Okay... a theist asked me these questions. I'd like intelligent responses to them that will help me answer him thoroughly.
Me: Simplicity can EVOLVE into complexity without having been created to do so.
Him: Do you have testable evidence to support this without using circular logic?! All testable evidence proves that processes must be designed, unbless you believe in elves at the North Pole. I can give you virtually an inlimited number of testable examples.
...
I know he's just making stuff up. For one thing, science doesn't even go out to prove or disprove things. That's why theories change. Also, all testable evidence has never shown that processes were (and must have been) designed. I have NO IDEA where he's getting this stuff from.
Also, he says that my saying "God cannot be proven or disproved" is an ASSUMPTION!
How best do I answer him? Thanks.
2007-02-18 09:42:19 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You obviously aren't his intellectual equal. I'd give it up and argue with a less educated person. You'd have a better chance.
2007-02-18 09:47:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
Heres some help
http://www.talkorigins.org/indexcc/CF/CF002.html Examples of complexity from simplicity
Real-life examples include the following: A pan of water with heat applied uniformly to its bottom will develop convection currents that are more complex than the still water; complex hurricanes arise from similar principles
I would expect the "well those are all designed by God" argument because you can't disprove God or prove him. Assumption? Well ask him to prove or disprove God or else shut up.
Remember that science isn't dogma, it isn't undisputed facts, its just the best guess we have, and it tends to change over time, but certain principles still stand. Talk origins is a good site to help you argue well.
2007-02-18 18:00:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Proof is a term used in deductive logic. Science works on inductive logic, and therefor does not offer proof, only discrete levels of certainty.
Ask him if he understands the difference between the vernacular and scientific use of the word "theory". (1)
Next, read David Hume's "Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion". (2)
But, ultimately, remember that dogma cannot be overcome with reason. If it could, there would be no more Abrahamic religions.
2007-02-18 18:11:44 · answer #3 · answered by neil s 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A good website to have at your fingertips is the Index to Creationist Claims. It gives a summary of each claim and the arguments and evidence against it plus references and footnotes for further reading. You will find the complete index here:
http://talkorigins.org/indexcc/
2007-02-18 17:59:22 · answer #4 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a ton of evidence for evolution.
As to simple things turning more complex, make rock candy. The sugar crystal is far more complex than the sugar in the water. See if he thinks that is circular somehow.
Always stick with simple things with these guys. If it is complex they will be able to deny it in their head because they won't really understand.
2007-02-18 17:48:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Anyone who can say: "God cannot be proven or disproved is an ASSUMPTION" can not be argued with - you would be wasting your time.
Christians like him demand proof, yet can offer none for any of the things they contest; then they walk away smiling smugly, thinking they have won, when you give up on a pointless argument.
Walk away - it's not worth it.
.
2007-02-18 17:54:50 · answer #6 · answered by abetterfate 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Tell him that saying god exists is also an assumption.
As far as simple organisms evolving into more complex ones you should ask him if he knows how long 4.5 billion years is.
2007-02-18 17:46:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell her that the creationist websites intentionally are lying and purposefully distort things even just to embarrass science
2007-02-18 17:48:16 · answer #8 · answered by FAUUFDDaa 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I hate it when fundies try to discuss things in a scientific manner when they don't know anything about science or logic.
Don't bother answering him. It's a waste of time.
2007-02-18 17:48:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
"scientific theory" is a contradiction in terms.
A theory is nothing more than a developed hypothesis.
The scientific method is to test hypothesis' using controlled experimentation to determine fact.
Untestable theories are not "scientific", they're just some body's wild guess.
Tell him he's right and you have no proof to the contrary.
.
2007-02-18 17:47:58 · answer #10 · answered by s2scrm 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋