Darwin's death bed conversion make which group look bad exactly?

Question

Darwin, as we all know, did not recant on his death bed. But, for argument's sake, let's assume he did.

I always see at least a few believers in this section, feeling almost proud of how their particular god managed to lure Darwin over to the religious side.

This assumes that a god would be so silly to accept death bed conversions, for one. It also assumes that specially Christianity uses such horrible fear-tactics, that people even consider converting to it during their last breath. A person dying in pure fear, that's obviously Christianity's goal when being proud of death bed conversions.

Assuming Darwin recanted during his last breath, what's up with the proud smiles of believers when mentioning this, really? I honestly fail to see it, so please explain.

Does it make evolution less valid? Or does it simply show the horrible fear-tactics Christianity uses to even ruin a person's last breath?

Answer 1

It demonstrates a couple of salient points about creationist belief.

First of all, the importance of personal authority in their system. Darwin's genius is acknowledged by scientists, but even if he turned out to be a sociopathic axe murderer it would make no difference to the validity of evolutionary theory. It stands or falls on its own merits, not on what Darwin may or may not have believed or done. Creationists don't seem to get this.

It also points to fear of death as "The" central underlying motif in the religious worldviews of some people.

The persistence of the Lady Hope meme (despite the best efforts even of some creationists hoping to salvage a bit of credibility ( http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v18/i1/darwin_recant.asp ) is also instructive.

Answer 2

Conversions are accepted even after death. Why speculate about Darwin's conversion when there was none? We live on an evolutionary planet of rebellion. True, Christianity has become known for its fear tactics. However, there is a better way to believe. If a non-believer fears on his deathbed, that is only his conscience speaking. Why bring it all down to good vs. bad? After all, this is only for argument's sake.

Answer 3

That whole Darwin deathbed conversion thing was just a lie made up by Elizabeth Hope, an intellectually-dishonest evangelist. When people have to start telling falsehoods to support their position, it implies that deep in their hearts, they themselves know that their position is basically bogus.

Answer 4

Darwin was a student of theology.
His deathbed conversion is without evidence.

Answer 5

((((markyyy))))

Here is a little reality check! I work in Intensive care units! We code ppl ,meaning CPR when they crash! we have had sooo many ppls family members or spouses asking when we bring them back to life if they saw the light or anything like hovering above their bodies while we are working on them!

not a single one yet! I say you are right "fear-tactics"!

Answer 6

Somebody discovering the Atomic Bomb and then recanting it's existence or plausibility doesn't make it disappear.

Answer 7

Fear of death is natural... hence the advent of God[s].

Anyone who does not fear death, doesn't need a god to alleviate that fear..

Answer 8

It would only show how fear based religion really is.

Answer 9

you've obviously never heard of the sin that is face to face with death.

king hezekiah repented on his death bed, and God gave him 15 more years. God is merciful, even so merciful as to accept death-bed conversions.

Answer 10

I think you've answered it.

Also, what does this say about "Lady Hope" (a Christian) that she would lie about this?