I believe that religion and quite possibly God is simply a psychological device, invented by humankind, in order to relieve or ease its deep sense of personal insecurity and fear about death.
If you have no fear of death then you do not need religion.
Anyway, who needs God when you have a limitless supply of cheap beer ?
I believe that religion and quite possibly God is simply a psychological device, invented by humankind, in order to relieve or ease its deep sense of personal insecurity and fear about death.
If you have no fear of death then you do not need religion.
Anyway, who needs God when you have a limitless supply of cheap beer ?
Funny how people seem to analize the topic of religion with no real logic to it at all, and others are thoughtful and do analize religion.
When it comes to evolution the talk appears to indicate in most cases, that it's the most logical reason and way of thinking But when you put evolution to the test and the reasons that they believe in this. You find that those reasons in many cases are easily rebutted.
Now let me contradict myself. I don't think that considering evolution is illogical, however when new evidence proves old evidence to be false I would say that to continue to use that old evidence as a talking point and continue to believe that old evidence without considering the new evidence is simply illogical.
Let me wrap this up.
People assume they understand the theory of evolution, then go on about how illogical it is to believe in creation sort of prompting a religious discussion. But in discussing what they know about evolution you find that they don't even know the actual theory of evolution as it stand. Then when point this out to them that there version of evolution is not consistent with the actual theory of evolution.They automatically believe that you are some creationist or some religious nut.
They are wrong their version of the theory of evolution and want to argue that their version of evolution is the widely accepted one.Yet any google search could show you different.Next they are wrong on the assumption that someone is a religious nut simply because they are pointing out their inconsistencies which shows they believer in a faith based evolution theory without even know the actual theory themself.Yet they are the ones suggesting that a person should be logical about things and to evaluate science without emotion etc.
Just from these forums alone it would appear that the emotional ones who believe in evolution yet many know nothing about it or very little and contradict that actual evolution theory;and have excepted it whole heartedly even without knowing.They appear to be the ones to lash out to criticize someone who believe in a designer/creator without even knowing the actual evolution theory them self. Why ? Why lash out if your version of evolution is not the actual version of evolution.
It's very ironic to have people indicate how illogical creation could be, then find out that they don't even know the details of their own believe in evolution them self.
I think if someone believes in evolution and they have good logical reasons for their belief is ok.Especially if it's the actual evolution theory as it stands and based on what is the actual theory of evolution.
And also if someone believes in creation being evident and have good logical reasons for their belief is also OK.
But if you have no reason at all for your belief and just simply belief in what you have been told; and simply go with the flow you are no qualified to criticize others on their belief or evaluation at all.
Simply put in defense of both the evolution theory and the intelligent design theory I would say that people should not assume they know something but should actually know something before they critisize.And don't try to continue to defend your belief if you have no basis for that belief other then something your high school teach told you, or perhaps you parents told you etc.
Even if that belief is widely accepted, you yourself know what you know and what you don't know and should be plainly stated that I've heard this or that but have not investigated any of it or that you simply are not sure. But they don't they speak as if they are the master of the subject with even knowing what their talking about.
Thats all I know.
Anyone who would like to challenge this who thinks they know something about evolutions and cares to prove it I would be happy evaluate it; and in most cases I would be happy to provide the science that would rebut it as it is available; and typically there is science available to rebut this.
Lets start with
Challenge number 1 ?
Any takers ?
Funny how people seem to analize the topic of religion with no real logic to it at all, and others are thoughtful and do analize religion.
When it comes to evolution the talk appears to indicate in most cases, that it's the most logical reason and way of thinking But when you put evolution to the test and the reasons that they believe in this. You find that those reasons in many cases are easily rebutted.
Now let me contradict myself. I don't think that considering evolution is illogical, however when new evidence proves old evidence to be false I would say that to continue to use that old evidence as a talking point and continue to believe that old evidence without considering the new evidence is simply illogical.
Let me wrap this up.
People assume they understand the theory of evolution, then go on about how illogical it is to believe in creation sort of prompting a religious discussion. But in discussing what they know about evolution you find that they don't even know the actual theory of evolution as it stand. Then when point this out to them that there version of evolution is not consistent with the actual theory of evolution.They automatically believe that you are some creationist or some religious nut.
They are wrong their version of the theory of evolution and want to argue that their version of evolution is the widely accepted one.Yet any google search could show you different.Next they are wrong on the assumption that someone is a religious nut simply because they are pointing out their inconsistencies which shows they believer in a faith based evolution theory without even know the actual theory themself.Yet they are the ones suggesting that a person should be logical about things and to evaluate science without emotion etc.
Just from these forums alone it would appear that the emotional ones who believe in evolution yet many know nothing about it or very little and contradict that actual evolution theory;and have excepted it whole heartedly even without knowing.They appear to be the ones to lash out to criticize someone who believe in a designer/creator without even knowing the actual evolution theory them self. Why ? Why lash out if your version of evolution is not the actual version of evolution.
It's very ironic to have people indicate how illogical creation could be, then find out that they don't even know the details of their own believe in evolution them self.
I think if someone believes in evolution and they have good logical reasons for their belief is ok.Especially if it's the actual evolution theory as it stands and based on what is the actual theory of evolution.
And also if someone believes in creation being evident and have good logical reasons for their belief is also OK.
But if you have no reason at all for your belief and just simply belief in what you have been told; and simply go with the flow you are no qualified to criticize others on their belief or evaluation at all.
Simply put in defense of both the evolution theory and the intelligent design theory I would say that people should not assume they know something but should actually know something before they critisize.And don't try to continue to defend your belief if you have no basis for that belief other then something your high school teach told you, or perhaps you parents told you etc.
Even if that belief is widely accepted, you yourself know what you know and what you don't know and should be plainly stated that I've heard this or that but have not investigated any of it or that you simply are not sure. But they don't they speak as if they are the master of the subject with even knowing what their talking about.
Thats all I know.
Anyone who would like to challenge this who thinks they know something about evolutions and cares to prove it I would be happy evaluate it; and in most cases I would be happy to provide the science that would rebut it as it is available; and typically there is science available to rebut this.
Lets start with
Challenge number 1 ?
Any takers ?
Very deep post that.
Isn't everyone entitled to their own opinion even if they are not an expert on the subject ?
It seems like you are suggesting that you have to know everything about a specific subject to be able to say you believe in a particular subject. This is clearly not practical for most people so most of read or learn or collate what we feel is enough information and then arrive at a decision to whether or not we believe in it or not.
I am not an expert on the Bible and I haven't read all of it but I know enough to know that (for me) it is not something which I could possibly believe, for me it just isn't feasible. I haven't read all of the Quran but the little bit I have read suggests to me that it is a violent and evil way to live my life.
Now as far as you suggesting that people do not understand the theory of evolution per se then you must realise that there are numerous versions of how evolution is understood and one can choose how they define evolution as their belief. People can also believe in parts of a subject and choose to deny the remainder. I think 'thou shall not kill' is a sensible phrase but if it was a choice of kill or be killed then thou shalt not kill is no longer an option.
Who are you to 'evaluate' anyone's 'challenge' ? What makes you qualified to evaluate someone else's opinion ?
You are just like the rest of us contributing to this discussion, we all have different views on it and for you to cast your own view on the subject does not mean you are correct and the rest of us are wrong.
None of us can be proved right or wrong and this is why I think it is a fascinating subject. Please do not fool yourself into believing that because you may have read many books on the subject of evolution that this makes you a master of it, the subject is so diverse, so enormous with so many variables that very few people would class themselves as an expert. As far as I am aware there are no BSc's in this subject and one can only form an opinion based on their level of interest.
Evolution is not something we can observe. If it's happening today, it's going too slow to observe. If it happened in the past, we can't return to the past. So it is indeed a theory and one has to decide if the theory stacks up to your own satisfaction or not. How do you feel about the evidence so far ? Does the idea sit comfortable in your mind rather than a God or whatever ?
Read, learn, study, listen to others, compare it to other theories and then make a choice. You will not be right and you will not be wrong, it is purely your call, your decision and no one can say you are wrong. They can say 'I do not think you are right because this and that....' but that is all. No one can categorically say you are wrong because no knows and probably no one will never know for certain.
Scientists and their studies can indeed give their opinion based on their findings and it is then up to us to decide if we think their results help us make an informed decision. Even then evolution will still have a question mark.
Be happy
Cofton
Funny how people seem to analize the topic of religion with no real logic to it at all, and others are thoughtful and do analize religion.
When it comes to evolution the talk appears to indicate in most cases, that it's the most logical reason and way of thinking But when you put evolution to the test and the reasons that they believe in this. You find that those reasons in many cases are easily rebutted.
Now let me contradict myself. I don't think that considering evolution is illogical, however when new evidence proves old evidence to be false I would say that to continue to use that old evidence as a talking point and continue to believe that old evidence without considering the new evidence is simply illogical.
Let me wrap this up.
People assume they understand the theory of evolution, then go on about how illogical it is to believe in creation sort of prompting a religious discussion. But in discussing what they know about evolution you find that they don't even know the actual theory of evolution as it stand. Then when point this out to them that there version of evolution is not consistent with the actual theory of evolution.They automatically believe that you are some creationist or some religious nut.
They are wrong their version of the theory of evolution and want to argue that their version of evolution is the widely accepted one.Yet any google search could show you different.Next they are wrong on the assumption that someone is a religious nut simply because they are pointing out their inconsistencies which shows they believer in a faith based evolution theory without even know the actual theory themself.Yet they are the ones suggesting that a person should be logical about things and to evaluate science without emotion etc.
Just from these forums alone it would appear that the emotional ones who believe in evolution yet many know nothing about it or very little and contradict that actual evolution theory;and have excepted it whole heartedly even without knowing.They appear to be the ones to lash out to criticize someone who believe in a designer/creator without even knowing the actual evolution theory them self. Why ? Why lash out if your version of evolution is not the actual version of evolution.
It's very ironic to have people indicate how illogical creation could be, then find out that they don't even know the details of their own believe in evolution them self.
I think if someone believes in evolution and they have good logical reasons for their belief is ok.Especially if it's the actual evolution theory as it stands and based on what is the actual theory of evolution.
And also if someone believes in creation being evident and have good logical reasons for their belief is also OK.
But if you have no reason at all for your belief and just simply belief in what you have been told; and simply go with the flow you are no qualified to criticize others on their belief or evaluation at all.
Simply put in defense of both the evolution theory and the intelligent design theory I would say that people should not assume they know something but should actually know something before they critisize.And don't try to continue to defend your belief if you have no basis for that belief other then something your high school teach told you, or perhaps you parents told you etc.
Even if that belief is widely accepted, you yourself know what you know and what you don't know and should be plainly stated that I've heard this or that but have not investigated any of it or that you simply are not sure. But they don't they speak as if they are the master of the subject with even knowing what their talking about.
Thats all I know.
Anyone who would like to challenge this who thinks they know something about evolutions and cares to prove it I would be happy evaluate it; and in most cases I would be happy to provide the science that would rebut it as it is available; and typically there is science available to rebut this.
Lets start with
Challenge number 1 ?
Any takers ?
Evolution is not something we can observe. If it's happening today, it's going too slow to observe.
But of course you can observe evolution. All you need to do is remove your shoe and sock. There you will see your foot that was once a hand like structure that will one day be something else.
We are a single freeze frame in this movie called evolution.
Yacarob1 and Split
Speaking of beer, I say life looks rosey through the bottom of a pint glass. :cheers:
and speaking of belief, it's my belief that if Osama and the boys got the ale down em once in a while the towers of the WTC would still be standing to this day.
dd
And so it continues with the creationist AgentZ86 trying to insert lies or simple misunderstandings.
For anyone who's interested in the modern edges of science you might want to have a look at the site, Edge. Interestingly the current front page article is by Nassim Taleb.
And so it continues with the creationist AgentZ86 trying to insert lies or simple misunderstandings.
For anyone who's interested in the modern edges of science you might want to have a look at the site, Edge. Interestingly the current front page article is by Nassim Taleb.
Hi I do agree with most of you put here, except that the assumption about creationists providing unfalsifiable concepts. I especially agree with your statement below which is this kind of logic that prompted me to talk about the subject at all.The point is nine, there is really NO debate. What there is, is people who don't know that they don't know, spouting rubbish because they feel qualified to do so.
I would NEVER tell/force anyone to believe in evolution - or anything for that matter. Scientists would never force people to believe in their works, because that's not how science works.
Our mobile phones, computers, fridges and all the other devices of the modern world work becomes some poor sods had to lay the groundwork to find the principles that made them possible. It was all a lot of work and stands as a testament to man's curiosity and ingenuity. Nowhere in these principles or the finding of them did "God" or whatever supernatural entity make an appearance.
It would be nice to call on Divine intervention to prove something, or fill in the gap, but I ask you: can I rely on Divine intervention to run my fridge, or start my washing machine, or control my fish tank? Can I rely on it when I write my thesis that will be refereed by an independent body, and can I replicate it again, and again, and again when I need to?
I say again, the Creationists put things in that are unfalsifiable. Of what use is that to any scientist who has to conduct research? How will that help understand the life cycles of certain dangerous bacteria, or behaviour patterns of animals, or rates of infections of certain viruses? By contrast the Darwinian theory has been very influential in the latter points.
The scientists aren't angry. On the contrary, it's the creationist who are getting emotional because so much of their power is taken away from them. They have no evidence, only unfalsifiable concepts. It would be like me going to the doctor asking him to advise me on what colour I should paint my house. Unless the paint or the colour of it seriously effects my health he just not going to give a damn. In the same sense people are allowed to entertain unfalsifiable beliefs, but if these beliefs are in direct contradiction to the evidence available one has a duty to oneself to question one's sanity.
And in my examples I provided a subject that I happen to know about, which is the DNA testing of Lucy and Java man. This in itself does not prove creation, however when this DNA testing proved that Lucy and Java man have now been found to be fabricated or just completely wrong. This should be taken out of the loop, and yet it's still being taught completely as it has always been. As you have mentioned this would be insanity to now continue to believe the Lucy man and Java man are to be considered evidence or any sort of scientific proof of a link in the evolutionary chain.but if these beliefs are in direct contradiction to the evidence available one has a duty to oneself to question one's sanity
Split
When I drink beer mate, God and religion do not exist.
in the old days when man was a hunter gatherer he depended on crops and seasons, he kept records, did anything it took to survive. there were things that he could not understand so the tendency to put a "God" into the mix was there. Some societies still offer sacrifices to the "Gods" for a good harvest or a safe journey, things become ritualistic.
As mankind progressed technologically, his understanding of his world deepened, and hence more and more individuals called religion into question. There was no need to offer the explanation that the God were angry and that's why there were droughts this season, it's more that we know what the cause was and the mystery was gone.
AgentZ86, I challenge you to produce more evidence for this gene since it appears to me you know nothing about the basics of DNA. If this gene is what you claim, then a lot of scientists would be interested in harnessing it's power as a possible cure for cancer, since cancer is due to DNA being copied wrongly or messed up chemically or by radiation, sending rogue instructions in creation of cells. Even if this gene did what you say it does, it still cannot prevent DNA from mutating since Quantum Mechanical effects cause DNA mutations over time.
I heard that the Pope told Hawking not to examine/research what happened before the Big Bang since that was God's business. It's stuff like that, that makes me feel sorry for the human race. We get to where we are by questioning, by experimenting, by getting rid of things that simply are not true. If Quantum Mechanics, or Electrodynamics were contrary to religious texts, then these religions would be all over them like a bad rash.
I have an idea for a film/book along philosophical/psychological lines: We have a human who's religious and a God character, and during the whole film this God tries everything to prove to the human that he really is the one and only God. This God does everything, every miracle, every impossible stunt, etc. . . to try and convince the human. But the human is not convinced, because he has "faith" in something else and he see the God as another hoax . . . . that's the human condition, and I guarantee that's what most religious people would be like if their God turned out not to be their God but another religion's.
Very deep post that.
Isn't everyone entitled to their own opinion even if they are not an expert on the subject ?
It seems like you are suggesting that you have to know everything about a specific subject to be able to say you believe in a particular subject. This is clearly not practical for most people so most of read or learn or collate what we feel is enough information and then arrive at a decision to whether or not we believe in it or not.
I am not an expert on the Bible and I haven't read all of it but I know enough to know that (for me) it is not something which I could possibly believe, for me it just isn't feasible. I haven't read all of the Quran but the little bit I have read suggests to me that it is a violent and evil way to live my life.
Now as far as you suggesting that people do not understand the theory of evolution per se then you must realise that there are numerous versions of how evolution is understood and one can choose how they define evolution as their belief. People can also believe in parts of a subject and choose to deny the remainder. I think 'thou shall not kill' is a sensible phrase but if it was a choice of kill or be killed then thou shalt not kill is no longer an option.
Who are you to 'evaluate' anyone's 'challenge' ? What makes you qualified to evaluate someone else's opinion ?
You are just like the rest of us contributing to this discussion, we all have different views on it and for you to cast your own view on the subject does not mean you are correct and the rest of us are wrong.
None of us can be proved right or wrong and this is why I think it is a fascinating subject. Please do not fool yourself into believing that because you may have read many books on the subject of evolution that this makes you a master of it, the subject is so diverse, so enormous with so many variables that very few people would class themselves as an expert. As far as I am aware there are no BSc's in this subject and one can only form an opinion based on their level of interest.
Evolution is not something we can observe. If it's happening today, it's going too slow to observe. If it happened in the past, we can't return to the past. So it is indeed a theory and one has to decide if the theory stacks up to your own satisfaction or not. How do you feel about the evidence so far ? Does the idea sit comfortable in your mind rather than a God or whatever ?
Read, learn, study, listen to others, compare it to other theories and then make a choice. You will not be right and you will not be wrong, it is purely your call, your decision and no one can say you are wrong. They can say 'I do not think you are right because this and that....' but that is all. No one can categorically say you are wrong because no knows and probably no one will never know for certain.
Scientists and their studies can indeed give their opinion based on their findings and it is then up to us to decide if we think their results help us make an informed decision. Even then evolution will still have a question mark.
Be happy
Cofton