The Five Failed Predictions of Creationism

Crevo thread: Professor Dumped Over Evolution Beliefs ^ | 24 March 2003 | PatrickHenry

[PatrickHenry]

This vanity thread was inspired by a provocative question that Junior directed to a creationist: "Biblical prophesies notwithstanding, what biological predictions does creationism make?" The creationist didn't respond, but I did, as follows:

I can think of a few creationist predictions. Because -- according to creationism -- all species were specially created at virtually the same time, and did not gradually evolve from earlier forms:

1. There should be no transitional species.
2. There are most certainly no pre-human species.
3. There should be no evidence, whether in fossils or DNA, showing the chronological evolution of life.
4. There must surely be at least one species, and probably several, having no genetic similarities with any other life on earth.
5. The fossil record must show all kinds of species (such as dinosaurs and humans) living together at the same time.

I shall call these The Five Failed Predictions of Creationism.

In fairness to the creationists, although the first three have already been disproved (for example: #1 -- Transitional Vertebrate Fossils FAQ, #2 -- Human Ancestors, more #2 -- Comparison of all skulls, #3 -- Tree of Life Project ), the last two (#4 and #5) can't yet be considered to be totally failed predictions. All we can do is point out that the predicted evidence has not yet been discovered. Given the lack of actual research being conducted by creationists, it is unlikely to be discovered.

[PatrickHenry]

Yes, this is a shameless vanity post, but this is April Fool's Day, so the timing is right. We're in the Smokey Backroom, so feel free to say your piece.

[PatrickHenry]

Hot new crevo thread for April Fool's day.

[This ping list is for the evolution -- not creationism -- side of evolution threads, and sometimes for other science topics. To be added (or dropped), let me know via freepmail.]

[stanz]

It's been quiet on the crevo front lately. Will print for a later read.

[js1138]

I don't think creationism makes a positive statement about number four. But I am inclined to believe that the creator/designer inflicted a great deal of pain and suffering with his botched designs. They are remarkable bits of engineering -- no doubt about that -- but show no regard for the well being of individuals, as opposed to species.

[PatrickHenry]

I don't think creationism makes a positive statement about number four. [There must surely be at least one species, and probably several, having no genetic similarities with any other life on earth.]

True. But it's inferred. A weak inference, perhaps. If each species were a unique creation, there is no reason at all for each to be so similar to the others in their molecular structure.

[js1138]

They'd need to be similar so they could eat each other. No need, however to build this really neat branching tree of DNA.

[Lurking Libertarian]

Excellent post, with my usual caveat: the scientific evidence for evolution does not discredit the Bible, only the misguided attempt by some to read it as a hyper-literal science book.

My bottom line: God created man; evolution is currently our best guess as to how He did it.

[PatrickHenry]

They'd need to be similar so they could eat each other.

Yes, locally; but worldwide? Not even an island with an isolated ecosystem that's different from everything else? There's no creationist reason why a lion can eat animals from all over the globe.

[BMCDA]

Hmmm, an April Fool's day crevo thread...
Do do I have to post as a creationist now?

[PatrickHenry]

Do do I have to post as a creationist now?

As we are all Irish on St. Patrick's Day, so are we all creationists on April Fool's Day.

[BMCDA]

OK well, then let's see...

......calibrating.........

Evo flight // matrix ... OVERLORDS !

hop (( delusians )) -- skip (( reality )) -- jump (( science )) ---

hale bopp ... cargo // theocide cult !

EVO RULE -- SCHLOCK ... rubber rule !

[js1138]

You do a much better imitation than I do.

[BMCDA]

Yeah, I can cut&paste at least as good as f-dott, n'est-ce pas? ;^D

[js1138]

I made the mistake of trying to appear rational. I was in a hurry to post before the blue tide arrived.

[Doctor Stochastic]

You could have quoted line noise and gotten a similar effect.

[PatrickHenry]

I was in a hurry to post before the blue tide arrived.

The creationists are not on my ping list. You can summon them to the thread if you wish. This is the day for it.

[metacognative]

According to christian theology, this world has been running down since the Fall. I see evidence of this all day and no evidence of building upwards.
I wish my house work would evolve!

[jennyp]

According to christian theology, this world has been running down since the Fall. I see evidence of this all day and no evidence of building upwards.

But if the 2LoT was a side effect of the Fall, then does that mean it wasn't in effect before the Fall? Wouldn't that fundamentally change chemistry, just for starters? Would biology even be possible without the 2LoT? I mean, wouldn't people spontaneously combust?

Or, would dust spontaneously clump together & break into song?

(This could get interesting!)

[gomaaa]

Evolution is a vile communist plot! Creationism is the only possibility! There is TONS of evidence backing this up. HORDES of scientists are seeing the light and rushing to confirm what I've known all along!

I am secretly a creationist and have been POSING as a reasonable human being just to infiltrate your ranks and get on you ping lists! Now I can reveal the truth, for we will surely WIN and TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!!

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!!!!

[tpaine]

>>>>>>BACK-BREAKING-NEWS<<<<<<
Interesting E-mail from Jim Robinson
Address:http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/backroom/882225/posts?page=4