Just debated with a creationist?

Question

I just took a cab and the guy behind the wheel started to talk about atheistic materialism. Then he went on speaking about how Evolution and Darwinism are a religion and the National Academy of Sciences attempts to quell debate on this subject. He also talked about the singularity of the Big Bang, then stated there must be a god behind it. I answered all of his points and corrected his misinformation on evolution.

Then he jumped to huge assumptions. He said that scientific unknowns must be evidence for the God of the Bible and Jesus, literally interpreted as in Genesis and the New Testament. How can a smart guy make such philosophical missteps, much less believe in the literal interpretation of the Old Testament?

He ended the debate by wishing for the conversion of my soul, and stating hat public schools forced atheistic materialism down children's throats.

Mulereiner: The question is above the last paragraph. Look closely.

Answer 1

Sometimes people develop their conclusion, then look for arguments to back them up. And it's not a particularly odd thing to see happening, even among the intelligent. Ever hear that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction? It was a conclusion that they then sought to prove by selective evidence.

Bottom line: Intelligence is no sure protection against prejudice. Only skepticism will allow you to look at evidence before reaching a conclusion.

Answer 2

That sounds typical, if it can't be explained god did it! If that was the case we would still be in the dark ages. Look at all the things we have been able to explain over time. And many of these discoveries have been from Christians! I would like to know what has changed that prevents Christians from truly studying science. (not all)

Answer 3

Maybe he just hasn't heard of good arguments against evolution. If there's no large increases in genetic information, then then microbe-to-man evolution is impossible. Since such an increase has yet to be proven (it is simply assumed by evolutionists), the Fairy Tale of Evolution is yet to be proven.

Answer 4

I got frustrated and annoyed just reading this...

You will never be able to convince a hard-core young earth creationist. Their conclusion comes from their faith, which is unshakable, even if you throw all kinds of evidence at them and point out that their examples were debunked decades ago.

Answer 5

You were kind to try and educate him. But maybe people can be brainwashed to a point where they absolutely believe what they are told, and think in the religious contex permanently

Atheism and materialism are separate things - one does not necessarily come with the other.

Answer 6

Obviously a radical.

If you take genesis from the original Hebrew and translate it into the language of science you will find that it is in literal agreement with current scientific theory.

Let ther be light = Big bang
Darkness on the face of the deep = singularity
Let the earth bring forth the creatures of the sea = evolution.

Answer 7

Now you know why he drives a cab for a living...not the brightest bulb, was he?

I hope you neglected to give him a tip, and then told him you didnt want him to succcumb to materialism!

Answer 8

Well, smart I suppose is relative in this instance.. sounds to me like he's regurgitating what his pastor tells him on Sunday.. I don't see how that makes him smart.

Answer 9

If you wish for people to respond to the debate, then please post the debate. It's the fair thing to do.

Answer 10

People will go to great measures to avoid changing a core belief.

"I really want to believe you...so I will"
--The Ship (Futurama)