[Mariner]

So, if they DO obtain enough DNA and successfully reconstruct Neanderthal DNA...how will it be reconciled by creationists?

I'm not being sarcastic, I'm genuinely curious. I assume it's already been discussed...and there's probably an answer that fits the dogma, I just don't know what it is.

[metmom]

So, if they DO obtain enough DNA and successfully reconstruct Neanderthal DNA...how will it be reconciled by creationists?

I'm not being sarcastic, I'm genuinely curious. I assume it's already been discussed...and there's probably an answer that fits the dogma, I just don't know what it is.

I haven't seen it addressed probably for the simple reason that this is the first I've seen it mentioned, that there was an effort to reconstruct the DNA. What would you consider that needs to be reconciled? Reconciled with what?

Personally, I think it's foolish, no matter what the creature. Since there's no way anyone can possibly KNOW for sure what the complete DNA from any fossil is, there's no way anyone can be sure that what they're getting is genuine. There's no knowing what damage might be done to the DNA in the process and what the consequences of THAT might be.

If the Neanderthal is a failed species, what's the point of trying to bring it back? What do they plan on doing with it?

[spetznaz]

When i was a kid i once remember being told by someone that dinosaur bones were 'planted by the devil' to discredit Christians. 15 or so years later there are Creation museums that state Adam lived and walked with dinosaurs, and for the most part dinosaurs are now accepted by most creationists (just that they lived with humans and didn't die out ages ago). This makes me believe that if Neanderthal DNA was remade then what would happen would be a brief period of statements that the DNA is false or faked, then a period of silence over the matter, and before long Neanderthal man would start appearing in creationist museums ....but as some sort of extinct ape. Or maybe it would be claimed that it was Niphilm (or similar). Or the type of people who lived before Noah.

Who knows? However i am sure a convenient answer would sooner or later be whittled out.

[WildcatClan]

I suppose they would need to create the DNA before they would feel a need to reconcile anything, if I understood what you were asking. I am not sure the reconstruction is an actual one and perhaps it will be in the form of a computer model?