[jennyp]

For example, he speaks of amino acids being created in the lab under conditions that supposedly replicate those of primeval earth. There are several problems with the process to begin with, but the biggest problem is that the amino acids created are UNUSABLE to create proteins due to their chirality (the way the 'turn' light). This argument is actually one of the strongest AGAINST evolution!!!!

Well, except for 3 facts:

• In addition to home-grown amino acids, the earth was probably exposed to amino acids that were formed inside nebulae in space, and which tend to be of the correct chirality. (I don't remember the reference.)
• Certain mineral surfaces, which catalyze the growth of amino acids into peptides & proteins, only do so for amino acids of one chirality or the other, while the opposite chiral amino acids are ingored.
• If I read this abstract right, maybe even mineral surfaces aren't always required for homochiral peptides to form!
• Amino acids of the "wrong" chirality are slightly less stable than those of the "right" chirality. (Although this last difference seems to be very weak.)

[VadeRetro]

I'm with the people who say the chirality of the first self-replicator basically formatted the soup as it replicated.

DISCLAIMER: I've lately been assured by the world's foremost authority that I don't know what I'm talking about. (Gee, I hope I'm saying what I think I'm saying here.)

[Kyrie]

In addition to home-grown amino acids, the earth was probably exposed to amino acids that were formed inside nebulae in space, and which tend to be of the correct chirality. (I don't remember the reference.)

Remember that if your opponent has no direct knowledge of the science involved, and is merely claiming truth because "I read it somewhere", this constitutes a fallacious appeal to authority. Point this out to him. One should always be able to explain the logic and science behind one's argument rather than simply making vague reference to an anonymous source.

[gore3000]

There's quite a few things wrong with the materialistic idea that the basic materials of life can arise at random from non-life. However, regarding the experiment, I only wish to ask one little thing. If it was designed to reflect the real conditions in the primoridal earth:

WHO TURNED OFF THE BUNSEN BURNER?