Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Answerer · 01-29-2003, 06:22 PM

Hi guys, one of my christian friends recently claimed again that the carbon dating we are using is wrong. His claim is based upon his assumption that the ratio between C12 and C14 is not in equilibrium as there is no constant production of C14 by the cosmic rays. So guys, where can I find the evidence to show that he is wrong?

RufusAtticus · 01-29-2003, 06:23 PM

Radiometric Dating: A Christian Perspective

Works great on fundies.

Doubting Didymus · 01-29-2003, 06:26 PM

Carbon dating is fine. Its radiometric dating that's a big evil fraud.

Tim Thompson · 01-29-2003, 07:22 PM

Answerer: His claim is based upon his assumption that the ratio between C12 and C14 is not in equilibrium as there is no constant production of C14 by the cosmic rays.

His assumption that the C14 production rate is time variable is correct. His assumption that this fairly obvious fact is entirely ignored by people who do radiocarbon dating is insulting to normal intelligence (and a clear sign that Mr. Creationist has never bothered to actually discover facts before declaring them).

Reference the Radiocarbon web, wherein all manner of details regarding radiocarbon dating are to be found. In particular, the calibration and corrections links show that the variable production rates are very much included in radiocarbon dates. This includes radiocarbon introduced by atomic bomb tests, back in the day when they did that kind of thing out in the open air.

On the more general matter of radiometric (or "radioisotope") dating, I refer one & all to my own webpage, A Radiometric Dating Resource List.

Non-praying Mantis · 01-29-2003, 08:55 PM

Q: Is carbon dating wrong?

A: Only if she's younger than 14!

Ba-dup-dup-chhh!

NPM

VonEvilstein · 01-29-2003, 11:53 PM

If it's a nice carbon, and you both act resposibly, then I have no problem with you dating.

thebeave · 01-30-2003, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Answerer
Hi guys, one of my christian friends recently claimed again that the carbon dating we are using is wrong. His claim is based upon his assumption that the ratio between C12 and C14 is not in equilibrium as there is no constant production of C14 by the cosmic rays. So guys, where can I find the evidence to show that he is wrong?

Christians will conclude that carbon dating is wrong whenever the dating results conflict with biblical history. For example, the Shroud of Turin. If a potential biblical artifact (let's say, for example part of an old wood structure found high on a mountain in Turkey that suggests, to them, Noah's Ark) indicates a date that is consistent with their beliefs, then they will embrace carbon dating and say, "See I told you so!". Summarizing,

Carbon dating = false, if the age conflicts with Bible
Carbon dating = true, if the age is consistent with Bible

A very simple rule of thumb.

Answerer · 01-31-2003, 05:06 AM

Hi guys, thanks for your help. I will try to shake up his beliefs a little.

01-29-2003, 06:22 PM	#1
Answerer Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 3,956	Is carbon dating wrong? Hi guys, one of my christian friends recently claimed again that the carbon dating we are using is wrong. His claim is based upon his assumption that the ratio between C12 and C14 is not in equilibrium as there is no constant production of C14 by the cosmic rays. So guys, where can I find the evidence to show that he is wrong?

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01-29-2003, 06:23 PM	#2
RufusAtticus Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NCSU Posts: 5,853	Radiometric Dating: A Christian Perspective Works great on fundies.

01-29-2003, 06:26 PM	#3
Doubting Didymus Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: East Coast. Australia. Posts: 5,455	Carbon dating is fine. Its radiometric dating that's a big evil fraud.

01-29-2003, 07:22 PM	#4
Tim Thompson Regular Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Pasadena, CA, USA Posts: 455	Answerer: His claim is based upon his assumption that the ratio between C12 and C14 is not in equilibrium as there is no constant production of C14 by the cosmic rays. His assumption that the C14 production rate is time variable is correct. His assumption that this fairly obvious fact is entirely ignored by people who do radiocarbon dating is insulting to normal intelligence (and a clear sign that Mr. Creationist has never bothered to actually discover facts before declaring them). Reference the Radiocarbon web, wherein all manner of details regarding radiocarbon dating are to be found. In particular, the calibration and corrections links show that the variable production rates are very much included in radiocarbon dates. This includes radiocarbon introduced by atomic bomb tests, back in the day when they did that kind of thing out in the open air. On the more general matter of radiometric (or "radioisotope") dating, I refer one & all to my own webpage, A Radiometric Dating Resource List.

01-29-2003, 08:55 PM	#5
Non-praying Mantis Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Roanoke, VA, USA Posts: 2,646	Q: Is carbon dating wrong? A: Only if she's younger than 14! Ba-dup-dup-chhh! NPM

01-29-2003, 11:53 PM	#6
VonEvilstein Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: .nl Posts: 822	If it's a nice carbon, and you both act resposibly, then I have no problem with you dating.

01-31-2003, 05:06 AM	#8
Answerer Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 3,956	Hi guys, thanks for your help. I will try to shake up his beliefs a little.

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