Evolution and Creation
Intro: As I'm sure you are all aware, the debate between creationism/intelligent design and the theory of evolution is one of the most heated in the country right now. Obviously, it would be inappropriate to stifle all debate on the matter here in Fire Fall, but at the same time we don't want our debate forum to get mired in multiple, possibly angry arguments about evolution/creation either. As a means of compromise, therefore, we've decided to create and official 'Evolution and Creation' thread where Fire Fall members and visitors can hash out their differing positions on the subject, albeit with a few thread-specific caveats to help keep things under control. It is worth noting that the title is a bit misleading, as the actual scope of the debate that will be allowed in this thread will go somewhat beyond simply evolution vs. creation.
Purpose: The purpose of this thread is to provide a place where Fire Fall posters can debate the subject of evolutionary theory vs. creationism (and other relevant topics), while also allowing the crew to ensure that it doesn't get out of hand. The other reason for this thread is to prevent unnecessary proliferation of evolution/creation threads and the topical redundancy often seen in other Gaia forums such as the Morality and Religion sub-forum.
Rules: Obviously, all the normal rules of the Fire Fall debate sub-forum apply here. There are, however, some additional rules that need to be observed.
- What May Be Discussed:
- Evolution
Creationism (i.e. Old Earth, Young Earth, Theistic Evolution, Intelligent Design, etc.)
Evolutionary Theory vs. Creationism
The Place of Evolutionary Theory/Creationism in Public Schools
Abiogenesis/The Beginning of Life on Earth
The Age of Earth
The Age of the Universe
Appropriate Interpretation of Genesis 1-3 as it Relates to Evolution/Creation
Any Relevant Sub-Sets of the Above Topics
What May Not Be Discussed:
- Anything not relevant to the topics listed above
Do:
Back up your assertions with evidence.
Cite your sources.
Do Not:
Make assertions without evidence.
Post one-liners.
Make posts saying only 'I agree with X' or any similar.
Engage in logical fallacies.
Things to Bear In Mind:
- Please use correct grammar and spelling. It's not a requirement, but remember that people will judge your argument on how well you present it, and proper use of language is a big part of that presentation. Bad spelling and grammar can undermine the effectiveness of even the best argument.
The Omphalos argument, if at all possible, really ought to be avoided. Throwing an absolutely irrefutable hypothesis into a debate never brings about any worthwhile results.
The Big Bang, abiogenesis, and evolution are not part of the same theory; rather they are three distinct theories that are not interdependent upon one another for their individual veracity. Please do not attack abiogenesis and then pretend that by doing so you have disproved the theory of evolution, etc.
On Other Evolution/Creation Threads: This is to be Fire Fall's only thread on the debate between evolution and creation. Any other threads on the subject will be locked as soon as the crew comes across them and their participants will be directed here. (See the 'Purpose' section concerning the reason for this rule.)
Links:
'Pro'-Evolution:
- Talk Origins
Evolution Sciences versus Doctrines of Creationism and Intelligent Design (Link Directory)
'Anti'-Evolution:
General:
