Replies

"If you think there is any essential difference between micro and macro evolution, then you have been reading too many creationist websites."

I don't know of any creationist websites. I have minimal interest in the subject, since I see no irreconcilable differences between my beliefs as a christian and evolutionary theory.

"That doesn't mean you know what evolution is."

I took graduate level classes in evolution because I liked and respected the professors who taught them. I asked one what he would do if someone DID prove evolution is false. He said it would be a real kick in the nuts at first, and then it would be exciting because it would force him to rethink so many things. That is the sort of intellectual honesty I loved to encounter.

"I am neither a liar, nor like you, ignorant. Common descent is a fact."

Of course common descent is a fact. The variety of dogs demonstrates common descent. Common descent is NOT evolutionary theory - if you think it is, then you are very ignorant.

"Atoms exist. Have you ever seen one? Has one been observed? Have you ever heard of indirect evidence?"

Yes - and atoms are a useful construct. Their existance explains a lot. However, if someone comes up with a better explanation for the observed phenomena, physicists will gladly adopt the new construct. Physicists are better scientists than biologists.

"Are there any facts in history?"

Having listened to debates on the resurrection of Jesus, I'm inclined to say not.

Evolution is an explanation of observed facts, just as much of history is an explanation of observed facts. That doesn't make evolution wrong, but it suggests less dognmatism is appropriate.

If you wish to say that you believe the balance of evidence supports your view, fine. I'm inclined to disagree - I think the arguements in "Darwin's Black Box" are more formidible than evolutionists give them credit for being.

But when you say evolution is a fact, and that there can be no debate or discussion of alternatives, you go too far. Intelligent Design is an alternative explanation. Let it, and Evolution, stand or fall based on evidence and debate - not by insisting only one side get an airing.

"I took graduate level classes in evolution because I liked and respected the professors who taught them. I asked one what he would do if someone DID prove evolution is false. He said it would be a real kick in the nuts at first, and then it would be exciting because it would force him to rethink so many things. That is the sort of intellectual honesty I loved to encounter."

Would be nice to see the same intellectual honesty on the other side.

"Of course common descent is a fact. The variety of dogs demonstrates common descent. Common descent is NOT evolutionary theory - if you think it is, then you are very ignorant."

Now you are just being intentionally dense. Common descent means we share an ancestor with all other life, and you knew I meant that. At the roots of the Tree of Life, it gets more tricky, but we certainly share a common ancestor with other apes. That is a fact. That is the fact of evolution I am talking about. The way we evolved is the ToE.

"I'm inclined to disagree - I think the arguements in "Darwin's Black Box" are more formidible than evolutionists give them credit for being. "

Behe accepts common descent too.

"But when you say evolution is a fact, and that there can be no debate or discussion of alternatives, you go too far."

Since I never said no debate or discussion is allowed, I will disregard your fictional statement.

"Intelligent Design is an alternative explanation."

ID is an argument from ignorance. It's a gutless choice. It has no physical evidence, it makes no testable predictions. It's Creationism with an ugly dress on.