Atheists, do you argue with "anti-evolutionists"?

Question

Or do you consider them lost causes?

Answer 1

I try and point out logical evidence, but not argue.

Answer 2

Yes, and I'm glad I do. In some cases I get them to stop using some of the more obviously flawed arguments. For sincere ones, I can help to show them that the information they've been receiving is incomplete and deceptive. But I'm not arguing with them with the expectation of changing their minds. Usually their arguments are made up and their minds are too made up.

A better reason to argue with them is to show the bystander who isn't so set in their ways that there's a lot more to support the scientific view then the Creationist would have them believe and there's a lot less to support Creationism.

But I find the biggest benefit of the argument is improving my own thinking. I've been challenged by everything from polonium halos to moon dust to the salinity of the ocean to Kalam's Cosmological Constant. Some have been easy to explain, others have taken more research. Each time I try to find not just a facile way of dismissing the argument but a good argument that withstands scrutiny. In rare instances I haven't found a good rebuttal (not because the argument's good, but that it's unusual enough that I can't find an expert who has addressed it yet and it's a specific area of science I'm not qualified to address.) But under challenge my knowledge of the subject and the clarity of my own thought has improved dramatically over the years by having these discussions and actually listening to the other side rather than just ridiculing them.

Answer 3

In asking atheists whether or not we argue with "anti-evolutionists" you are assuming that all atheists are "evolutionists" which may not be a safe assumption to make.

To answer your question, though: I do believe in evolution and whether or not I argue with someone who does not believe in evolution depends on their attitude and open-mindedness. If they are the type who seems to want to plug their ears singing "lalalalalalalalala" then I wont bother. However if the person seems receptive or open to what I have to say then I am glad to discuss the topic.

Answer 4

Well...I argue with anyone, because I'm Irish. :)

Seriously, I like to hear people's observations and conclusions on what life is, where it came from, is going, etc. Why not, they have a right. They are part of it.

Both sides of this argument will cite evidence to support their views. Right now the evidence is about 99.999% to .001% supporting evolution. But only a hundred years ago or so, it was 50 - 50.

Answer 5

This topic about atheists, evolutionists are sounding like replays of a broken record. There's really no end to this argument. No point in repeating it over and over again.

Answer 6

I call them Bigots,mindless freaks who wouldn't know the truth if it bit them on their extremities !! How come the book
of lies and liars doesn't tell about the wonderful Dinosaurs
that roamed this world "Even" when man "Evolved" with them,how many other's of you are there that believe in the biblical ghost called JC or G and say that he was a
CREATIONIST, as i have said before where is the mould that he used to make the Christians and their belief in all
their [e-mail] and your lo9t are just mindless freaks,
who haven't a clue on what to do with their spare time other
than to annoy the other parties who DO NOT BELIEVE IN
WHAT YOU THINK YOU BELIEVE IN and that is the truth,and no i am not angry as that is the first sign of weakness.

Answer 7

Here I am the great Anti-Evolutionist. You can not change my mind. Go! Back to the cesspits that formed you. I am a creation not an amoeba.

Answer 8

I'm not an atheist, but...

it seems 99.99999 percent of Creationists refuse to even try to understand evolution; they just whip out slogans and straw men.

they basically are a lost cause, but sometimes I engage in debate anyway.

Answer 9

Only when they push the subject, then they usually regret taking me on. Anti-evolutionists tend to misquote scientific principles and have the "apples to oranges" approach to their arguments. I try to avoid the subject as it only leads to hostile feelings.

Answer 10

Well for the most part yes, if they then go on to say because if evolution isnt true then god must be real. remember evolution hasnt actually been proven, and a better scientific explaination may just be around the corner.if they can agree to this, maybe theres hope for them yet....

Answer 11

I try very hard to accept whatever anyone believes. I don't give up on anyone because my God does not. What ppl believe is between them and God, it's really nomb. I will share what I believe, but I will not push it on anyone else. I'm just like everyone else, doing the best I can with what I have to work with.

Blessed Be