Southern Methodist University speaks out against Intelligent Design

[Sisyphus]

The Discovery Institute, advocates for Intelligent Design and campaigners against evolution, rented some rooms at Southern Methodist University to hold one of their pretend conferences, and are a bit taken aback by the reaction of the science faculty there.

The link is to a well written piece in the Dallas Morning News:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...1.44e6403.html

[Riggo-toni]

"We do not argue against the basic right to believe, worship and express oneself as one desires.

We are, however, vehemently opposed to the deliberate deception of presenting politically motivated religious viewpoints as science. It is destructive and antithetical to the usefulness of science, and history has shown that similar politicizations of science have been incredibly destructive to our moral, ethical and material progress.

We have a duty as practitioners of science to speak out against such deceptions, and we have done so. "

Well said.

[Zguy28]

You're surprised this came from the United Methodist's?

to hold one of their pretend conferences

You sound like one of those folks who think Global Warming is bunk. Darn, I thought you were better than that.

[Sisyphus]

You're surprised this came from the United Methodist's?

Are they as bad as Roman Catholics and Jews?

[Zguy28]

Are they as bad as Roman Catholics and Jews?

Not saying they're bad. Just liberal, so this tends to not be surprising to those of us "on the inside".

[Sisyphus]

You sound like one of those folks who think Global Warming is bunk. Darn, I thought you were better than that.

A 'pretend conference' is one supposedly about science but where no peer reviewed papers are presented, and the audience interupts the speakers with chants of 'Amen'.

I've got to admire your classic creationist debate tactic of attempting to change the subject to Climate Change.

[Zguy28]

A 'pretend conference' is one supposedly about science but where no peer reviewed papers are presented, and the audience interupts the speakers with chants of 'Amen'.

I've got to admire your classic creationist debate tactic of attempting to change the subject to Climate Change.

I never said I don't believe in evolution; evolution and a Creator of all things are not exclusive from one another as you might think. You are making assumptions, and you know what happens when you assume...

[DCsportsfan53]

This article could not have been more on point and furthermore, I'm glad to see it breaks from the often (unnecessarily) antagonistic approach many have taken publically in regards to this issue. As silly as the debate seems, that kind of antagonism only lends credence and power to this ridiculousness. Faith is faith, science is science. Please learn to be satisfied with your faith and stop trying to force faith be taught as science. It's really simple.

[DCsportsfan53]

I never said I don't believe in evolution; evolution and a Creator of all things are not exclusive from one another as you might think. You are making assumptions, and you know what happens when you assume...

I think we know you understand that and I certainly believe that the ideas are not even related and absolutely can stand by themselves. There is no reason why the idea of a creator and evolution can't go hand in hand.

However, that is not what a lot of people would have you believe and, if I'm not mistaken, this conference which the article references is one that attempts to reject and replace the idea of evolution with intelligent design or whatever they're calling it now. Therefore, and because they were acting like it's a science, I think it's completely correct to call it a "pretend" conference.

[Zguy28]

There is no reason why the idea of a creator and evolution can't go hand in hand.

Yes and no. That is your opinion, and there are good arguments either way.

However, that is not what a lot of people would have you believe and, if I'm not mistaken, this conference which the article references is one that attempts to reject and replace the idea of evolution with intelligent design or whatever they're calling it now.

You are correct. It should not replace it. And I think most Christians ( I can't speak for others) don't want it replaced.

Therefore, and because they were acting like it's a science, I think it's completely correct to call it a "pretend" conference.

Again, that's your opinion.

[Zguy28]

May I ask a question?

When you break science down to the foundational level, what two things does it include?

[dfitzo53]

May I ask a question?

When you break science down to the foundational level, what two things does it include?

Consonants and vowels?

How about you just tell us.

[Zguy28]

Consonants and vowels?

How about you just tell us.

You're no fun Fitz.

How about Cause and Effect. Isn't that how everything ultimately breaks down, including science?

[dfitzo53]

You're no fun Fitz.

How about Cause and Effect. Isn't that how everything ultimately breaks down, including science?

Didn't mean for that to sound so snippy, so I'm glad you didn't take it that way.

I suppose you could say everything breaks down to cause and effect.

[DCsportsfan53]

You're no fun Fitz.

How about Cause and Effect. Isn't that how everything ultimately breaks down, including science?

Well, in that case, science uses evidence and testing as means to that result. Intelligent design uses a book and faith.