates for Crintelligent Designism, and even finishes with a very direct plea to accept Christian dogma (e.g., "To receive the gift of eternal life, you must repent of your sins... and put on the Lord Jesus Christ as you would put on a parachute--trusting in Him alone for your salvation"). I don't know whether to be offended that Darwin's work has this garbage or to admire the creativity of their attempt to get out the ID message in this way. I guess since the book is free I can't be offended. I hate to tear out pages. I would never defile a book (although they've already defiled it, so it might be justified). I guess I'll just keep it as it is.
Kirk Cameron (the former sitcom boy tv star and now banana wielding creationist) has something to do with this effort, iirc. They are handing out copies of Darwin's book with their own forward which refutes evolution. Or so they think. I think we merely seeing the latest manifestion of religion/culture causing scientific ignorance: flat earth, geocentrism (if that's a word), now creationism.
I have a friend like that, and he will go into these convoluted explanations of his version of reality. He starts out making sense, then uses some concept which is in reality a leap of faith, literally, and goes on to the conclusion that a literal reading of the Bible trumps science. He home schooled his son, who is now in college. I tell him as nicely as I can that I respect people's faith, but can't argue with a faith-based assertion, and that somewhere along the line, his reasoning switched from science to faith.
Well, I don't know why a creationist would come on here and argue when he knows full well that any argument that he proposes will be poo pooed and he will be ridiculed. Further any creationist responding would know full and well that the person who is looking for a fight is close minded and not willing to listen. It really seems pretty pointless. But I think the poster knows this and just wants to do a little posturing. Heck, I don't even know how many creationists post on hornfans. Craigslist may be a better option.
A tried and true dumb-*** I know noted to me just the other night that evolution did not exist and that the proof was to be found in the simultaneous existence of apes and man. It was not possible to get him to absorb the idea that mutation might take some apes on one evolutionary path while alternative mutations, some very slight, might take other from something like an original poor on a different path. He then said god found the world in a state that allowed him to tinker with it, thereby producing biological diversity. God is a small celestial boy with a science kit and an erector set. When I told him that I had never heard anyone describe Allah's powers in quite that way he snorted. This guy could f**k up cold coffee. The thing that really annoys me about all of this hocus pocus creationism jive is that the true believers can't just be happy with their faith and instead must try to undermine science so as to smooth out the corners of their own doubt or the ravages of a history of science that would seem to counter various pillars of their faith-based narrative of reality. I am having a party and there is going to be some drinking and dancing and maybe *******. We'll see what works. You are going to have a party with none of the above. There are going to be people at both parties, so don't be coming over to my party trying to make it like yours. f**k. Off.
None of science it "that way." Because science is verifiable by testing, false beliefs of science can eventually be overturned and proven within reasonable parameters. Articles of faith cannot be tested in this manner, so should be used for spiritual guidance and moral teaching, but not to explain scientific facts, IMO.
people of faith who espouse a strict view of creationism are people i would have a hard time getting along with. that said, to the OP: of course you made this a creationism vs evolution thread. maybe it was not your intention, but it happened when you hit "continue." one thing i've never understood is why creationists have this hardon for evolution. it is not as if the theory of evolution cheapens anyone's faith any more than a theory of gravity or the theory of the solar system. god's creation is too wonderful for anyone to understand, and that's the bottom of it for the faithful. science fills in the gaps. that's okay. god loves science. i imagine that god used a LOT of science and laws and stuff to make things the way they are. evolution does not override god. those who think so have a deep seated insecurity in their faith.
Anyone who still has doubt (I'm looking at you 10,000 year old earthers) should read Why Elvolution Is True. All believers struggle with this issue to one extent or another. It's tough to reconcile evolution and religion and most people are not prepared to abandon religion as it provides comfort, hope, motivation, etc... and evolution/science does not. I have a (respected) colleague who believes in creation and is a 10,000 year old earther and evangelical who thinks evolution is the biggest lie perpetrated on mankind by satan. When I confronted him with evidence from many different areas of science, his only response was "and what does that do for you? How does that improve your life?" Admitting to him that perhaps life has no grand purpose but that ignorance, for me at least, isn't bliss, seemed to confuse him. People believe creationism and other religious teachings because it gives them bliss. They don't want to let something like facts, science, or the truth to get in the way of their or other's happiness.
