Can biology do better than faith?

New Scientist ^ | November 2, 2005 | Edward O. Wilson

[little jeremiah]

Thanks for bringing me here - just sneaking onto FR for a minute, will be back later tonight!

[PatrickHenry]

[Evolution is a observed fact. Evolutionary Theory is what explains how and why evolution occurs.]Apparently this can not be stated too many times. Perhaps PH should have this on his ping notification.

What do you think of this?

EvolutionPing

A pro-evolution science list with over 310 names. See the list's explanation at my freeper homepage. Then FReepmail to be added or dropped. See what's new in The List-O-Links. If you're new, please read this: But it's "JUST a THEORY".

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"IF your (man's) ancient theory discounts that the Heavenly Father formed fully grown adult human beings, more than two then that is discounting/denying the CREATOR. I will not assert that evolutionists deny a "god", as there are two gods and most don't know the difference. "

So when you said that evolutionists deny the Creator you were just making it up then? Because most don't, no matter what you may choose to think. And there are two Gods? Really?

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"What is it with the creationist obsession with homosexuality? Why is homosexuality gratuitously dragged into crevo debates by the creationists so often?"

I don't know that most creationists bring up homosexuality in these debates, but there are definitely a few who seem to have a fixation on gay sex. Very telling if you ask me. If the discussion was about interest rates homosexuality would still be brought in to the discussion with these few.

[PatrickHenry]

Another version:

EvolutionPing

A pro-evolution science list with over 310 names. See the list's explanation, then FReepmail to be added or dropped. Check out what's new in The List-O-Links. For newbies: But it's "just a theory" and How to argue against a scientific theory.

[b_sharp]

More than satisfactory

[VadeRetro]

In the bad old days of East Germany, they build an underground gymnasium and dormitory for their Olympic athletes to live in and train for the Mexico Olympics.

But isn't that going the wrong way?

[VadeRetro]

Comes of spending too much time on one's knees.

[VadeRetro]

And there are two Gods? Really?

Only two? Don't forget archangels, angels, seraphim, and cherubim [which are traditionally depicted to suspiciously resemble Eros/Cupid]. Polytheism isn't dead. It doesn't even have the flu.

[b_sharp]

I like the previous one better. Creationists will not take advice on how to argue, but they have no excuse to make claims about the theory/fact state if you direct them to the information.

[Doctor Stochastic]

And Powers and Thrones and all the myriad of demons who whisper into the ears of the possessed.

[curiosity]

Rapprochement may be neither possible nor desirable.

It's sad to see a scholar display such ignorance like this. The fact is, the ONLY place in the Western where religion and evolution are at war. There are plenty of very religious countries where there is no conflict, and a rapprochment was acheived long ago: Greece, Poland, and Italy come readily to mind.

[PatrickHenry]

I like the previous one better. Creationists will not take advice on how to argue, but they have no excuse to make claims about the theory/fact state if you direct them to the information.

Well, I've already saved the later one. I can always remove the extra link. As for creationist excuses, have no fear. That commodity is in abundant supply.

[curiosity]

Biology is better at what biology does.

Well put. This article is garbage, as if often the case when a scientist attempts to delve into philosophy.

[curiosity]

Woops. I made a typo. I meant say that the US is the only place in the western world where there is widespread conflict between religious people and evolution.

[PatrickHenry]

I meant say that the US is the only place in the western world where there is widespread conflict between religious people and evolution.

In the Islamic world, there is virtually no science. Hence, no conflict. How wonderful!

[curiosity]

In fact, communism is the exact opposite of tribalism. It seeks to erase all national distinctions.

When scientists attempt to comment on philsophy or the humanities, they spout nonsense. This guy is no exception, though his critique of intelligent design is spot on.

[curiosity]

LOL! Good one.

[VadeRetro]

... all the myriad of demons who whisper into the ears of the possessed.

"There is only one demon."

---- Old priest (Max Von Sydow) to young priest

[Texas Eagle]

Darwin's On the Origin of Species was published 150 years ago, but evolution by natural selection is still under attack from those wedded to a human-centred or theistic world view.

A question from the back of the class. Under "natural selection", just who is doing the selecting?