"2) You regard as 'incorrect' my suggestion that the strict rigour of the
scientific method has been laid aside to accomodate this particular
theory [the scientific theory of biotic evolution, I take it (HVT)]. I
believe the facts speak for themselves. Consider, for example,
the matter of assessing geological age. Isn't this the way it's done:
a) Assume evolution is true.
b) The Earth must therefore be very old.
c) Ignore all evidence which suggests a 'young' Earth.
d) Make appropriate assumptions relating to geochronological dating
methods (e.g. uniformitarian conditions throughout life of Earth,
initial composition of rocks containing radioactive isotopes, etc).
e) Never publicly confess these assumptions.
f) Reject datings which 'don't fit' as 'aberrations' or 'anomalies'.
g) Project the impression of overall scientific activity by focussing
attention on the laboratory techniques of analysis and the 'men in white
coats'.
h) Arrange the fossils in 'proper' order - explaining the many anomalies
by invoking notions such as 'overthrusting', 'reworking', etc.
i) Advance the outcome - the 'geologic column' - as prime evidence for
evolution."
Vernon, having observed many of you recent postings, I cannot remain silent
any longer. Two questions:
1) Did you intend this post to be taken seriously as something that you
actually believe? If not, disregard what follows. If so, go on to question
#2.
2) Is this something that someone else told you or did you make it up
yourself? If you got this from someone else, you should question that
person's intellectual integrity.
In either case, what you have written above is absolute rubbish. There is
no "fact" in it. It is nothing more than a set of unfounded and vicious
accusations that conspiratorial dishonesty permeates the entire scientific
community (which, by the way, includes a large number of Christians).
Please cease from peddling this trash "with evangelical zeal" in the name
of Christ. It will serve only to keep people of intellectual integrity as
far from Christianity as they can possibly get.
Howard J. Van Till
Emeritus Professor of Physics
Calvin College