[PatrickHenry]

Truly, I wish there were some way that we could likewise organize matters on the generalized (and typically, quite large) evolution threads so that it would be easier to “fast forward” through the boilerplate.

We've tried. That was a great motivation for my compiling the List-O-Links. It was also why we included in the "Agreement of the Willing" a provision that "agressive amnesia" was abusive.

But the problem continues, for some or all of these reasons:

1. New freepers showing up, unaware that we've all been there before.
2. Some regular freepers maliciously persist in posting the same debunked arguments.
3. Some (new or old) who insist that their interpretation of scripture trumps physical evidence.

So it gets heated, sometimes, as the old-timers grow short of patience. Whatcha gonna do?

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for your reply!

Is the "list of links" - or a url to them - always posted when you ping people to science threads? If not, it might be helpful to post a "newcomer's welcome" on your usual ping...

On the list of three causes for revisiting, I only have a recommendation for the third:

3. Some (new or old) who insist that their interpretation of scripture trumps physical evidence.

When the issue turns to Spiritual matters on a science thread, it is better to lay down the cards and walk away rather than continue. The reason is because in the eyes of a Christian (I am one, obviously) - reality is God's will and unknowable in its fullness. Therefore, Truth trumps facts. Every time. It serves no purpose to argue to the contrary.

However, a big however, it is quite useful to make all such arguments on a theological/philosophy thread. Metaphysical naturalism v. various doctrines of Christianity, etc.

[WildTurkey]

2. Some regular freepers maliciously persist in posting the same debunked arguments.

Only thing, only one side considerst them debunked. The other side considers them valid so it will never end.

So it gets heated, sometimes, as the old-timers grow short of patience. Whatcha gonna do?

Even short-timers grow short of patience. I mean how many times on this thread have I heard that "God created the sun on day 4 thus evolution is impossible.

The best one is the "entropy" argument where they post false science and give all these links. Totally bogus but it keeps reappearing.