12 posts tagged “intelligent design”

The more I see Ben Stein in these interviews, the more I understand the term: talking points.

New Scientist has a great piece on evolution myths and misconceptions.

Looks like one of the interviews in the movie Expelled was made with a person who has made anti-semitic comments in the past.  But don't worry -- you should just look past that in the argument they are making against Darwinism.

Creationists know the bible.  They read it, they can recite passages on the spot, and they look to the world to reinforce what is said in this book.  Kind of like people looking at events in the world trying to prove that Nostradamus was a soothsayer.

Here is a creationist discovering (via journal article) a symbiont relationship between a bioluminescent bacterium (Vibrio fishera) and a certain species of squid.  And it somehow reinforces a.) god and b.) intelligent design.

...not only is biophotonic design evidence for a clearly seen creation (Romans 1:20), but the Hawaiian bobtail squid in particular provides the creation scientist with a possible original benign function for disease-causing bacteria. Truly, God's creation declares--and reflects--His glory (Psalm 19:1).

PZ Myers has a classic response about this post.  Here is an excerpt:

Bacteria secrete all kinds of interesting stuff; in this case, Vibrio is pumping out a peptidoglycan, a pretty common class of molecules with diverse functions. It is not a sign of intent that similar molecules can regulate cell growth or cause symptoms of disease; rather, it tells us something about the flexibility of proteins and the variety of effects they can have in different contexts. The lesson of Darwin is that unguided natural processes have the ability to generate complex functionality, so it takes more than just showing complexity and function to demonstrate purpose. Creationists don't understand that at all, so they keep whining "it's complex!" as if they have brought up an irrefutable argument for design, when they've done no such thing.

Zing!

So let's look at Romans 1:20...

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

But you know what -- I always hate looking at something out of context, so let's also add Romans 1:18 and 19...

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Oh, okay...  I see it.  From these passages, I do see evidence for a "clearly seen creation" umm, like, totally reinforced by "biophotonic design."  Holy squid feces!  It was there right in front of me the entire time...  (Squid eye roll)

Let us recap...

Two organisms working together for their greater good.  Check.  One is bioluminescent.  Check.  Very vague bible references.  Check.  And check.  A seemingly complex biological system that infers that all bacteria possessed a "benign function" probably around the time when all dinosaurs were herbiovores.  Check.  So carry the two.  Don't forget to cross out the units...

Wow!  There it is... proof that God exists and designed the whole thing to boot!  And let us not forget that the bible totally spelled it out for us.  (Because if it didn't, the house of cards that creationists build would fall like a half eaten apple)

Bible lesson of the day:  The next time you eat calamari (or any other seafood for that matter)... a.) hope that it is properly cooked because Vibrio *can* be deadly (toxins are something else Vibrio is known to produce) and b.) know that the wrath of God will strike you down for your wickedness, you silly evolutionist...

Part of the premise of the movie Expelled is this thought of linking evolution and the Nazi Holocaust.  PZ Myers had an outstanding post on this today.  Here is an excerpt:

Darwin's real contribution, the one that had everyone smacking themselves in the forehead and wondering why they didn't think of it first, was the realization that the natural environment does the killing — that natural selection shapes heredity. The idea of culling populations is not only so easy that a hate-mongering cretin can think of it, but that weather, bacteria, viruses, parasites, predators, etc. have been doing it for eons, with no intelligence required, and that mindless microorganisms have been far greater agents of hereditary change than the worst the Nazis ever accomplished; does Charles Darwin also get the blame for that? Darwin realized that the environment has consequences and can shape the generation-by-generation passage of hereditary traits in populations, and that examination of the natural world reveals that it has been doing exactly that. He realized that ubiquitous forces that are so simple we take them for granted have been quietly and slowly sculpting our heredity since the beginning of life on earth.

When clueless creationists argue that Darwin led to Hitler, or worse, throw away buckets of money making elaborate propaganda films arguing such nonsense, it's worse than inane. It's as if they have completely missed the point of the idea they are damning.

Myers hits the nail straight on the head -- they have completely missed the point.

The argument of Hitler and the Holocaust is a deflection of the true merits of the theory of natural selection and evolution.  It does not argue against the biological theory and mechanisms of evolution; it only serves to demean Darwinism somehow associating it with one of the greatest human tragedies in some sort of twisted religious perversion.

If this is all they have to show up "big science" -- excuse me while I upregulate my humor pathways.  Here comes the chuckle...

Richard Dawkins posted his take on the Expelled fiasco.

Seemingly oblivious to the irony, Mathis instructed some uniformed goon to evict Myers while he was standing in line with his family to enter the theatre, and threaten him with arrest if he didn't immediately leave the premises. Did it not occur to Mathis -- what would occur any normally polite and reasonable person -- that Myers, having played a leading role in the film, might have been welcomed as an honoured guest to watch it? Or, more cynically, did he not know that PZ is one of the country's most popular bloggers, with a notoriously caustic wit, perfectly placed to set the whole internet roaring with delighted and mocking laughter? I long ago realised that Mathis was deceitful. I didn't know he was a bungling incompetent.

Dawkins goes on to write what he thought of the film.  A good read and very insightful.

Seriously?

The best line:  "All fossils are usually rather boring because they are piles of dead things."

HT: Friendly Atheist

Just more proof that the ID crowd behind this Expelled movie are just a bunch of dishonest fools.

Mark Mathis, the associate producer of the film, happened to be there as well. He hosted a Q&A session at the end of the film, and as we all can imagine, it had to be extremely surprising to see Richard Dawkins stand up in the center of the audience and ask, “Why, when he was featured in your film, when the entire theme of your film was free speech and oppression, did you EXPELL my friend and colleague Dr. PZ Myers from the viewing tonight?”

Zing...

This movie isn't about having a debate obviously.  It is about propaganda.

The NY Times has picked up the story as well.

Mr. Mathis said in an interview that he had confronted Dr. Dawkins in the question and answer period after the screening and that Dr. Dawkins withered. “These people who own the academic establishment and who have great friends in the media — they are not accustomed to having a level, open playing field,” Mr. Mathis said. “I watched a man who has been a large figure, an imposing figure, I watched this man shrink in front of my eyes.”

That is not how Dr. Dawkins recalls it. He said Mr. Mathis said “enemies” were attempting to interfere with the film.

“It is impossible to imagine what Mathis is afraid of,” Dr. Dawkins said. “It is impossible to credit such bungling and inept public relations.”

Classic.  I guess if you can't stand up to your "enemies" with logical argument, well you can hold them at the gate.  And in this case, near the popcorn stand of a theater exclusively showing comedies.

After watching the trailer for Ben Stein's new movie, I just shake my head.

After reading this, I laugh out loud.

If I were so hell bent on my beliefs, I wouldn't be afraid of the other voice watching my movie...