Proposed New (Great Debate) Topics

What are your thoughts about the interpretation thread I proposed? If you are interested at all, would you like it to be more focused. It could be a 1 on 1 or even a many on many yet structured so that you don't get flooded with replies.Here is the link Evolution vs. Creation Interpretations.Edited by Jazzns, : Added thread link.

I was wondering if you wanted to start up a great debate topic derived from the discussion we were having or maybe another topic we are mutually interested in.I am not interested in discussing topics regarding the details of evolution or QM at the moment but perhaps later and if they are focused enough to ensure that we don't get off into some of your more oft repeated issues (Haeckel, Whale evolution, etc).I had one idea. I have been meaning to read Sam Harris' books and I think it would be neat if you could pick a book that takes the opposite perspective, we could both read them and discuss the relative merits in a GD.What do you think?

---

Of course, biblical creationists are committed to belief in God's written Word, the Bible, which forbids bearing false witness; --AIG (lest they forget)

It would be a little bit of science, religion, and politics along the same lines we were discussing in the other thread. I was looking at getting the following book:Letters to a Christian NationThere is also a few talks from the Beyond Belief conference that Percy posted about that are related. Here is the link to the video: http://beyondbelief2006.org/WatchTalk 3 on session 1 is Sam Harris.
I think you may be interested also in Talk 2 on session 1 by a guy named Lawrence Krauss who is a scientist who takes a more moderate position.The other one I think may interest you is Joan Roughgarden on session 3. I would be curious to see if she takes a position akin to yours on the issue of science and religion.That is of course assuming this is a topic that interests YOU. This just happens to be an area that has facinated me recently.Maybe another forum buddy could recommend a book that is in response to or at least antithetical to "Letters"?

---

Of course, biblical creationists are committed to belief in God's written Word, the Bible, which forbids bearing false witness; --AIG (lest they forget)

I only mentioned the Harris book because it is something I am currently interested in and it was related to what we were discussion before. If you have a different topic I am willing to consider it.If you do like the idea about discussing the Harris book what we could do is both read and discuss it and then after you could propose a book or essay in the opposing vein. Let me know if you want to do this verses an alternative topic and if so I will order to book when I get home.Your point about the disrespectful comment is warranted and I would like to appologize for phrasing it in that manner. Sometimes in this medium we tend to merge a persona with a person in a way that we would never do in a real life discussion around the dinner table.I maintain that your position and worldview are irrational and incorrect but you have at least demonstrated to me that characterizing YOU as having a glimmer of rationality is wrong.Please accept my appologies and perhaps we can make futher communication a model for how to blur the lines in the sand created by this medium and produce a civil and entertaining discussion.Edited by Jazzns, : No reason given.

---

Of course, biblical creationists are committed to belief in God's written Word, the Bible, which forbids bearing false witness; --AIG (lest they forget)

I'll see about getting the topic started then.Just to make sure you know, the book itself isn't free online as far as I know. I'll be purchasing it myself either today or tomorrow. I am not sure if that point was clear or not.I would also be willing to mail it to you once I am done with it if you like assuming you would agree to return it.

---

Of course, biblical creationists are committed to belief in God's written Word, the Bible, which forbids bearing false witness; --AIG (lest they forget)

Also, I don't mind doing a second book at the same time. It just seemed as though picking a book that expresses the opposite opinion given that we may not have a good foundation on what the original opinion is would be difficult. I certainly don't just want to grab any other pro-religious book. I would prefer one that is along the same lines of science and religion. I don't know how well the book you proposed does that based on your description.

---

Of course, biblical creationists are committed to belief in God's written Word, the Bible, which forbids bearing false witness; --AIG (lest they forget)