[Antoninus]

News flash for Mrs. Schlafly: the scientists overwhelmingly have considered the evidence more deeply than you ever possibly could have, and more honestly besides, and almost to a person have reached a conclusion that is the opposite of yours.

Of course they have. Because it's been demonstrated publicly that if you step out of line with regard to Darwinian orthodoxy, your career will be ruined. Witness the treatment of Dr. Richard Sternberg.

In my opinion, the ToE offers the best explanation for speciation we currently have. That said, the amount of ridicule and personal attack one must endure to broach the slightest criticism of the ToE matches anything from the Calvinist versus Catholic religious threads.

Like it or not, the ToE has become the 'creation myth' for atheists. And they defend it like it was a tenet of a religious faith rather than as science.

[steve-b]

That said, the amount of ridicule and personal attack one must endure to broach the slightest criticism of the ToE matches anything from the Calvinist versus Catholic religious threads.

That is the natural result of creationist politicization of the matter. The same effect comes up in (for example) discussions of election security, which inevitably lead to charges (from liberals) that it's all a scheme to disenfranchise people or (from conservatives) to to even broach the subject provides aid and comfort to the conspiracy mongers who say Bush stole the election.

[RippyO]

In my opinion, the ToE offers the best explanation for speciation we currently have I appreciate you saying that.

At least for me, the reason I am so adamant about the subject is the dishonesty of the IDers. Their motive is religious, no sane person can doubt that. One the ID foot is through the door, it's safe to say creationism would get a much bigger foothold. Which worries me because the Church, which is based on faith, and science, which is based on method, MUST remain separate, for the good of both. BTW, Steve b's comments are spot on. Why can't we have "discussion" on homosexuality and gun control? Why can't we have "compromise". What are you so "afraid" of? Same principle.