Replies

1) I don't think that evolutionary biologists (with regard to the ToE) claim to know anything about what god does or does not do. And how is this any different from a creationist or ID'er? The same complaint applies, but even more so.

2) Why is it inappropriate for scientists to claim to know what science is? I can't really think of any objection to the ToE that is sillier, except perhaps for....

3) Scientists holier than thou? How so? By studying their fields for years, and then having the chutzpah to claim that they know something about their field? Guess what? They do know more than the layman about their field! That's just how it works! I wouldn't hire a plumber to re-roof my house, you know?

4) Why should scientists debate ID proponents? First, I'm sure that most scientists have better things to do with their time, and second, ID'ers have yet to present any real science to be debated.

5) Please, Ichnuemon's posts may be long, but that's kind of the point. He is presenting just a miniscule amount of the actual science and information available that supports the ToE, and this same information gets routinely ignored. I have yet to see a creationist or ID'er on here actually address ANY of the ACTUAL SCIENCE presented in one of Ichneumon's posts. How is it bullying to present information, when the creationists/ID'ers routinely DEMAND the information, and then just as routinely ignore it? Frankly, I think that's the mark of a bully.

6) Stepping out of their proper role? By defending their work and defending their fields of study? Perhaps if creationists and ID'ers would quit attacking the sciences, then all of those folks could go back to happily researching and developing. How about you guys start leaving science alone?

7) I think you're deliberately confusing the issue with this point. Do you know how much work and study go into obtaining an advanced degree in the hard sciences? How much rigorous thought and application is involved? Believe me, it's intense. When people tell you that the ToE is basically accepted as the most legitimate explanation for the diversity of life, that actually means something. It isn't an appeal to popularity, it's just a statement of fact.