Xref: utzoo sci.philosophy.tech:878 sci.bio:1665 bionet.molbio.evolution:44
Path: utzoo!utgpu!watmath!uunet!bionet!rutgers!mcnc!ecsvax!uncmed!earl!danielg
From: danielg@earl.med.unc.edu (Daniel Gene Sinclair)
Newsgroups: sci.philosophy.tech,sci.bio,bionet.molbio.evolution
Subject: Re: How to debate the creationists.
Message-ID: <189@uncmed.med.unc.edu>
Date: 13 Dec 88 22:52:48 GMT
References: <4806@phoenix.Princeton.EDU>
Sender: news@uncmed.med.unc.edu
Reply-To: danielg@earl.UUCP (Daniel Gene Sinclair)
Organization: UNC-CH School of Medicine
Lines: 46


     Just a note from a former evolutionist (though no PhD).  I will try
     to avoid all the gibberish possible ;-).  I imagine that I would like
     to make three quick points:

     1.  Go with a critical mindset, but not a critical attitude.

	 I have seen too many creationist/evolutionist "debates" and "Q&A
	 sessions" turn into dogmatic spittle exchanges.  What does this
	 guy have to gain?  Scientific recognition?  There must be easier
	 ways.  Religious conversion?  Maybe, I'm not sure who this guy is
	 anyway.  Maybe he's got something?  Well, postpone judgement
	 until 10 minutes after he's done, as opposed to 10 minutes after
	 he starts :-).

     2.  Be critical of your own position as well.

	 I know that sounds absurd in light of current data, but would a
	 real scientist do anything less?

     3.  Don't get bent out of shape.

	 My perspective is that the truth will stand up under pressure.
	 If evolution proves (as if we will ever be able to "prove" either
	 side definitively) wrong, no big hassle.  And no great men ever
	 went without having their opinions challenged openly, as well as
	 on a personal level.  Have fun!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

DANIELG@UNC.MED (I THINK)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"...because what may be known about God is evident among them, for God has
shown it to them.  For since the creation (there's that word :-)  ) of the
world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the
things that are made...so that they are without excuse, because, although
they knew God, they did not glorify (that is, acknowledge) Him as God,
nor were they thankful (see the progression here : 1. didn't acknowledge
God 2. became unthankful, and consequently...) but became futile in their
thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Professing to be wise,
they became fools..."
			   - Romans 1:19-22 (couldn't resist)

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::