Double Standards of Evolutionary Discussion
by Cowboy Bob Sorensen
Edited 12-06-2015
I was quite pleased to see an article that was discussing some of the same things that I have been combating in my discussions with anti-creationists. More specifically, their double standards. It amazes me that any unqualified shmoe off the street is "qualified" to rail against remarks and articles by creationists, and is joined by a dozen "Me, too!" interlopers. Yet, if someone dares breathe a word of disagreement about evolution, he or she is expected to have impeccable credentials in every area under discussion. That is, I point out a flaw in evolutionary theory, and get asked if I am trained as a scientist. Qualifications or not, we can still speak the truth and can identify bad logic that people are using when attempting to liberate us from our knowledge and faith.
Atheist popes like Richard Dawkins are cited as experts on religion and philosophy, but guess what? They are do not satisfy the qualification "standards" imposed on Christians, creationists and ID proponents.
Further, I have noticed distinctly disingenuous attempts to manipulate conversations coming from owlhoots attempting to redefine "scientist" for their own convenience. Since the remark that "Creationists are not scientists" is not only disproved, but clearly a lie attempting to Poison the Well (with a touch of genetic fallacy), the word "scientist" becomes redefined. For some people, their personal definition becomes evolutionary biologist; sure, there are no "scientists" on the list of Darwin dissenters because the real word has been redefined! This dishonest tactic brings to mind the child who says, "Let's play ball. We can only use my ball, my equipment, my playing area and my rules which say I win anyway." Some people say that they want to "engage in debate", but have made it clear that creationists are wrong from the get-go.
To add to this insulting and devious manipulation, if someone can be considered a qualified scientist, he or she must be the right kind of scientist (that is, not a physicist or something) to discuss evolution. Hey, I guess that disqualifies Charles Darwin, since he failed in medicine and his only degree was an ordinary one in theology. And the "great" geologist Charles Lyell was a lawyer by trade.
I guess nobody can discuss anything, then. Except the experts. So, don't let me catch you discussing the Big Game if you are not a veteran of the League. Avoid discussing theology unless you are trained in it. Refuse to speculate on that sound under the hood unless you are a certified mechanic. Ad nauseum.
No, I firmly believe that the "creationists are not scientists", and, "you are not a scientist" whimperings are simply attempts to dodge the issues at hand. Especially when they are made by people who are "unqualified" themselves! To be intellectually honest, you cannot avoid the truth about the unpleasant facts surrounding evolutionism simply by attempting to dismiss the speaker out of hand and say that he or she is irrelevant.
Edited 12-06-2015
I was quite pleased to see an article that was discussing some of the same things that I have been combating in my discussions with anti-creationists. More specifically, their double standards. It amazes me that any unqualified shmoe off the street is "qualified" to rail against remarks and articles by creationists, and is joined by a dozen "Me, too!" interlopers. Yet, if someone dares breathe a word of disagreement about evolution, he or she is expected to have impeccable credentials in every area under discussion. That is, I point out a flaw in evolutionary theory, and get asked if I am trained as a scientist. Qualifications or not, we can still speak the truth and can identify bad logic that people are using when attempting to liberate us from our knowledge and faith.
Atheist popes like Richard Dawkins are cited as experts on religion and philosophy, but guess what? They are do not satisfy the qualification "standards" imposed on Christians, creationists and ID proponents.
Further, I have noticed distinctly disingenuous attempts to manipulate conversations coming from owlhoots attempting to redefine "scientist" for their own convenience. Since the remark that "Creationists are not scientists" is not only disproved, but clearly a lie attempting to Poison the Well (with a touch of genetic fallacy), the word "scientist" becomes redefined. For some people, their personal definition becomes evolutionary biologist; sure, there are no "scientists" on the list of Darwin dissenters because the real word has been redefined! This dishonest tactic brings to mind the child who says, "Let's play ball. We can only use my ball, my equipment, my playing area and my rules which say I win anyway." Some people say that they want to "engage in debate", but have made it clear that creationists are wrong from the get-go.
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| photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov (modified) |
To add to this insulting and devious manipulation, if someone can be considered a qualified scientist, he or she must be the right kind of scientist (that is, not a physicist or something) to discuss evolution. Hey, I guess that disqualifies Charles Darwin, since he failed in medicine and his only degree was an ordinary one in theology. And the "great" geologist Charles Lyell was a lawyer by trade.
I guess nobody can discuss anything, then. Except the experts. So, don't let me catch you discussing the Big Game if you are not a veteran of the League. Avoid discussing theology unless you are trained in it. Refuse to speculate on that sound under the hood unless you are a certified mechanic. Ad nauseum.
No, I firmly believe that the "creationists are not scientists", and, "you are not a scientist" whimperings are simply attempts to dodge the issues at hand. Especially when they are made by people who are "unqualified" themselves! To be intellectually honest, you cannot avoid the truth about the unpleasant facts surrounding evolutionism simply by attempting to dismiss the speaker out of hand and say that he or she is irrelevant.