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To: Fester Chugabrew
" As far as what it may ask and theorize about there are no limitations."

Sure it has limitations, built into what can and can't be tested. Some subjects are for the time being at least off limits for epistemological reasons.

"Furthermore, there is no pure definition of science, but only a general understanding that it consists of "the observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena."

What is the experimental investigation of God going to look like? What is the observation of God going to look like? What is the description of God going to look like?

"The selection of theories itself is not based upon empirical principles."

It's not based on whim. Its based on evaluation of evidence, and the testing of that evidence.

" You tell me."

Bait and switch. You make the claim that the untestable proposition that God exists and is responsible for the order we see is examinable by science. What good is an untestable claim? Where does the research go with nothing to test?

"You make the claim that "science can only observe natural phenomena." Now test your claim. "

I have. I wrote it out to you earlier today, you just ignored it. Go back and look it up yourself.

" The birth of western science may be attributed to religious assumptions regarding intelligent design."

Examples. Your uncited assertions are meaningless.

" What does Darwinian evolution's disposal of any intelligent agent have to offer science?"

The same thing that every science's avoidance of invoking untestable claims offers science; a means to test the claims one makes.

"Also, please explain what harm has come to science by assuming an intelligent designer is behind all that science can observe and do. Put up or shut up."

It introduces an untestable assumption masquerading as science. It conditions people to stop looking for testable claims and instead trains people to give up when the least bit of difficulty threatens their inquiry. It's a gutless choice for cowardly people.

Now YOU put up or shut up:

How can one investigate God? What practical use is there of a claim that isn't testable? Who in their right mind would be convinced by a claim that isn't testable? You claim that God is capable of being investigated by science; tell us how or move along.
486 posted on 01/21/2006 3:41:58 PM PST by CarolinaGuitarman ("There is grandeur in this view of life...")
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To: CarolinaGuitarman
How can one investigate God?

Prayer

What practical use is there of a claim that isn't testable?

Salvation

Who in their right mind would be convinced by a claim that isn't testable?

Millions

You claim that God is capable of being investigated by science; tell us how or move along.

It's not provable between people who don't believe, but each person, scientist or not, has the opportunity to investigate this personally. It is between him/her and God. Ask God earnestly for an answer. It may take time, but answers are there.
487 posted on 01/21/2006 4:09:20 PM PST by xmission
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To: CarolinaGuitarman
I wrote it out to you earlier today . . .

No you didn't. I've been waiting in vain to see you scientifically test your claim that "science can only observe natural phenomena." All you've done is reassert your belief over and over again as if it is "fact." If you cannot test this claim, then it is scientifically useless.

The statement "science can only observe natural phenomena" is a philosphical one. It is one you adopt, and one you think should be enforced by law in public schools.

How can one investigate God?

By doing science.

489 posted on 01/21/2006 4:29:20 PM PST by Fester Chugabrew
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