Should we have to debate creationists?

Question

I propose a boycott on debating any of this propaganda science until a creation "scientist" publishes a paper that details testable proofs and provides hard evidence. This paper should be subject to review by the scientific community the same way every scientific theory is tested. If the creationists cannot do this then they are admitting that creationism is not science. If we debate this nonsense before they have provided any proof we give their argument an air of credibility that it doesn't deserve.

Either they give with the proof or we don't want to talk about it. When a creationist wins a nobel prize they can teach this crap in schools.

What science will be safe from biblical interpretation if we don't do something. First its evolution, now its the young earth thing with dinosuars and humans living together like the Flintstones. What's next? Another the flat earth is the center of the universe philosophy?

Answer 1

it's just like a weed... if you don't trim the weed, pull it up by its roots, eradicate it, then it will flourish and grow.

mumbo-jumbo, stupid ideas, magical thinking; these are all fought by logic, reason, and in many cases the scientific method, including peer-review.

if not stopped, millions will be fleeced of their money. people are gullible, i mean, just look at any recent religious revival (like prosperity doctrine, or the mormon church), or look at hokey pseudo-science like phrenology, or things like "alkaline water" or "cleanses".

fight creationism, because they reinforce their beliefs every week.

fighting ignorance requires diligence.

Answer 2

It depends in what context you are debating. In the realm of science, I would agree that until they have some sort of proof that God's Hand is at work, then there is no reason you should debate them. However, I also wouldn't completely ignore them. After all, it's easier for a skeptic to find holes in a theory proposed by scientists than those scientists who believe in the theory. So while debating whether they are right on Creationism isn't worth your time. But debating the merits of their objections to the scientific theory may be.

If the realm is philosophy... then creationism should be debated along with other philosophical views.

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with the debate, so long as you realize that nobody involved in the debate has an irrefutable argument. The flaw in the argument of creationists is that basic premise of their argument is irrational, in that it is based in religion - not science or logic. However, those same scientific and logical principles preclude that possibility of disproving the fundament of their argument; the existence of God.
So far as teaching creationism in schools is concerned, I would suggest that school is the wrong venue. At a place of worship is probably more appropriate. Schools should teach the best available knowledge and theories. Evolution is indeed a theory and obviously does not explain everything, but it is the best theory currently available and absent better knowledge, it should be presented as just that.
Let the debate continue!

Answer 4

I'm with you!

The headline of my city newspaper this Sunday was "Did Men Walk Among Dinosaurs?"

I had to immediately take some *brain ache* medicine, and then I thought, "What ever happened to the line between newspapers and tabloids?"

Seriously, how is that even printable?
Politely ignoring biblical literalists in no longer politically correct?

What's next week going to be?
"Are Jesus and Elvis Singing Duets in Heaven?"

Give me a *frickin* break here!

Answer 5

The debate is not a scientific debate, it is a theological debate, and it is the failure on the part of both creationists and scientists to understand this that makes the whole controversy so neuralgic and frustrating.

Answer 6

There's no need to debate creationists. All they have are empty attempts at looking scientific. Let them continue. The more they present "proof", the sillier they look.

Answer 7

If you ignore something, you give it license to grow, just like if you make something illegal you abandon the right to test it for purity, tac it, or regulate it. You must keep up the debate or you will give it a special form of validity that will eventually come back to bite you right in the posterior region.

Answer 8

There is no debating creationists, you just have to roll your eyes and step back slowly. Faith is remarkable impervious to reason....sorry.