Response First posted by Thatcherite, 3/7/2006
On the subject of Nazism and crevolist threads let's have a little test! In keeping with the modern spirit of egalitarianism and "No student left behind" not only is this an open book test, but Darwin Central ("The Conspiracy that Cares" tm) has supplied the answers so that everyone can get full marks.
A: Nazism is introduced into many crevo threads, perhaps the majority, often before post 100.
2. Which side of the debate usually introduces Hitler or Nazism into crevo threads?
A: Nazism is almost invariably introduced into the threads by those who reject evolution. There are very few recorded instance of an evolution supporter introducing Hitler or Nazism into a crevo debate.
3. Isn't it right that if evolution were associated with Nazism then this would be a major argument against the theory of evolution?
A: No. The introduction of Nazism into crevo debates by creationists is a fallacy known as the "Argument from adverse consequences". The truth of evolution is not contingent on whether tyrants or odious ideologies use it to justify their evil actions.
4. How much evidence is there linking Hitler and Nazism with Darwin's theory of evolution?
A: Very little. A few oblique references that imply a very poor comprehension of evolutionary theory. The word "evolution" and "Darwin" appear nowhere in Hitler's speeches.
5. In crevo threads Christians get upset when evolution supporters retort to the assertion that Nazism was linked with evolutionary theory with the assertion that a stronger link can be shown between Nazism and Christianity. Can a stronger link with Christianity be demonstrated?
A: Yes. Hitler repeatedly referred to God and the Christian faith in his speeches and published writings. Whether he himself was a Christian is not relevant; he repeatedly used his twisted version of the Christian message to galvanise the German people.
6. How do other creationists on crevo threads react when Hitler is introduced into the debate?
A: Sometimes with overt approval, and sometimes with tacit approval. There are very few recorded instance on crevo threads of anyone on the creationist side of the debate chiding or criticising the creationists who introduce Hitler/Nazism into a crevo thread. There are numerous instances of such remarks being strongly supported.
7. How do the evolution-rejectors react when it is pointed out that there is more evidence linking Nazism and Christianity than there is linking Nazism and evolution.
A: They become very irate at a perceived attack on their religion. But curiously they still don't criticise the person who introduced Hitler into a subject where he is irrelevant, thereby opening the door for Hitler's links with their religion to be considered.
8. Is the anger of the creationists at the link between Nazism and Christianity being pointed out valid?
A: No it isn't. Once the subject of Nazism has been introduced into the debate it is only reasonable to examine all angles.
9. How should creationists react when one of their number introduces Hitler into crevo debates?
A: They should pre-emptively explain the fallacy and the consequences of introducing Hitler into the debate to the creationist who has made the error. A gentle slapdown is appropriate. Then there will be no need for crevo debates to be sidetracked into discussions about whether Hitler was a good Christian or not.
So, how did you do? I won't hold my breath for #9 to be acted on. Numerous creationists have to be aware that attacking evolutionary theory by associating it with Nazism is a logical fallacy, but hardly ever have I seen it criticised from the creationist side, and never with any outrage that their religion should be associated with such a nasty dishonest smear.
Nicely done!
Except for ideas. Ideas do evolve, and it is the spirit in which ideas evolve and out of which ideas emanate into the world, and are manifested as things. Thngs in which the evolultion of ideas is evident. Things and series of things demonstrate the evolvultion of ideas when examined honestly and earnestly and in the absense of creeds.
I highly recommend Darwin's Deadly Legacy to you and to all.