Replies

1. Creationist says evolution is flawed because of A.
2. Evolutionist explains A and provides reference links.
3. Creationist never reads link, ignores explanation, and continues with assumption.
4. Repeat ad nauseum.

The blatant dishonesty, misrepresentation and misunderstanding of some of the creationists has been embarassing. Having faith is fine. Criticizing a theory is more than welcome in the scientific community; it's actually a staple of the scientific process. There's just one little catch; you had better know what it is that you are talking about in order to have your contribution taken seriously.

I have been reading these threads as well and I agree with your take on it for the most part.

I am not sure that ALL the creationists are being blatantly dishonest. I suspect some are simply not capable of critical thought, and are accustomed to thinking passion equals logic etc.

I am not sure that ALL the creationists are being blatantly dishonest. I suspect some are simply not capable of critical thought, and are accustomed to thinking passion equals logic etc.

Possibly true. The "thinking passion equals logic" idea is also quite prevalent in politics and the media.

I am not sure that ALL the creationists are being blatantly dishonest. I suspect some are simply not capable of critical thought, and are accustomed to thinking passion equals logic etc.

The problem is that there are a good number of creationists who are patently dishonest to the point of outright lying (such as out-of-context or even fabricated quotes) and then lying further when the original lie is exposed that it creates the impression that creationism itself is founded in dishonesty. What's worse, they are rarely called to task by their fellow creationists, and many of their fellow creationists will go out of their way to defend their comrades who are being "attacked" with shameless "name-calling" because apparently it's wrong for us to call someone a liar when they tell lies. Even if the real liars are in the minority, they're still present in a significant enough proportion (as opposed to the liars who might appear on any other contentious discussion here on FR) that it creates such an impression.