Top scientist gives up on creationists

The Guardian (UK) ^ | 30 May 2006 | James Randerson

[PatrickHenry]

A leading British scientist said yesterday that he had given up trying to persuade creationists that Darwin's theory is correct after repeatedly being misrepresented and, he said, branded a liar.

Speaking at the Guardian Hay festival at Hay-on-Wye, the evolutionary biologist Steve Jones spoke of his frustrations when trying to debate with religious opponents.

"I don't engage with creationists directly," he said, saying that, when he had, they had frequently quoted him out of context or accused him of lying. "If somebody has decided to believe something - whatever the evidence - then there is nothing you can do about it."

[Snip]

The most important difference between evolutionists and creationists, Prof Jones concluded, is that scientists are always prepared to say, "I don't know".

"If there weren't any unknown parts of evolution, bits we don't understand, it wouldn't be a science," he said, "That's one thing that believers never say, because it's all written down in a big book."

In 1997, Prof Jones was awarded the Royal Society's Michael Faraday prize, the UK's foremost award for communicating science to the public.

[PatrickHenry]

Sorry about the excerpt. Had to do it. Everybody be nice.

[Mr. Mojo]

"If somebody has decided to believe something - whatever the evidence - then there is nothing you can do about it."

BTTT

[PatrickHenry]

Evolution Ping The List-O-Links

A conservative, pro-evolution science list, now with over 370 names. See the list's explanation, then FReepmail to be added or dropped. To assist beginners: But it's "just a theory", Evo-Troll's Toolkit, and How to argue against a scientific theory.

[jveritas]

Darwin's theory is correct

It is one of the weakest theories ever forced on humanity under the guise of science.

[PatrickHenry]

This must be an all-time speed record for ending up in the backroom.

[Wormwood]

"If there weren't any unknown parts of evolution, bits we don't understand, it wouldn't be a science," he said, "That's one thing that believers never say, because it's all written down in a big book."

*polite applause*

[tomzz]

All you need to know on the subject.

[phil1750]

Top scientist also question "random choice" in creating the eye, nervous system, and especailly DNA.

[Juan Medén]

Creationism, like evolution, is a working hypothesis. Although evolutionists know that there are gaps in their theory, they do not abandon the overall framework of their theory. As with most scientific communities, they are waiting for their working hypothesis to be thoroughly discredited before they abandon it.

Creationists, too, know that there are gaps in their theory but they do not abandon their overall theoretical framework. They are waiting for their working hypothesis (God's creation of the world) to be thoroughly discredited before they abandon it.

Jones' description of defenders creationism is disingenuous. No wonder they called him a liar.

[longshadow]

This must be an all-time speed record for ending up in the backroom.

Obviously in anticipation of a serial sneak-back troll jumping into the therad.

[phantomworker]

Hey, we missed you!!! Just 'cuz it's a holiday doesn't mean you can take a break from your ping list!!

[Junior]

Really? And I'm sure you can back up your comment with peer-reviewed research, right?

Otherwise, you're just speaking out of your rectum.

[PatrickHenry]

There wasn't much science news to be found in my usual sources this weekend.

[ml1954]

A leading British scientist said yesterday that he had given up trying to persuade creationists that Darwin's theory is correct after repeatedly being misrepresented and, he said, branded a liar.

I'll give him credit for perseverance, if not judgment. After 150 years the creationists are still hanging in there. His objective should be to persuade the persuadable.

[jveritas]

Where did man come from according to Darwin?

[ml1954]

Maybe it's a holiday thing, in more ways than one.

[trashcanbred]

Yeah all those fossils. They are just lies.

[trashcanbred]

Creationists have some pretty big gaps to fill. Or should I say they have one big gaping gap to fill.

[Juan Medén]

Maybe you need to be more specific.

[VadeRetro]

Random choice?