Posted by Seeker [Seeker] on November 28, 1999 at 12:09:35 {hcnmikA.FkjQkQtcahuY79YAW9JMpc}:
In Reply to: *Questions for creationist posted by WorldlyWitness on November 28, 1999 at 11:52:27:
Part of the problem is, I don't buy all of the contentions of 'high critisism' regarding the Bible, the age of documents and authorship and WHEN they were written, especially the Gospels and Acts. There is absolutly too much pressure among academics to conform, to retain their 'reputations'.
I think you must be reading the wrong sources, for this academic conformity is not strong enough to prevent truth from emerging. It is a great thing for a scientist to discover something that violates the scientific status quo. Conformity be damned, this is exciting stuff to share and make a name for themself.
1) Why do we appreciate the esthetic?
Because it adds enjoyment to life and that helps us live healthier and longer lives. Value added, thus it stuck.
2) What 'evolutionary pressure' forced us to be anything more than present day apes are?
We did not descend from present day apes. What we did descend from had pressures that caused evolutionary changes that stuck. The apes, in their environment, did not face those pressures and thus had no need to make large-scale changes.
3) Why do we seem to have an inherent need to worship, evidence of all ancient and modern day tribes?
Consciousness and self-awareness. By knowing our future fate, we know we will die. Dying is unpleasant, and humans often face unpleasantness by inventing fantasies to escape within.
4) How did the great leaps between fish/amphibian/reptile/mammal occur and how much evidence is there of this?
Too long to answer here, but talk.origins talks about this extensively.
5) What force triggered the 'big bang'?
We don't know yet.
6) Does man now explain it all and positively rule out the existence of a Creator or explain ALL (alleged) examples of afterlife?
Of course not. It is always possible there was a Creator behind it all. But barring any concrete evidence for such, some choose not to believe. But if evidence shows up, why wouldn't they change their minds?
7) Why did not humans evolving in cold climates retain hair, have less heat loss through skin pores, thicker soles on the feet?
Surely a Siberian Tiger is more adapted to cold than a Burma tiger and vice versa? The same for species of bears? Why are there not large differences between human races?
Not familiar with this, so I'll just guess -- who says there weren't those differences back when it mattered?
Seeker