Should we treat those who deny evolution?

Question

with the same contempt as those who deny the holocaust?

Answer 1

In a way, I think you make a good point. If you stretch things a little bit, you could say....

At face value, your suggestion looks out of proportion. Yet, some (please not that I say some - not all) of the people who do not accept evolution use the same sort of erroneous reasoning as those who deny the holocaust. Some of them similarly do so for the same reasons. That is, they have their belief or prejudice and will deny or try to rubbish any evidence, no matter how compelling, using any deceit they can. Their intent is to have their view prevail at any cost (please also note - I am not suggesting that creationists have the same nasty intentions as holocaust deniers).

So, whether it be creationists or holocaust deniers, they both groups cling to a baseless belief regardless of evidence. Whilst these groups are small and have no effect upon society, they don't matter, but of current times both groups seem to be having undue influence.

Extreme right wing parties that espouse what many of us would regard as neo Nazi tendencies have been on the rise in Europe over the past few years, and creationists and the ID mob have come alarmingly close to get their brand of idiocy taught in schools. Neither group ought to be given influence over even a tea club.

So in some cases, you can make a case for what you suggest, although I think they should be viewed with contempt because of their motivation more than their inability to see good science.

Answer 2

Denying the holocaust is denying a recent event that was witnessed first hand by millions. It caused a DIRECT change on the world. Evolution is a more subtle indirect change. It wasnt a short-term BANG with an instant change. It took, (And is still happening by the way) as long as life has been around to get to us.

Therefore there will always be people who doubt it. Just like there are some who deny the existence of a god. The majority (hate to say it but its true, combine every religion you have so many more than you have atheists,) believe in a god. We don't treat the outnumbered atheists like those who deny a historic FACT, even though the majority is against them. Why not extend that to anti-evolutionists?

It's a matter of ignorance in my opinion, but that is my opinion. That people are entitled to their own opinions no matter how stupid it is. When someone denies a historical event, I tend to ACT on their opinions with disgust, and confusion. They oftentimes start out believing in the holocaust, but they warp their own mind so they can believe whatever they want (Aryan Nation members, etc.) without doubt in their minds.

Just my two cents,

John.

Answer 3

I don't think so, after all evolution is still only just a theory, hence why we use terms such as "the theory of evolution" and "missing link". If it was 100% proven then it would just be a fact of life. I personally believe evolution but I don't think we can completely assume everything until we have all the evidence, not just a compelling amount, after all it wasn't so long ago our ancestors thought that the world was flat and in the centre of the universe.

Although if people choose to go nuts on you and start quoting the bible like some people did here then thats another matter. Any SENSIBLE person should be entitled to hold their beliefs and be treated with respect, even if you question someones beliefs it doesn't mean they are stupid or completely wrong. Just state your case and if they are retarded enough to go mental at you for just stating an opinion then just feel good in the knowledge that a merciful god probably doesn't look kindly on them for being so closed minded to the beliefs of others. So right or wrong they are screwed.

Answer 4

The holocaust was a recent event, a factual one as well, witnessed by millions and it doesn't really need to be proven. There's plenty of evidence that it occurred. Evolution is still just a theory, do you not know the definition of "theory?" I guess not....

And for the person above who said that HALF the Muslims deny the holocaust, do you mean to say that the President of Iran (i know he's a big moron) is equivalent to half the Muslim population? Wow, thats a very far fetched thought. That's worse than saying that a theory is a fact...

Do some homework buddy, you need it.

Answer 5

If you hold yourself in such an exalted position to do so, go ahead. I do not think people who deny it are idiots. Most of the children spouting that word do not even know what evolution means.
Holocaust and evolution are entirely different things. Holocaust is an historical event. Evolution is a scientific theory.

Answer 6

The holocaust is historical fact and no one is denying it ever happened , evolution is not fact but a work of science fiction, Darwin spoke from a point of view and a scientific background that that of the cell as being much simpler than it actually was. Treat those who deny evolution as sensible

Answer 7

We absolutely can prove the Holocaust. Remember that theorys about evolution are only that. There are precious few fossels to show a clear cut path of what we were and how we got here. Mechanical engineers are showing that some of the positions we used to pose dinosaurs are wrong. Some were speedy where we guessed slow etc. Surviving DNA in teeth is starting to show some remarkable links to modern animals. Survival of fittest has been shown not to be the case for animals like the horse. It's digestive system is rediculously inefficient compaired with a cows. It IS good at spreading undigested seeds over wide areas with a bunch of fertilizer. Useful in the over all theme.
Lots of room for debate. Some of them are fun to listen to.

Answer 8

I can understand your line of reasoning

-- both are irrefutable and undeniable so if one denies them they are doing so only to hold on to an illogical and irrational set of beliefs--

but I would have to disagree, virtually anyone that adamantly denies the holocaust dose so to justify there own bigotry and hatred, creationists might hold irrational beliefs, but those do not directly predicate them to bigotry or hatred of any particular group of people.

Answer 9

You really are an ignorant biggot aren't you. Because somebody has had a different education to you, is no excuse for you to treat them with contempt.

By all means, challenge their beleifs, but don't assume that you are in anyway superior to them. Its that kind of attitude that leads to events like the holocaust.

Answer 10

I think people who deny the holocaust are denying something incredibly immoral for their own political ideals whereas people who deny evolution are denying a scientific idea for their moral beliefs. Either way, they're both idiots and therefore may we reveal their stupidity through debate forever!!