The modern equivalent of a
geocentric universe. Science proves irrefutably that causal, linear events led up to the ecosystem we see today. Since this idea just so happens to go against Christian doctrine, it is condemned by many Christians, who put forth a pseudoscience known as
creationism, or intelligent design, in response.
Creationism is non-scientific, as there is no way to test it using empirical data. Many
creationists see perceived flaws in evolutionary theory as proof that creationism is true and provable. This is not true because
1.The so-called flaws are rooted in the misunderstanding or ignoring of the mechanics of evolution. Arguments such as "
irreducible complexity" illustrate that creationists do not understand the process of evolution. Evolution is yet to be discredited in the scientific community, where it is accepted universally.
2.Disproving one theory does not make another theory any more credible. Even though theory A may have been disproved, theory B still must make its case based on sound scientific data.
Creationists also believe that the world is in the order of 6,000 years old, which can easily be disproved with radiometric dating. Creationists say that this technology is inaccurate, but have no proof of this whatsoever. Creationists also use the argument "Evolution is
just a theory." All that this argument does is show that they don't understand what a scientific theory is.
Debunking creationism (by virtue of exposing the fallacy of the "young Earth" theory) is very easy. Any high school student has the capability to do so. Scientists do not waste their time even addressing it at this point, as there has never been so much as a single piece of evidence in support of it. Those who claim to be creation scientists are not scientists at all, as they cannot apply the scientific method to their theories.
Jill: The theory of evolution is just that -- a theory. It's yet to be proven in any way.
James: Gravity is
just a theory, too. You should really read a book sometime. Besides the bible.
Hugh: God created the Earth 6,000 years ago with the entire
ecosystem completely intact as we see it today.
Al: Um, dinosaur?
Hugh: Put there by the devil to deceive us.
Jenny: If evolution is true, how come we've stopped evolving?
Sally: Evolution takes place over long periods of time. You can't see it in your lifetime. We are still evolving.
Jenny: That's just stupid. You'll believe anything they tell you.
Will: Evolution is proven to be false by
the gaps in the fossil record. In fact, the fossil record does more to disprove evolution than anything else. This proves creationism to be true.
Ben: Where did you hear that? We know that the ancestors of all
sea mammals are land mammals. We can see where homo sapien and neanderthal split off on two separate paths. You're just
parroting what some wacky
creationist said on TV, aren't you?
Will: At least I'll spend the rest of forever in eternal bliss. You're going to hell. What good will your evolution do you then?
Ben: :P
Billy: So, now that I have proven that your
crackpot evolution theory is wrong, you must accept my theory as true. My theory is that a giant potato-beast named pot-thak-to dreamed the universe one night 50 years ago and it came to be.
Alice: Good point. Which way to his temple?