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Author | Topic: Best evidence for Creation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kevin123 Junior Member (Idle past 5071 days) Posts: 23 From: Texas, USA Joined: |
lyx2no, thanks for the correction.
My question now is can the same thing be said about the evolution theory's explanation of the origin of life? Has anybody ever been able to generate an irreducibly complex system using only completely random forces? I have heard many theories on how it might be possible for this or that to have happened but never see any experiment or observations to back it up.
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lyx2no Member (Idle past 4716 days) Posts: 1277 From: A vast, undifferentiated plane. Joined: |
lyx2no, thanks for the correction. You're welcome, but it wasn't a correction, it was an argument. But my next sentence will be a correction. I'll apply your gratitude to it.
My question now is can the same thing be said about the evolution theory's explanation of the origin of life? Has anybody ever been able to generate an irreducibly complex system using only completely random forces? The ToE say nothing whatsoever about origins. Furthermore, any failings of the ToE, real or imagined, have no value as evidence of creation; it must stand on its own. Discovery of an irreducibly complex system could be problematical, possibly fatal, to the ToE; but, one has yet to be presented; and, that still would not support creationism until such time that "creationism" is defined in a much less nebulous fashion.
I have heard many theories on how it might be possible for this or that to have happened but never see any experiment or observations to back it up. Have you been looking in the right places? Your questions so far cast suspicions about where you have been looking. Kindly When I was young I loved everything about cigarettes: the smell, the taste, the feel . everything. Now that I’m older I’ve had a change of heart. Want to see the scar?
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Coyote Member (Idle past 2106 days) Posts: 6117 Joined: |
My question now is can the same thing be said about the evolution theory's explanation of the origin of life? The theory of evolution says nothing about the origin of life. Here are five hypothesis regarding the origin of the first life forms.
The theory of evolution works just fine with any one of them. Why to you keep referring to "evolution theory's explanation of the origin of life" when there clearly is no such theory yet? Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.
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Kevin123 Junior Member (Idle past 5071 days) Posts: 23 From: Texas, USA Joined: |
Coyote, the theories except for a) require an intelligent agent..
Considering the mathematical improbability of the evolution by natural selection, I don't understand why anyone would follow that theory if an intelligent agent had to be introduced to explain origin. If an intelligent agent seeded/planted the early earth would it not be more logical to assume that they used a mixture of seeds (one for each family or genus) rather than a single seed from which all known organisms evolved? It would be easier than trying to explain how all these complex systems might have evolved and they wouldn’t have to explain the missing fossils for the millions of intermediary animals. Therefore, I consider ToE and origin to be closely linked. Lynx2no says: You're welcome, but it wasn't a correction, it was an argument. How is that an argument? Yes I only presented an observation that shows intelligence can be the source of complexity. Can ToE boast as much? What have evolutionists observed could accounts for an animal sprouting a new organ or what observations lead to the belief that one species becomes another? Mutations as far as we have observed are always harmful. Why would evolution be the exception billions and billions of times? Lyx2no says: that still would not support creationism until such time that "creationism" is defined in a much less nebulous fashion. I agree, unfortunately religion seems to be holding ID back. I think fewer people would have a problem accepting ID as a scientific theory if religion was not always brought up. Lyx2no asks: Have you been looking in the right places? Your questions so far cast suspicions about where you have been looking. Please enlighten me, where do I look or what should I read? So far everything I’ve read contains a lot of “might have”s and “could have”s with some nice illustrations. The only proof I’ve seen from evolutionists is changes within species, some flat headed animal and a bird with teeth. I really am open to any theory but I want proof based on observation and experimentation not based on creative thought.
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bluescat48 Member (Idle past 4190 days) Posts: 2347 From: United States Joined: |
Mutations as far as we have observed are always harmful. Oh really, how about the bacterium that evolved the capability to digest plastics. How is that harmful?
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Coyote Member (Idle past 2106 days) Posts: 6117 Joined: |
Considering the mathematical improbability of the evolution by natural selection, I don't understand why anyone would follow that theory if an intelligent agent had to be introduced to explain origin. I disagree with your "mathematical improbability." Try this online lecture:
Making Genetic Networks Operate Robustly: Unintelligent Non-design Suffices, by Garrett Odell.
In other words, the mathematicians you cite may be modeling the wrong variables.
If an intelligent agent seeded/planted the early earth would it not be more logical to assume that they used a mixture of seeds (one for each family or genus) rather than a single seed from which all known organisms evolved? No.
It would be easier than trying to explain how all these complex systems might have evolved and they wouldn’t have to explain the missing fossils for the millions of intermediary animals. No problem, there are a lot of intermediate fossils, with more being found every year.
Therefore, I consider ToE and origin to be closely linked. You have presented no credible arguments for that. Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.
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Coyote Member (Idle past 2106 days) Posts: 6117 Joined: |
I think fewer people would have a problem accepting ID as a scientific theory if religion was not always brought up. Scientists would have fewer problems with ID if there was some evidence brought up. So far the main proponent, the Discovery Institute, is running a PR campaign rather than a research project. (Lawyers and PR flacks don't impress scientists very much.) Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.
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JungEinstein Junior Member (Idle past 5639 days) Posts: 8 From: Tampa Bay, US Joined: |
There is no evidence that an intelligent designer created the physical universe that will satisfy science. Science, by default, eliminates from its field of consideration all phenomena that cannot be subject to observation, measurement, verifiability, falsifiability, and/or rationality. The Genesis creation account cannot be subjected to any of these (unless scientists and creationists are willing to consider it rationally).
The Bible is not as much a science text as it is a book of art. By “art” I mean the Bible is a work of analogy, metaphor, simile, allegory, parable, illustration, symbolism, etc. I think anyone who insists on a purely literal interpretation of a Biblical passage, such as the creation account, has missed the major point of it. The fact is, every account recorded in the Scriptures has multiple levels of meaning in some combination of the literal, figurative, physical, spiritual, physiological, and psychological”with the spiritual facet being by far the most critical to an understanding of God’s purpose. The Bible (the common source of revealed knowledge referenced in these forums) reveals God, and the Bible tells us that nature reveals God. Also, the Bible tells us that God cannot lie. A lie is a contradiction; it is a contradiction to truth. Since the Author of the Bible and the Creator of nature are one in the same, it’s impossible that the things revealed in the Bible should contradict the things revealed by nature. If we insist on a religious belief that contradicts nature, or if we insist on a scientific theory that contradicts the Bible, we insist on a version of “truth” that is found neither in the Bible nor in nature. Science and religion contradict each other. Nature and the Bible do not. If we really want the truth, we need to find an interpretation of the Bible and a theory about nature that agree, even if it means letting go of some cherished or theorized beliefs. (For example, I have let go of the notion that Eve was literally created from Adam’s rib. Gen 2:21 relates that God opened Adam’s flesh, removed the rib, then closed up the flesh afterward. This does not describe the act of an Almighty God for whom there are no physical limitations. This is clearly an allegorical description of a different meaning. I have also let go of the notion of a 6 24-hour day Creation period.) But I suspect agreement between science and religion will be never happen. Scientists make little room for God because He doesn’t always practice what they consider to be logic or science, and religionists make little room for theories that suggest God is not the person they have always believed Him to be. If we find ourselves in a debate over evidence and faith, it is not a debate between nature and the Bible, because these are always in agreement. At least one side of the debate is over what we perceive to be evidence, or over what we are personally willing to accept. This is the opinion of a newbie to these forums. I apologize if I overstepped any “tribal boundaries.”
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RAZD Member (Idle past 1405 days) Posts: 20714 From: the other end of the sidewalk Joined: |
Welcome to the fray JungEinstein, love the name.
The fact is, every account recorded in the Scriptures has multiple levels of meaning in some combination of the literal, figurative, physical, spiritual, physiological, and psychological”with the spiritual facet being by far the most critical to an understanding of God’s purpose. So it's a matter of interpretation.
If we insist on a religious belief that contradicts nature, or if we insist on a scientific theory that contradicts the Bible, we insist on a version of “truth” that is found neither in the Bible nor in nature. Reality does not play favorites for science or religion. What has occurred in the past is fact, it is our understanding that may be incomplete, and an open minded skeptic will consider any reasonable concept as a tentative model with reservations.
Science and religion contradict each other. Not necessarily. The sun rises, the sun sets. Not all religions are at odds with science, just some beliefs.
If we really want the truth, we need to find an interpretation of the Bible and a theory about nature that agree, even if it means letting go of some cherished ... beliefs. Agreed, no matter what those beliefs involve. The question left then is how do you test for the truth of the truth? Do you use the scientific method? What do you do outside the realm of science? Is there another method? If you have an interest in pursuing this question see Perceptions of Reality ... or theorized beliefs. What is a "theorized belief"? In science a theory is a much more defined concept than general usage. In science a theory is based on evidence and logic, and it is critically developed to achieve two goals: (1) explain all the evidence known, and (2) make testable predictions. The theory is then tested to see if it stands up, and it is quickly discarded if invalidated by new evidence discovered either through the outcome of the predictions of found through other means. In science these theories are always held as tentative explanations, works in progress, always challenged by reality.
But I suspect agreement between science and religion will be never happen. Scientists make little room for God because He doesn’t always practice what they consider to be logic or science, and religionists make little room for theories that suggest God is not the person they have always believed Him to be. It may not happen for some people, but that does not rule out the possibility for others. There are many scientists that are religious, from Ken Miller (catholic, biologist) to Robert Bakker (evangelical, paleontologist) to many others.
If we find ourselves in a debate over evidence and faith, it is not a debate between nature and the Bible, because these are always in agreement. At least one side of the debate is over what we perceive to be evidence, or over what we are personally willing to accept. And what you are willing to test against reality, what you are willing to see falsified. Enjoy
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JungEinstein Junior Member (Idle past 5639 days) Posts: 8 From: Tampa Bay, US Joined: |
Thanks for the tips, RAZD.
RAZD writes:
Yes. The Bible itself says interpretation is required. (Dan 2:45; Luke 24:27). Clues to an accurate interpretation are found in nature and within the Bible itself. Wherever clues to a specific point are found in both, the two must agree.
So it’s a matter of interpretation. Reality does not play favorites for science or religion.
This was the point I hoped to make. Science and religion are human enterprises and are subject to limited human perception. It is here that we find contradictions, not between those which are the subjects of science and religion”nature and the Bible (the common source of revealed knowledge referenced in these forums), because nature and the Bible arise from one undifferentiated Source beyond human perception. Yet, as you say about natural history,
quote: JungEinstein writes:
This wasn’t intended as a general statement, but one with the qualification I hoped would be evident by its position before the statement, “Nature and the Bible do not.” I’ll try to be more precise in the future.
Science and religion contradict each other. cherished or theorized beliefs
I was refering to concepts we hold to be true (“beliefs”), whether we hold them because they are the product of scientific research (“theorized”) or because they “bring us closer” to God (“cherished”). I didn’t allude to scientific fact as part of my meaning because I don’t wish that anyone should let go of facts.
But I suspect agreement between science and religion will be never happen.
Again, this was not intended as a general statement. I hoped my meaning would be evident from the context.I’ll confess, I’m a creative writer first (which, of course, is debatable), and then a critical thinker. This means I have a bad habit of leaving my meaning open to interpretation, even when I have a specific point. RAZD writes:
Exactly.
And what you are willing to test against reality, what you are willing to see falsified. The question left then is how do you test for the truth of the truth? Do you use the scientific method? What do you do outside the realm of science? Is there another method? The theory is then tested to see if it stands up, and it is quickly discarded if invalidated by new evidence discovered either through the outcome of the predictions of found through other means. The other method I’m suggesting is a validation test of scientific theory against the Bible, and religious belief against nature, being careful not to attempt validation of scientific theory against religious belief. You said
quote:In fact, religious beliefs were also intended to be tested continually. (Acts 17:11; 2 Cor 13:5). Interpretations of the Bible can be revised, just as scientific theories can be revised. I don’t believe it’s a far stretch to suggest that religious belief is the side that needs to do the most revision, because, as we’ve said, it’s open to much interpretation. The point is to find agreement, not argument. Is there room on these forums for agreement?
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obvious Child Member (Idle past 4116 days) Posts: 661 Joined: |
quote: Incorrect. Intelligent Design is holding Intelligent design back. ID is nothing more then animism. If we cannot explain something now, therefore Goddidit. The water cycle was too complicated in the past to describe and explain and therefore it belonged to the realm of Gods who we had to placate with dances. Now that we understand it, we have abandoned the idea that Gods are responsible for the rains. Right now, instead of rain, it's complex biological functions and origins. In time we will determine how and why.
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wardog25 Member (Idle past 5553 days) Posts: 37 Joined: |
Ok, I'll bite. I'm not sure the "best" evidence for creation would ever be in the form of a scientific testable theory, but since I think that's the kind of evidence you want, I'll throw some out there. Here they are, in no particular order.
1. In 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. Sometime following the eruption, a canyon on the north side of the mountain was cut in a matter of hours. The canyon is 1000 ft wide and 140 ft deep and looks like a miniature version of the Grand Canyon. Evolutionists say the Grand Canyon was cut over thousands to millions of years. This new canyon is very strong evidence that it could have been cut in hours or days by a huge amount of water, just as creationists have been saying all along. 2. In 2005, an NC State Paleontologist discovered soft bone tissue in dinosaur bones. The scientific community immediately responded, many saying that we have a lot to learn about bone preservation to explain how this tissue lasted that long as a fossil. Wouldn't an open minded scientist say that this could be evidence that the bones aren't as old as we think? That thought was immediately thrown out as not possible simply because it doesn't agree with current evolutionary models. (so how many other such evidences are thrown out because they don't agree with current models?) 3. Back to Mt. St. Helens: Since the eruption, several dating methods have been used on rocks in that area. Since we know when the eruption occurred, we know how old the samples are. The dating methods have given answers all over the chart, many saying they are millions of years old, when we know the samples are only decades old. This has drawn dating methods into question. If the readings aren't accurate for young samples, how do we know they are accurate for older ones? (http://www.creationism.org/articles/swenson1.htm) My lunch hour is over, so I'll just post a link with some other thoughts on evidences for a young earth. I know some people will be upset that it is a Christian website, but oh well.
Evidence for a Young World
| Answers in Genesis
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Agobot Member (Idle past 5530 days) Posts: 786 Joined: |
wardog25 writes: In 2005, an NC State Paleontologist discovered soft bone tissue in dinosaur bones. The scientific community immediately responded, many saying that we have a lot to learn about bone preservation to explain how this tissue lasted that long as a fossil. Where are you reading this? Could you give me a link to this story? Thanks "Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind" "I am a deeply religious nonbeliever - This is a somewhat new kind of religion" -Albert Einstein
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wardog25 Member (Idle past 5553 days) Posts: 37 Joined: |
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Coyote Member (Idle past 2106 days) Posts: 6117 Joined: |
My lunch hour is over, so I'll just post a link with some other thoughts on evidences for a young earth. I know some people will be upset that it is a Christian website, but oh well.
Evidence for a Young World
| Answers in Genesis
I don't think anyone will be upset that it is a Christian website. My problem with AiG is that it lies, misrepresents, and distorts a lot of the data, or ignores the data entirely. Its track record in terms of both science and accuracy is abysmal. Here is a link that might serve you better: Radiometric Dating: A Christian Perspective by Dr. Roger C. Wiens. Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.
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