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Making Monkeys Out of Evolutionists
Salt Lake City Tribune ^ | August 28, 2002 | Cal Thomas

Posted on 08/28/2002 9:36:04 AM PDT by gdani

Making Monkeys Out of Evolutionists
Wednesday, August 28, 2002

By Cal Thomas
Tribune Media Services

It's back-to-school time. That means school supplies, clothes, packing lunches and the annual battle over what can be taught.

The Cobb County, Ga., School Board voted unanimously Aug. 22 to consider a pluralistic approach to the origin of the human race, rather than the mandated theory of evolution. The board will review a proposal which says the district "believes that discussion of disputed views of academic subjects is a necessary element of providing a balanced education, including the study of the origin of the species."

Immediately, pro-evolution forces jumped from their trees and started behaving as if someone had stolen their bananas. Apparently, academic freedom is for other subjects. Godzilla forbid! (This is the closest one may get to mentioning "God" in such a discussion, lest the ACLU intervene, which it has threatened to do in Cobb County, should the school board commit academic freedom. God may be mentioned if His Name modifies "damn." The First Amendment's free speech clause protects such an utterance, we are told by the ACLU. The same First Amendment, according to their twisted logic, allegedly prohibits speaking well of God.)

What do evolutionists fear? If scientific evidence for creation is academically unsound and outrageously untrue, why not present the evidence and allow students to decide which view makes more sense? At the very least, presenting both sides would allow them to better understand the two views. Pro-evolution forces say (and they are saying it again in Cobb County) that no "reputable scientist" believes in the creation model. That is demonstrably untrue. No less a pro-evolution source than Science Digest noted in 1979 that, "scientists who utterly reject Evolution may be one of our fastest-growing controversial minorities . . . Many of the scientists supporting this position hold impressive credentials in science." (Larry Hatfield, "Educators Against Darwin.")

In the last 30 years, there's been a wave of books by scientists who do not hold to a Christian-apologetic view on the origins of humanity but who have examined the underpinnings of evolutionary theory and found them to be increasingly suspect. Those who claim no "reputable scientist" holds to a creation model of the universe must want to strip credentials from such giants as Johann Kepler (1571-1630), the founder of physical astronomy. Kepler wrote, "Since we astronomers are priests of the highest God in regard to the book of nature, it befits us to be thoughtful, not of the glory of our minds, but rather, above all else, of the glory of God."

Werner Von Braun (1912-1977), the father of space science, wrote: " . . . the vast mysteries of the universe should only confirm our belief in the certainty of its Creator. I find it as difficult to understand a scientist who does not acknowledge the presence of a superior rationality behind the existence of the universe as it is to comprehend a theologian who would deny the advances of science."

Who would argue that these and many other scientists were ignorant about science because they believed in God? Contemporary evolutionists who do so are practicing intellectual slander. Anything involving God, or His works, they believe, is to be censored because humankind must only study ideas it comes up with apart from any other influence. Such thinking led to the Holocaust, communism and a host of other evils conjured up by the deceitful and wicked mind of uncontrolled Man.

There are only two models for the origin of humans: evolution and creation. If creation occurred, it did so just once and there will be no "second acts." If evolution occurs, it does so too slowly to be observed. Both theories are accepted on faith by those who believe in them. Neither theory can be tested scientifically because neither model can be observed or repeated.

Why are believers in one model -- evolution -- seeking to impose their faith on those who hold that there is scientific evidence which supports the other model? It's because they fear they will lose their influence and academic power base after a free and open debate. They are like political dictators who oppose democracy, fearing it will rob them of power.

The parallel views should be taught in Cobb County, Ga., and everywhere else, and let the most persuasive evidence win.


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To: A2J
Virtually every Christian (not to mention many of other faiths) would adamently disagree with the contention by evolutionists who masquerade as "believers" that God's "likeness" and "image" resemble anything close to apes

There are a number of problems with your comment.

First, not every theist is a Christian. The Christian deity is not the only god whose existence has been accepted and whose person has been worshiped throughout human history.
Second, I don't know of any theist evolutionist who claims that God's likeness or image resembles an ape.
Third, humans arguably do resemble apes -- certainly moreso than many other creatures on ths planet.
Fourth, unless you know for yourself what the God you believe in looks like, don't criticize other interpretations of his/her/His/Her/its/Its appearance.
61 posted on 08/28/2002 10:43:52 AM PDT by Dimensio
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To: r9etb
This explains why the debate is so very heated -- it's not a scientific argument at all, on either side.

End taxpayer support of schooling, and the debate disappears.

62 posted on 08/28/2002 10:45:11 AM PDT by cruiserman
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To: Dimensio
Honestly, I don't know. Best way to do it is to define a specific means for testing a deity -- an experiment that would produce a result that has no other known explanation apart from a deity's involvement.

This is one reason why it is a stupid thing for believers to bring up evolution. Eventually the argument comes around to "proving" the existence of God.

If believers had any brains, they'd say, "sure I believe in evolution, and God did it". But they're idiots, and they attempt to bring science into faith, and at least some (many?) people will come to the conclusion that God doesn't exist.

Kind of like shooting themselves in the foot.

63 posted on 08/28/2002 10:45:56 AM PDT by narby
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To: gdani
Evolution vs. Creation has to be the most tired thread on FR. To the Creationists: You don't need to change the world to conform to your views. Your faith is stronger that that....isn't it? To the Evolutionists: Evolution is a theory...not a fact. There is much science hasn't proven. Maybe Creationists are on to something. Open your minds.

Now we can put this relatively insignificant issue to bed.

64 posted on 08/28/2002 10:46:34 AM PDT by hove
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To: moneyrunner
At this time I can’t remember exactly what ailments leeching is designed to cure.

When bloodletting was a popular treatment, it was (I've read) used only for conditions which were attributed -- rightly or wrongly -- to too much blood, e.g., fever.

The modern use of leeches I've heard of (unfortunately with pictures) is to clean up wounds. It was a few years ago that I saw the article in the Boston Globe -- I forget whether it's just in the case of surgical wounds to promote healing or other wounds. (I'm afraid the pictures made the deepest impression -- anyone who puts a leech on me without being sure I've been sedated and tied up will have his own wounds to worry about!)

65 posted on 08/28/2002 10:46:43 AM PDT by maryz
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To: moneyrunner
It is a fact that when you drop something it falls. That is why it is called “The law of gravity” not the “theory of gravity.”

Gravitational theory does not explain that 'things fall when you drop them'. It offers an explanation regarding the nature of matter and space that predicts that objects should fall when dropped because of the relationship between Earth and the object dropped. It is an explanation of how things drop and why rather than just "things fall", and it could be inaccurate.
66 posted on 08/28/2002 10:46:48 AM PDT by Dimensio
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To: Dimensio
Everything in science is theory. Many creationists like to ignore that because it makes "evolution is only a theory" sound like a more meaningful statement.

Most everything in science can be proven through experimentation and observed with the eyes. Evolution cannot. Evolution faces the same problem creation does, it cannot be observed, therefore other options should be explored, but all to often they are ruled out as non-science. Is this not a grave error on behalf of science?

67 posted on 08/28/2002 10:47:03 AM PDT by dubyagee
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Comment #68 Removed by Moderator

To: elephantlips
The mere statement that because we, as humans don't comprehend Him He therefore doesn't exist, just doesn't hold water.

Precisely. And beyond that is the difficulty of devising an experiment to "prove" the existence of a God who, if He existed, would have the incredibly vastness implied a God who gives His name as "I AM WHO I AM," or "I will be what I will be." (Exodus 3:14)

Theologian Karl Barth adressed the difficulty of proof -- and noted that God removes the necessity by revealing His existence to us.

69 posted on 08/28/2002 10:48:22 AM PDT by r9etb
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To: A2J
"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness;" (Genesis 1:26)

So how did God do it? Just snap His fingers and the molecules of Man instantly appeared in place? Or did He make Man out of some matter that He already had at hand?

Like a pre-human perhaps?

By the way, the "monkey" thing is a derrogatory item thrown about by people who don't understand Evolution. Both "monkeys" and man evolved from a common species that died out millions of years ago. Man DID NOT evolve from monkeys.

70 posted on 08/28/2002 10:49:44 AM PDT by narby
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To: Dimensio
Fourth, unless you know for yourself what the God you believe in looks like, don't criticize other interpretations of his/her/His/Her/its/Its appearance.

Oh, but I DO know what He looks like.

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

Jesus perfectly resembled His Father and history is replete with information that Jesus was a man, not an ape.

71 posted on 08/28/2002 10:50:29 AM PDT by A2J
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To: narby
But there is no genuine scientific rebuttal yet found to evolution. If there were, it would be big news, and big science would study it.

Scientists reject anything that leads to evidence of creation, ie. the placement of earth in the universe, the order of the universe. If you reject the evidence of design, simply because you can say 'well, what is design', you are rejecting evidence before your very nose.

72 posted on 08/28/2002 10:51:21 AM PDT by dubyagee
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To: moneyrunner
Scientists and mathematicians recognize that there are "laws" and there are "theories."

You can't construct a valid argument using rubber definitions. (You can, however, wriggle your way out of an impeachment with that technique... but I digress.)

In science, a "theory" is a general explanation for a set of phenomena (e.g. the Theory of Gravity explains the falling of objects, the orbits of planets, etc). A "law" is a mathematical relationship associated with a theory (e.g. Kepler's Third Law, derived from the Theory of Gravity, states that the square of a planet's orbital period is proportional to the cube of its distance from the sun).

73 posted on 08/28/2002 10:51:21 AM PDT by steve-b
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To: js1138
I think the proof of a supreme being lies in the every-day wonders which surround us. We see the proof everywhere we look, and can feel the life within us that didn't simply spring up out of nothingness. Life itself is proof of God. Show me the evidence that the soul (or mind, of you prefer) is nothing more than an accident. Do you believe in souls/minds? Show me yours. That will be your proof.
74 posted on 08/28/2002 10:51:27 AM PDT by jim35
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To: cruiserman
End taxpayer support of schooling, and the debate disappears.

You've got my vote.

75 posted on 08/28/2002 10:51:30 AM PDT by A2J
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To: steve-b
That's why Cobb County has no leg to stand on. To single out the theory of evolution for a disclaimer that is not equally applied to the theory of gravity, the theory of infectious disease, the theory of relativity, etc. is facially sectarian.

Those can be observed.

76 posted on 08/28/2002 10:52:07 AM PDT by dubyagee
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To: jim35
I think the proof of a supreme being lies in the every-day wonders which surround us. We see the proof everywhere we look, and can feel the life within us that didn't simply spring up out of nothingness.

Argument from incredulity.

Do you believe in souls/minds?

"Mind" is another term for conscious. I don't believe in souls.
77 posted on 08/28/2002 10:52:46 AM PDT by Dimensio
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To: steve-b
”The murders of Anne Nicole Smith…”

The last I heard, Ms. Smith has not died yet. So much for your theory.

78 posted on 08/28/2002 10:53:21 AM PDT by moneyrunner
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To: Dimensio
An absolutely great source of information on creationism, evolution, and science can be found at Reasons to Believe.  I attended one of their Genesis Seminars back about 8 years ago and was totally blown away.

For those of you who want rational scientific evidence check them out.  Most of the stuff they have went totally over my head but would really connect with those who have a scientific background.

79 posted on 08/28/2002 10:53:25 AM PDT by oc-flyfish
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To: A2J
Okay. So you are assuming the appearance of God based upon your interpretation of the New Testament. Not everyone shares your interpretation, nor does everyone who believes in a god use the New Testament as a source of divine information.
80 posted on 08/28/2002 10:54:04 AM PDT by Dimensio
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