Hello, arriere.
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How many of you evolutionists are theists or deists?
I'm not. Next question!
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Was anyone once a creationist? Of which type? What was the main arguments that lead you to a better comprehension of evolution?
I've already answered this before, but I don't remember whether it was here, nor in which thread. But I don't mind answering it again.
The main reason I accepted evolution was that the Malthusian argument was completely logical; it is a fact that organisms reproduce far more than at mere replacement rates, so there had to be a lot of organisms that die without reproducing. And that there is variation between individuals in the species, and it's only logical that those whose characteristics are best suited to survive will be more likely to do so, and so there is a selection effect. And that genetics gives us a theory for heretibility, and a source of new variations (mutations). Add these all up, evolution
has to be occurring right now - unless God has set up a magical barrier, there is nothing to prevent it. Then, I took another look at the fossil record....
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Has anyone convinced a firm creationist that evolution occurs?
I know very few creationists in real life - the closest were a conservative baptist and a not-very-committed seventh day adventist, and neither really had a personal opinion on the matter nor any interest in the question. The baptist just didn't consider it a salvation issue at all, and the adventist was too busy trying to live a very un-Christian life (while still insisting on not doing any work on the Sabbath). I actually don't care enough to convince a creationist to accept evolution - I figure that their faith is their own business.
The main reason I am on these boards is that I am curious as to why so many people just refuse to accept the overwhelming evidence in favor of evolution. Also, because, as I stated above, I have a more than personal interest in the debate, and as I learn more, I find evolutionary biology simply fascinating - and I can't help but try to share it with others. Whether they agree with me that it's a beautiful theory, or whether they actually accept it, is up to them. Finally, there is a practical matter in that creationism is an important theological issue of a small group of zealots that would, if they could, force the rest of us into their beliefs - or at least force the rest of us to pretend we hold their beliefs. It is also an important issue in this country (the US) whether allow religious doctrines the public school class rooms.
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