colyn said:
We can argue science v creationism all day long (which I won't do) and get nowhere. But....I do know one thing for sure..science for the most part is nothing more than theory..and theory is not factual evidence....but then you can argue that creationism is nothing more than myth..
Colyn, you do not understand science. If you were to understand what the practice of science is and it's strengths and limitations, you would not quote David B. and make the statements you make.
Science is not about choice, or about debate. It's about developing a theory from evidence and information we see around us. Evolution is a theory from evidence. That evidence is incomplete, and will never be complete (fossil record). Global warming is the worst set up experiment ever, since we only have one planet, and can therefore never get at causation. But the weight of the evidence is so strong for those who understand the evidence, they have decided to put forth their theory. The rate of change in greenhouse gases is very very high. Things are melting at rates we have never seen. All the evidence points to a strong correlation between our actions and these responses. This is over a very short time scale relative to what we've seen in the geologic record.
Scientists do debate theory, but both sides of those debates come from evidence. It is frustrating that scientists have failed so miserably to convey to people what science is and more importantly it's limitations. It requires evidence. It is like a court of law, imperfect due to people but overall the strength of the evidence is what rules. With no evidence, it can't do anything. It can not answer questions that many of us care about (who are we, where are we going, etc.). That is the strength of religion and faith. But for questions where we have access to evidence, science is the best tool we have.
The theory of evolution requires evidence, and we see that evidence in science journals and our everyday life. The weight of evidence is so strong that the most skeptical in society (scientists, who make you 'show evidence or shut up') now accept the theory as they do gravity.
I have no problems with creationism or intelligent design, but they are not science. Theories yes, but science, uh.....no. Their strength is that they do not need evidence but require faith. If only people were educated about what science is, they would understand that it threatens no one's belief or faith. I have faith that the practice of science (very different from it's use by politicians or pundits on all sides) will improve our understanding of how the world works, but only for those questions we ask for which evidence exists or can be generated.
Many have already posted what I said above, but I thought I would reiterate since scientists have failed miserably to communicate what it is and what it isn't to the general public.
Edit: Oh yeah, let the ad hominem begin!
