Evolution: is it necessary to know how life ultimately began in order to study and debate the evidence that evolution has since occurred? [Spirituality & Religion]
If you think it is, why do you think so? Can you explain that reasoning for me?
I ask because i've encountered a creationist's position that the evidence for evolution can be ignored if we don't know how life began. I point out that the theory of gravitation still allows us to study the interactions of matter without knowing how it came to be but this apt comparison appears to be ignored.
Since i've received no explanation from the parties involved, i'm coming to YOU! So. Thoughts?🙂
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I think that cognitive dissonance is playing a part in that bro. We all deal with that at some stage in our lives. In order to maintain their own peace of mind the evidence needs to be rejected somehow or they must change their mind about their belief. It's one or the other. Accept or reject.
@Wraithorn Is it possible that cognitive dissonance also occurs for those who deny God's existent? And is it possible that it is not cognitive dissonance at all for Christians, but they believe the Bible, and scientists are actually wrong about many things that have not been proven yet, but are just theorizing about?
A scientific Theory is the most powerful and explanatory achievement in science. There’s no ‘just’ about it. Scientific Theories consistently, coherently, and completely account for all the evidence.
@Carazaa Thanks for adding your thoughts, I appreciate it. The truth is that we all experience CD at some stage in our lives and sometimes it happens repeatedly and not only in connection with religion. The truth is that the evidence for evolution is overwhelming. If it clashes with what religious books say and you have faith in your Bible then you will experience cognitive dissonance. You will either have to consider the evidence or reject it for your own peace of mind. Some people's reason for living and the the thing that gives them a reason to drag their butts through this difficult life on Earth is their faith in their god. I understand that and often feel bad about basically undermining their reason for living. However when religious peeps preach at me I find it hard to keep my mouth shut. Religion is a volatile subject and difficult to talk about without emotion becoming involved. However...in order to consider scientific evidence in connection with evolution then one must do so without emotion getting in the way.
Our emotional attachment to certain things can become the master of illusion and prevent us from seeing or considering evidence to the contrary.
I'm not trying to beat you down or make you think like me. Just consider what I say while I consider what you said.
[quote]no I don't think so, I think you think that because you have Cognitive dissonance.[/quote]
I don't think you're being fair about that, carazaa.
There is so much evidence and it's coming from different lines and it's all pointing in the same direction. Bird wing claws, ERVs, mammalian inner ear bones, human chromosome 2, ontogenetic embryology, phylogeny and so on and so forth.
Those are just a few examples.
I think you reject that evidence not because you can actually find flaws in the science or reasoning used to interpret that evidence but because it conflicts with your worldview. Regardless, i don't think it's fair to dismiss accepting the multiple lines of evidence piling up for evolution as cognitive dissonance.
[quote]See here we go with you guys being critical as usual![/quote]
How was telling wratihhorn that he thought there was tons of evidence for evolution not critical? I've only shared what i believe to be the foundation of your rejection of the theory of evolution and i've arrived at this conclusion based on the lack of specificity i see when you dispute said theory.
Sorry if you felt ganged up on but i do think you were being unfair to dismiss the acceptance of the evidence as cognitive dissonance.
@Pikachu He mocked all Christians, talked about us with arrogance, and dismissed faith as "cognitive dissonance!" And you think I was unfair? You are critical of people with other views except your own!!
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. [/b]
@Speedyman All scientific Theories are unproven. That’s the strongest part of scientific Theories. Every scientist everywhere tries to [i]disprove[/i] scientific Theories.
Yes but some theories are more unproven than others. Unfortunately with the theory of evolution it is looked upon almost as a religious dogma by some people@newjaninev2
@Speedyman [quote]more unproven than others[/quote]
That makes no sense.
Let me repeat... no scientific Theory is in any way, to any extent, proven.
Not ever.
Not even a tiny little bit.
All effort is directed towards [i]disproving[/i] the Theory
The Theory remains generally accepted provided that it consistently, coherently, and completely accounts for the evidence. If at some future point it no longer does that, then it will be replaced by what would then necessarily be a better, improved Theory.
@Carazaa Just a matter of interest, did you know that the king James who commissioned that version of the Bible was gay. Do some research on that and you will see.
