battery chucka' one wrote:You described evolution as 'random'.
No.
I described MUTATION as random.
As I specifically stated earlier, the forces of selection are most definitely NOT random.
Even the term "random" bears explanation. Due to errors in DNA replication, misreading during the transcription of DNA to RNA and/or the translating of the RNA code to protein, mistakes are made. We know many of the enzymes involved in these processes and the error rates for many of those enzymes. We also know the probabilities of certain environmental factors to increase mutation rates/error rates. But knowing the percentages doesn't tell you exactly which base will "flip" to another (THAT is the randomness), it just tells you that over X amount of time, that Y amount of mutations should occur. This is useful in that it gives us a "genetic clock" that predicts when, over generational time, we should see more mutations and possible new traits. We've been able to use the genetic clock to accurately create evolutionary trees, which have been corroborated with fossil evidence (as well as with other biochemical evidence).
battery chucka' one wrote:I didn't know that science was open to events that happeded due to 'randomness'.
Yep. There's even something called "chaos theory." But that's physics. And I hate physics.
battery chucka' one wrote:Could you please site some examples where the evolution was either 'random' or involved a species 'trading down' and becoming inferior (as in the example of the brainless slug) in order to better adapt to the environment? Thanks.
Let go of the "inferior" tag. Bigger, faster, stronger...doesn't necessarily mean "better organism," especially if smaller, smarter is an option.
Once again - evolution does
not make "better" organisms - it makes better ADAPTED organisms (better adapted as defined to that specific environment). Change the environment, and organisms that seemed to be better adapted no longer are "king"....for example, the dinosaurs. The environment changed dramatically (possibly due to the oft-cited metero/asteroid, possibly due to volcanic eruptions, possibly both), and soon (in geological terms), the dinosaurs who had ruled the Earth for millions of years ceased to be the most dominant animal. The age of mammals began.
As far as species losing structures...how 'bout the fact that snakes' ancestors used to have legs but lost them? We still find vestigial leg bones on many species. Or how about the fact that the ancestors of whales were four-legged land dwellers who then went back to the oceans, losing legs which turned into flippers (which still have "finger bones" in them).
battery chucka' one wrote:And, again, perhaps there wouldn't be so many trying to use science to prove God if there weren't so many trying to use it to prove that he doesn't exist.
With the notable exception of Richard Dawkins (who AFAIK has never posted here...), I am aware of very few people, especially scientists, who try to use science to "prove" that God doesn't exist. Even mvscal hasn't done so.
The logical burden of proof in this (and ANY) argument is on the individuals making the POSITIVE existential statement. That is how it's done, because it is logically near-impossible most times to "prove" a negative. If someone contends that Bigfoot exists, the burden of proof is on THEM, not on the people who argue that he does not exist. Why? All that the pro-Bigfoot folks have to do is find him (or enough convincing evidence of him). The anti-Bigfoot folks cannot prove that he does not exist, because it would require them to be omniscient and/or ominpresent, since they would have to see/be everywhere and say that Bigfoot isn't ANYWHERE. It is also not enough of a "proof" for Bigfoot's existence for the "pro" folks to point out the weakness of the "anti's" position. The burden is
ALWAYS on those making the positive existential claim. Always.
battery chucka' one wrote:Why no smacking of your anti-God colleagues, if you disagree with them on this?
Because they're not the ones trying to use faulty logic and data to support their side. I agree with you, pop, and rozy regarding the existence of God and the divinity of Christ. I disagree with you (and all Christians) who try to bend and twist science (due to deliberate deception, or, in your case through an incomplete understanding of the science cited) to attempt to defend "our" side. It doesn't help Christianity's case to attack science or to distort it, and it makes non-believers even less likely to listen to any legitimate points we might make.
THE BIBLE - Because all the works of all the science cannot equal the wisdom of cattle-sacrificing primitives who thought every animal species in the world lived within walking distance of Noah's house.