Loosening Darwin's Grip

Citizen Magazine ^ | March 2003 | Clem Boyd

[Doctor Stochastic]

The only difference in the conservative-anti-science crowd and the liberal-anti-science crowd is the labeling. One is called Creationist and the other Post-Modern-Deconstructionist. They share the same philosophy and goals: the replacement of scientific inquiry by "feelings" about things.

[Dataman]

Four years I've been watching creationists refuse to see what they make such a great chest-thumping display of demanding. (In this case, transitional forms.)

Somebody forgot to tell the late SJ Gould and the rest of the evos who keep inventing creative ways to explain the lack of transitionals.

Why do you imagine I'm panicking now?

Because of the way you and others ignore the content of the posted article and quickly slip into name calling and other forms of the ad hominem fallacy.

[Dataman]

To show the world that not all conservatives are scientifically-illiterate bohunks.

I guess that stereotypical and perhaps racist remark fits well into the stereotypical image of a fundamentalist. The superior tone, however, more probably belongs to a leftist.

[Dataman]

IMHO, a conservative is a fiscally responsible individual who embraces the points mentioned above and whose religious and moral preferences are private matters.

That is a very pleasant liberal platitude, but religious and moral preferences are NOT private matters. The existence of God is not a private matter. Murder is not a private matter.

[VadeRetro]

Somebody forgot to tell the late SJ Gould and the rest of the evos who keep inventing creative ways to explain the lack of transitionals.

What lack of transitionals?

What lack of transitionals?

What lack of transitionals?

What lack of transitionals?

What lack of transitionals?

What lack of transitionals?

What lack of transitionals?

What lack of transitionals?

What lack of transitionals?

[Junior]

T'ain't nothing racist about it. However, you're desire to tar it with a "racism" brush shows that creationists can't stoop low enough in their misguided crusade against science. And, I ain't a leftist. I'm much more of a libertarian in my leanings. So, you're zero for two in the ad hominem department, Mr. Holy Warrior.

[stanz]

They most certainly are private matters. Not everyone has religious beliefs.
Murder? What are you talking about? I'm talking about the definition of a conservative. Who said anything about murder? Where in the hell did you conjure up anything liberal from the points I mentioned? Are you reading the right post?

[Junior]

Somebody forgot to tell the late SJ Gould and the rest of the evos who keep inventing creative ways to explain the lack of transitionals.

Now I know you've read the actual quote by Gould as it's been posted on these threads numerous times. He did not say there wes a lack of transitionals. He said there was a dearth of transitionals. There is a universe of difference between the two concepts, at least for those of us with a modicum of intelligence.

[Junior]

Dataman, like many of his ilk, is only restrained from killing another human being by his fear of punishment in the afterlife.

[js1138]

at least for those of us with a modicum of intelligence.

More an issue of honesty than intelligence. Deliberate misquoting and misrepresenting of your opponents' statements is a sign of moral depravity rather than lack of intelligence.

[VadeRetro]

He said there was a dearth of transitionals.

... Not between higher orders but at the species level only, which he and Eldredge came to realize was to be expected.

Evolution as Fact and Theory, by Stephen Jay Gould.

Faced with these facts of evolution and the philosophical bankruptcy of their own position, creationists rely upon distortion and innuendo to buttress their rhetorical claim. If I sound sharp or bitter, indeed I am—for I have become a major target of these practices.

...

Since we proposed punctuated equilibria to explain trends, it is infuriating to be quoted again and again by creationists—whether through design or stupidity, I do not know—as admitting that the fossil record includes no transitional forms. Transitional forms are generally lacking at the species level, but they are abundant between larger groups.

For the lurkers, an introductory treatment, Speciation by Punctuated Equilibrium.

[stanz]

It sounds that way....fire and brimstone...

[f.Christian]

CREATOR OF THE EARTH AND SKY


“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

---

Words: Ambrose of Milan (340-397) (Deus Creator omnium); translated from Latin to English by Charles Bigg in The English Hymnal (London: Oxford University Press, 1906).

Music: “St. Gregory,” from Choralbuch, by Johann B. König, 1738 (MIDI, score).

If you know where to find a picture of Charles Bigg or Johann König, please click here.

---

Creator of the earth and sky,
Ruling the firmament on high,
Clothing the day with robes of light,
Blessing with gracious sleep the night.

That rest may comfort weary men,
And brace to useful toil again,
And soothe awhile the harassed mind,
And sorrow’s heavy load unbind.

Day sinks; we thank Thee for Thy gift;
Night comes; and once again we lift
Our prayer and vows and hymns that we
Against all ills may shielded be.

Thee let the secret heart acclaim,
Thee let our tuneful voices name,
Round Thee our chaste affections cling
Thee sober reason own as King.

That when black darkness closes day,
And shadows thicken round our way,
Faith may no darkness know, and night
From faith’s clear beam may borrow light.

Rest not, my heaven born mind and will;
Rest, all the thoughts and deeds of ill;
May faith its watch unwearied keep,
And cool the dreaming warmth of sleep.

From cheats of sense, Lord, keep me free;
And let my heart’s depth dream of Thee;
Let not my envious foe draw near,
To break my rest with any fear.

Pray we the Father and the Son,
And Holy Ghost: O Three in One,
Blest Trinity, Whom all obey,
Guard Thou Thy sheep by night and day.

---

[Dataman]

crusade against science

I like science. Evolution ain't science.

[Dataman]

Who said anything about murder?

Read slowly.
Think slowly.

You said: moral preferences are private matters.

Murder is a moral choice. Apparently you think that is a private matter. Good thinking.

[Junior]

Evolution is science. That you won't accept it as such has no bearing on its validity, but rather speaks to your innate biases.

[Dataman]

He said there was a dearth of transitionals.There is a universe of difference between the two concepts, at least for those of us with a modicum of intelligence.

You give yourself too much credit.

Retro said "What lack of transitionals?" Gould says dearth (scarcity). To quote you, "There is a universe of difference between the two concepts, at least for those of us with a modicum of intelligence."

[Sabertooth]

I knew the exhumation of Chuck's remains would reveal no opposable thumbs.

[Junior]

So, unless God was standing over your shoulder watching your every move you're likely to go on a murder spree? Like a child you have to be threatened with punishment to keep you from doing evil? Mature people understand the consequences of wanton killing and refrain from it without coercion. Maybe God wants you to grow up?

[stanz]

What I want to know, Mr. Morality, is how the term "murder" came to be discussed in relation to my post? You injected the word "murder". Why? My post, go back and read it, lays out points for defining political conservatism. What are you reading? I am talking about conservatism defined on the basis of fiscal factors. So stop putting words in my mouth and misconstruing my intent.
If there'as anyone who would profit from thinking, it's you.