On Fri, 13 Aug 1999 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> In a message dated 99-08-13 13:12:38 EDT, you write:
> << Supporters of theocracy, having lost the intellectual debate over
> > creationism vs. evolution, exploit the political system in their
> > attempt to promulgate their views and wrest power from rational
> > folk.
> I am not a believer of a God, nor do I believe that my ancestors were
> monkeys, maybe yours were, but not mine. So, you think that science
> wins by default, that their monkey theory is any better than the God
> created it all theory? I think not.
Not to pick at nits, but there is no "...monkey theory..." If you're
going to argue, at least argue with what your opponent has proposed, not
with something they have not. The theory is that, in a genetic sense,
homo sapiens descended from apes, not monkeys.
> If the scientific theory is correct, how do you explain how that first
> ameoba was created to produce the universe, and if the "big bang" theory
> is correct, where did the material from the big bang come from?
The theory doesn't purport to explain that. No one knows the answer to
that question. The theory is not perfect, and has never been presented as
being perfect. Furthermore, there is more and more evidence to suggest
that the "Big Bang" theory is NOT correct. This is science in action. A
"theory" is always being tested. So long as it best explains the observed
evidence, it remains viable. When it fails, it is discarded or reworked.
> Evolution is taught in schools because the socialist-nazi types are in
> control and they do not want anyone to believe in an authority that is
> more powerful than themselves ... they see this as a barrier to having
> complete control, guns are also a barrier to control.
Evolution is taught because it is a viable theory, which best explains
the currently available evidence. Many people who teach and accept the
THEORY of evolution believe very deeply in a god.
I accept evolution as the best explanation. I personally hate and
despise guns, but fully support the 2nd Amendment (and will, until such
time as a legally constituted Consitutional Convention repeals it). So
much for your theory of social-naziism.
> > Of course, science needn't 'prove' anything - science deals
> > with parsimonious workable explanations, not proof - but theocratic/
> > creationist demagogues frame their arguments in terms of 'proof',
> > and misconstrue the meaning of 'theory', and engage in any other
> > sophistry sufficient to manipulate political bodies.
> Seems to me you have this a little backwards. The scientific types want
> everyone to accept their theory as fact, when, in reality, it is no more
> fact than creationism.
No, scientists want everyone to learn and understand the theory as
being the best explanation we currently have. No responsible scientists
teaches evolution as a "fact."
Creationists, on the otherhand, not only teach their theories as
"fact," they teach them as absolute, immutable "truth," with no evidence
whatever to support them.
> If as you say the "creationist demagogues" are
> engaging in sophisticated disinformation to sway the beliefs of
> political bodies,then why is it that prayers are not allowed in schools,
Because public schools are funded with public monies, and we have a
mandated separation of church and state. With as many different religions
as are practiced in this nation, and as many different means of "prayer,"
there is no practicable way to permit prayer in public schools.
> the killing of another human being is allowed (abortion),
What has this to do with it? Many scientists are opposed to abortion,
and many people who believe in god(s) support freedom of choice.
> and they
> (government) champions the "rights" of homosexuals,
last time I looked, homosexuals were human beings, who, according to
our basis of government, are "...endowed with certain inalienable
rights..." just like you.
> pedofiles
Excuse please? Kindly show us any evidence that our government, at ANY
level, protects pedophiles in the practice of their perversions. Like all
other human beings, they are, of course, "...endowed with certain
inalienable rights..." just like you.
> and the
> "rights" of convicted criminals
Again, as human beings, they are "...endowed with certain inalieanable
rights..." just like you.
> rather than the lack of rights of
> their victims?
What rights of "victims" has the government violated? What *ARE*
"victim's rights?" Does a dead person have a "right" to have the
goverment commit murder in their name by executing their alleged killer?
Are these alleged killers not human beings? Why are you so concerned
about abortions, but not about the murder of alleged perpetrators?
> Seems to me the "Scientists" gain ground on a regular
> basis through the use of force and massive disinformation, for they are
> in control.
"Scientists?" None of the items you listed above have anything to do
with science, one way or another.
> > since their 'success' in controlling a region's school system
> > will translate into the marginalization of graduates of those
> > schools when they emerge into the real world of higher education
> > and meaningful employment.
> Cretinists? You, who espouses the "implant theory?"
Odd that someone who apparently thinks of themselves as "intelligent"
doesn't recognize humour when s/he sees it.
> Contol ... Hmmm! It is maginalization to teach that our ancestors were
> not monkeys?
No, it is marginalization when a school system fails to teach the
commonly accepted scientific principals upon which much of societal
interaction is based. It is marginalization when school systems fail to
teach students to think, to question, to analyze, and to decide for
themselves. (oh, and there you go talking about monkies again! NO
scientist has *EVER* claimed humanity descended from monkies)
> You could be correct, seems to me that most officials in government
> (their intelligence anyway) resemble monkeys rather than man. Does this
> mean if you are a Christian, Moslem, Jew, Buddist, etc. that you cannot
> obtain meaningful employment or higher education?
No, not in the least. If, on the other hand, as a religionist, you
refuse to learn the skills and subjects needed to engage in most
professions in our society, then you are marginalizing yourself. If your
parents or your schoolboard has failed to teach you those subjects and
skills, then they have marginalized you.
I am not wise enough to say whether god(s) created existence or not. I
simply do not know. I am wise enough to admit and accept that I don't
know. What the teachers in Kansas have done is make a laughing stock of
their state, seriously eroded the educational opportunities of their
students, and put the cause of rational education in jeopardy.
--
Tom Keller Information Technology Support Helpdesk
Information Services Internet: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Voice: (402) 472-3970
Lincoln, NE 68588-0203 Fax: (402) 472-8486
"Out! Out! You demons of stupidity!" - St. Dogbert
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