Evolution and the age of the earth (civilised debate)

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I want to start a discussion thread to discuss and debate whether the theory of evolution is correct or not and the origins and age of the earth, but I'm afraid people will start being agressive in their presentation of opinions and start attacking members rather than just presenting facts.

Do you think it would be okay to start a debate on this topic? It would not be for debating the existence of God.

Last edited by Greyhound on 01 Oct 2008, 3:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Since the archeological evidence and the DNA evidence and the current observed changes and novel species overwhelmingly indicates the truth of evolution and the only opposition is from religious sectors I wonder how you can keep God out of it.

the moment you get creationists into the conversation there will be no escaping the "Bible" argument so I guess it's kinda pointless if you want to have a meaningful discussion on the subject...

And as this forum is dominated by Yanks, there are plenty of them about. Although considering recent events over there, I expect most are busy praying for a miracle.

Except not all christians are creationists. Most mainline churches understand that the book of Genesis (most of the books of the Bible, in fact) are written in parable or story form. The beliefs concerning creation of all the Abrahamic religions can be reconciled with scientific findings if one keeps an open mind... unfortunately, most extremists on both sides don't keep an open mind, and as such, arguments such as the flame wars found around here show up...

Don't paint all of us Yanks with the same dirty brush, especially one that could also be used to paint Limeys as homeopathy-obsessed, ghost-hunting, tarot-reading, Spencer-worshipping nutters!

(Back on topic)

Besides, how does it matter how we arrived at our present state of existance? Does it really matter whether we were formed from clay, evolved from slime, or constructed from graveyard leftovers?

We're here, right now, so what shall we do about it?

I don't think pointing out Yanks is fair, there are quite a few here who are not creationists and there seems to be alot of atheists and agnostics from the States on WP.

Wouldn't dream of it, Fnord. 55% coverage will do just fine:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/11/22/opinion/polls/main657083.shtml

yeah, but almost all creationists are Christians. at least on this forum.

You mentioned 'facts.' If you have scientific information about the age of the Earth or the origin of species, then that can be discussed scientifically. If you attempt to bend the scientific evidence to support theories that are driven by non-scientific paradigms, then you will probably rile up the scientists.

I see the immature insults have already started. It's a pity really. I wanted a good stimulating debate, but I see I'm probably wasting my time in trying. I did manage a very good debate on another forum which I've since left (for an unrelated reason). All but one of the people who joined in were civil and logical in presenting facts to argue their views without taking it to a personal level. What I did was try to show in what ways the evidence for evolution and determining the age of the earth were incomplete. I did not argue for God or creationism. My aim was to show the faults and gaps in the theories. It worked really well. It was me and someone else (but mainly me) against the rest of the debators. It was hard work but very stimulating and interesting. I see that sadly it's not to be the same here.

OK, how is the evidence for evolution "incomplete"?

Uhh ... the 'Missing Link' perhaps?

Seriously, there are gaps in the fossil record of all species, but this does not invalidate the Theory of Evolution.

I can't debate someone who agrees with me!

There are tons of gaps in our knowledge; always will be. That doesn't disprove a theory, it just means we don't know everything there is to know.

But based on what evidence we have available to look at, evolution is, thus far, the theory that best explains our observations.

American != Yankee. I'll thank you to not use the term.

A "Yankee" is someone who comes from the North to visit the South.

A "damn Yankee" buys a house and stays.


A more interesting question is... is the theory of evolution falsifiable?

And, go.