Shinobi

Has anyone ever heard of a creationist that actually understands the basics of evolution? That is, common ancestoral decent and natural selection. Perhaps the question is nonsensical, as understanding the basics of evolution would be a barrier to being a creationist. If there was a creationist that understood the basics, or even had qualifications in a biological science then such a person would be a liar and deliberate fraud, as opposed to ignorant and bigoted.

Every one I have seen on IIDB or on the net has ignored natural selection. The theory makes no sense without it, which of course a good propagandist could exploit in the scientificly illiterate.

Worldtraveller

There are a few, IMO, old earth, micro-evolution is proven but people are special, types who probably understand it, and really get it, but deep down, simply can't get past the social conditioning (or something) required to acknowledge that the facts point to evolution being what science claims.

They actually know and understand the arguments, but simply warp and twist the perception of them to meet thier pre-concieved ideas of a supreme deity.

Cheers,
Lane

Plognark

I'm guessing the OP is refering to YECs, as i've met a number of old earth creationists who are pretty reasonable, most of them Catholic.

They seem to think that humans are the only creatures with an immortal soul, and that Adam and Eve weren't the first humans, but rather the first two with souls.

And they think evolution is simply the mechanism that god used to get things where they are now, which, with an omniscient god, wouldn't be an issue.

From that point it's just some philosophical silliness they engage in, but it's something I can accept and overlook. Especially since we've got pathologically dimwitted YEC's skulking around.

Spanish_Inquisitor

Scientific illiteracy seems to be one of the keys. I have no formal science background, but I have always had a fascination for science. I enjoy reading about it, and as long as it doesn't get too thick, I usually can follow along with the bouncing ball.

There used to be a theory out there, (not sure if it's valid) about left brain/right brain emphasis, such that, depending on what side of the brain was dominant, would determine whether you were more creative, or intellectual. Or something like that.

Maybe the more seriously committed YECs are simply unable to understand science sufficiently to comprehend the concepts. Or they read and understand just enough to substantiate their beliefs without delving more deeply into the subject. As they say, a little knowledge can be dangerous. Sometimes more dangerous than none. :Cheeky:

SI

Sven

I'd rather call this theistic evolution, not OEC. :huh:

RBH

See Genie Scott's Creation/Evolution Continuum for useful distinctions.

RBH

Sven

Fit's prefectly:

Plognark

Hmm, yeah, I suppose there is a distinction there.

I guess it depends on the person and their beliefs.

I've met some old earth creationists who don't accept that evolution works the way science explains, but they do buy that the earth is millions of years old.

Crazyharp81602

That's billions of years old, Plognark. Billions, not millions.

Crazyharp81602

Ken

I think this guy actually understands natural selection (seems to have a PhD in biophysics, though that doesn't guarantee anything) but finds interesting ways to downplay the force of the evidence for evolution, including common descent.