Christianity For Morons

Sylas,I was wondering if you think we are all born with intelligence?
If we evolved from a non-inteligent being,how could we have evolved-
inteligence?
I'm not saying that you are saying that,just wondering thats all.

---

Desdamona*

Maybe you could tell us what you find contradictory about what he says. You do realize that this isn't a book right?

---

Asgara
"Embrace the pain, spank your inner moppet, whatever....but get over it"

Des, You need to understand more of what you are talking about. I'm sure you think that this is some sort of major 'point' you are making that shows how much you know and how weak evolutionary theory is.However, it is very clear that this comment isn't from you at all. That you don't actually know where it came from or what it is about.Any scientist putting forward a theory will be expected to point out any potential weaknesses, things not yet expained or areas for further work. Darwin's original presentation in the "Origin of Species" does just that.I'm sure you will be a bit annoyed by my suggesting that you don't have the slightest clue what you are talking about. What I've said is either a great place for you to put me in my place by showing all of us that you do, in fact, have some clue or you will avoid this little issue too. Just guess which one I think it will be. Surprise us, itemise the "difficulties", discuss the contradiction that you think is there and demonstrate which "difficulties" remain unanswered by 150 years of research. I am not holding my breath.(another choice you might make is to stop picking up bits and pieces from your very unreliable sources and actually try to learn a bit)

This is an example of a concrete claim which needs to be backed up; because I know no such thing, despite having read that chapter a couple of times.The reference you give is incomplete and quoted incorrectly. You should indicate that "Difficulties on Theory" is chapter 6 of "Origin of Species". Most people would not be able to identify your source just by a chapter title.This book is available on-line at many sites. Here, for example is The Origin of Species.I do not think that there is any fair or reasonable basis for saying that there is a contradiction in that chapter. The chapter is concerned with examining possible objections to Darwin's theory. Darwin considers possible objections to his theory in the light of information available; and gives a fair and measured defence of his judgement that "the greater number [of difficulties] are only apparent, and those that are real are not, I think, fatal to my theory".Cheers -- SylasPS. Desdamona, you are all over the map in this thread. Settle down and focus a bit. I'm not responding to other questions in this thread; you'll be overwhelmed if you try to maintain multiple conversations with each of multiple users.[This message has been edited by Sylas, 04-19-2004]

I am wondering about that point Desdamona made concerning intelligence.
Would intelligence only come from the ability to evolve a bigger brain?
Maybe if we find a "small" intelligence useful to survival, we would then keep that trait, and go on from there.....I'm guessing, maybe Sylas or Ned could put me right...But surely if that "little" intelligence was helpful because we say, grunted and moaned and found a stick to bash our prey with, then the guys without that "small" intelligence would not survive, would the selective pressure be for the ovious beneficial survival trait?

Pretty good hun.Any advantage could possibly be passed on. Intelligence is OUR advantage. We don't have big sharp teeth, we don't run fast, we don't fly....

---

Asgara
"Embrace the pain, spank your inner moppet, whatever....but get over it"

That was similar to my own thoughts Asgara babe, because - like you say, we don't seem to have anything outwardly beneficial like big lion's teeth etc. I suppose a good example of the beginning of that "small" intelligence is at the start of that film, 2001-A space odyssey, where the early man starts playing with the bone.

"I don't think so Dave.."....actually yes I do. I just wanted to say that

---

Asgara
"Embrace the pain, spank your inner moppet, whatever....but get over it"

Ahahahaha..Where's my answer? - Do your homework you naughty girl."Open pod bay doors Asgara"

Well, at least I now know where your getting your bizarre theology - from a bunch of flakes who think calling on Jesus can stop abduction by aliens. Truly a phenomenally compelling website. I see the Darwin quotes you cut and pasted under the Evolution Quotes section on the website you linked. However, that doesn't address the point: I gave you the references from the actual works of the original author in the original contexts. The information I gave categorically shows the quotes you cut and pasted are fabrications. All you have shown is that you didn't originate the lies. However, you continue to support them even in the face of incontrovertable evidence that they are, in fact, false. That means you are willingly promoting a lie which you KNOW to be a lie. Fine Christian example. And who would bring the lawsuit? You are aware that the man's been dead for 120 years, right?

And Mike, you might note that chimpanzees, for one example, have that "little intelligence" that you're talking about. They'll strip leaves off a branch so they can use it for a termite-fisher-outer tool. But they don't seem to be able to figure out that they could keep that same tool for tomorrow's termite mound.Intelligence isn't all or nothing.

I know this is hard to believe,but many creationist believe he did,
contradict himself.
I'll do my home work.
Thanks for letting me know that I'm all over the map.
I didn't know that.
You don't have to answer anything you don't want to.
If I'm off topic,then disregard the error.
As I have stated before,I'm new at this,but I am trying to learn,
all I can.This cannot happen over night.
I just hope everyone is aware that I am not changing my views,not to
be rude,it's simply because I cannot.I'm just trying to look at both sides.

Yes,but doesn't he have family and friends?
If he was proven right,it would seem that anyone who-
slandered the man could get into serious trouble.
why risk putting up a web site accusing him of such things?

---

Desdamona*

Possibly for the same reason that most celebrities do not go after gossip rags for making false claims. It cost money and usually isn't worth it. Many do not care what ppl that read that type of magazine think about them.

---

Asgara
"Embrace the pain, spank your inner moppet, whatever....but get over it"

You may feel that you are right,and perhaps you are to a certain,
point,yet I am learning what I can.I cannot just go out and purchase,
volumes of books,yet I am looking into this also.
Be patient if you can.
I am trying to understand.

---

Desdamona*