To Mike and our newest members,
quote:
Evolution is the change in the gene pool, by means of natural selection acting upon that other mechanism of mutation. Evolution is caused by natural selection. The actual evolution is the change in the gene pool.
Mike, even if you slipped back to being a young earth creationist, I would still give you a pat on the back for getting that right. A real debate can't start until both sides understand what the other is saying. This is the biggest hurdle I see within the evo vs. creo debate. If you ever want to silence a new, enthusiastic creationist, ask him or her to define evolution. It's amazing that sometimes they don't even understand what they are arguing against, except that it has to be anti-God since it is promulgated by evil, athiest scientists. It is truly refreshing to find people that try and understand the other side of the debate, which is one of the reasons that I like this site and hope our new members enjoy their stay here.
Just as a suggestion, if you do feel like you are going out on a limb, just say so. If there are criticisms afterwards they are usually very kind and instructive. There isn't anyone here that is an expert in geology, biology, physics, math, statistics, chemistry, etc. The arguments against and for evolution span many different areas within the sciences so we don't expect anyone to have a complete understanding of every topic. What we do expect is for people to admit when they have been shown to be wrong, and for people to realize that we are arguing about ideas and not arguing against a person. Well, at least most of the time anyway.
Anyway, happy posting and enjoy your stay.