This is where folks like Coyne screw up and corrupt their own science. They make the leap from theoretical science in saying that science has disproved a tautology and that there would always be irreconcilable differences between science(esp. evolution) and religion. The arguements for the existence of God is a tautology; while there might be some plausible arguements for it, there is no way to prove the notion testable true or false.
Where logical scientific thinking falls apart, are pre-biased assumptions that any tautologous notion must automatically be presumed “FALSE!”.
True scientific logical methodology if adhered to correctly, can not make detirminations on the truth or falsity on the existence of God or even as to his influence on the development of life on the Earth. For any scientist to declare that there is no God based on evolutionary investigation and accepted “scientific” thought would be tantemount to this person leaving the realm of science to set up shop as a sooth saying sophist and palm reader!
Tautology, the needless repetition of a thought or concept using different words, is a methodology used by both sides when lacking a real understanding of the either or both sides of the argument. Although it is fun to debate one’s position, I hold little hope of making converts.Faith cannot be scientifically defined, proven, or quantified and a lack of faith can not be comprehended by the faithful.