David,
This response is conspicuous by its lack of substance.
Amazing to think that in 2008 the theory of evolution by natural selection still continues to threaten people.
I am sure the theory did threaten Christians at first, but you must understand that scads of people now disagree with it, many of them having first accepted it, because there just doesn't seem to be good evidence for it. The evidence that it is a bankrupt and faith-based theory is mounting.
This alone makes the theory of evolution so compelling. I personally regard it as the greatest achievement produced by science so far - nor only for its simplicity and elegance and tremendous explanatory power, but because it so effectively challenges people's cherished views of themselves.
There is nothing of substance here, except ad hominem and assumptions, and emotion.
Indeed, it is interesting how some people are so loving and excited by this theory.
I am baffled that it could be considered a great achievement. It has brought no practical value. There are many more achievements by science that I would not want to give up.
Let's see, my computer or the thrill of knowing that evolution is purposeless?
Hot running water or the thrill of knowing evolution is purposeless?
A blood transfusion and safe sterile sutures in an accident or the thrill of knowing evolution is purposeless?
A course on cell biology, fascinating beyond all getout and provable, or the waxing of profound emotion upon the theory that evolution is purposeless?
Laser surgery or the thrill of knowing evolution is purposeless?
Air travel and the ability for ordinary people to see the world or the thrill of knowing evolution is purposeless?
which speaks of a living intelligent Universe, a hierarchy of forces, and a purpose to which man can ascend?
...such conceptions only serve to divert people's attention away from more critical issues, such as becoming aware of the fundamental nature of causality.
Well, I'm curious. How is it more important to know about causality than to know if our universe is a living, intelligent One?
kevin said,
For example, we might be excavating a prehistoric archaeological site and find an actual written plan, written in some kind of alien language, on a material never seen before, and which we somehow manage to decipher. This written plan explains in detail what parts of our past where consciously designed, and details what conscious actions were made, and what their intent was, and those details match with what we have discovered elsewhere.
Or, better still, if an alien actually arrived here on earth, and explained that he had created us, and showed us exactly how he did it, and we are able to verify his claims. I would consider that fairly good evidence.
This basically exists. It is the Sumerian texts which have been found and deciphered.
My story of how a seed can be eaten by an ant, and become the tissue of a completely different kind of plant, was a demonstration of how God's will is a far greater determining force than any information in any seed.
I say that the difference between a living thing and a nonliving thing, is will. How can you use such a phrase as "God's will" that a particular seed gets eaten, when you deny to your God consciousness, and therefore, will?
Truth is a pathless land.