I'm just curious to see why people actually believe that science rules everything and why we as humans still know pretty much nothing? Seriously though, the theory that I evolved from a monkey is pretty rediculous to me. I actually feel like humans have a bigger purpose than just living, destroying earth, dying and then nothing. Do you believe that science is the explanation for everything? Did we just come about because of a "big boom" and then monkeys and then humans?

Scientists never specifically stated that we were just here to destroy, live, and die. Some of them have their own creationist theories...intelligent design and all that...that God created the world, but gave them the ability to turn human.

I think our ancestors aren't necessarily the "monkeys" you see in the zoo and such, but perhaps different kinds of beings. Have you heard how similar our DNA maps are? It's crazy to think that we are about 99% similar. And you say we aren't evolved from them...well, if we're not evolved from them, then we definitely have some ancestry in common.

I believe in God, but I also think your beliefs can't rule out what Science has proven. Look at the Catholic church--for years they refused to believe the sun was the center of the solar system. Now tell me, how practical is that? It's not. And yet, they were proven wrong, time and time again, despite the fact that those who claimed otherwise they called heretics.

So see? Religion should not influence your scientific view of the world. There are some things the Bible and other documents never explain...and science explains them.

Besides, monkeys aren't as dumb as we like to paint them.

I do believe we have a higher purpose than just living. But denying everything that science is proving would be a show of ignorance.



As far as the big bang is concerned:
Do you know how the universe began? No one does. The big bang is just one way of explaining how things came into being. I mean, the universe hasn't always been around forever--and it's still expanding! Crazy, isn't it?

Besides, the people who create these theories are very intelligent and very respected. I think in order for any one of us to argue with them, we would need PhDs in Physics and science.



Another point about the monkeys:
All species on Earth are related to one another. We didn't just appear as animals--we started out as organisms. The organisms came out of the water and went on land. They adapted. I could go on, but I'm sure you see where I'm going. Different organisms evolved into different things. It wasn't an overnight process by any means--and after millions of years, here we are.


Now if you can explain why the dinosaurs are gone, I would love to hear a theory on that.

Karin

Well I actually don't try to make up theorys like all these highly respected and intelligent scientists do. Not only scientists do that though. A lot of people like to make up stories to satisfy themselves. Not me, I want the truth. I know a lot of people find the truth by making up these stories, but I'm going to leave it up to them.

A lot of things that science explains is in the bible. Just because the catholic church and I'm sure tons of other religions were proven wrong by science doesn't really mean anything to me because how often do they open their bible and study it? Or how often did these religions just go right along and make up their own beliefs that aren't even in the bible? You could use every religion you could possibly find to fight your argument, but I'm not concerned with it. You're probably right about these religions.

You say you would need a PhD in Physics and science to try and argue with these very intelligent men. I disagree. How would these scientists explain Noah's Ark being found right where it was supposed to be found as said in the bible? How do they explain ancient (lets just call it a tabloid) that they found in Egypt about all the plagues? Or how they found really old chariot wheels not in the red sea but a little further down? How does science explain people who get posessed? You don't think that truly happens to people? If you don't you should be in for a rude suprise. How does science explain how the weegie board moves all by itself? So if you can make up a theory about those things I'd love to hear it.

I have to say that I think everyone knows the story of evolution, but thankyou anyways for explaining it. So about how you said you can't rule out science with your beliefs. You're right. If you actually read the bible, you'd see that a lot of things that science has proven is actually in there. And if you believe in God like you said you do, then you would know that our ancestors aren't monkeys because where did Adam come from? Dust. Where did eve come from? His rib. Evolution doesn't fit so if you believe in this than you are in all reality taking God out of the picture.

So you think science explains things? A lot of times it does and a lot of times it's just a very intelligent story that mislead you. Monkey's aren't as dumb as we paint them? Are you saying that you have the intelligence of a monkey? I definitly think you're a lot smarter than a monkey. So am I saying that their dumb? No.

Quote: A lot of people like to make up stories to satisfy themselves.

Are you referring to scientists? Their theories actually come from years and even decades of research. They don't just make up stories out of thin air. I think you might have confused science with religion.

Scientists never said we descended from monkeys. We share 99% of our genes with a chimp, which is an ape, not a monkey. Either way, I think you are oversimplifying the whole discipline. Scientists say that the DATA SHOWS that we MIGHT have had a common ancestor. Many people misinterpret this to mean that our great-great-great grandparents were "monkeys."

What's your proof that Noah's Ark was found? The Ouija board hasn't moved for me, so I have nothing to say about that.

yeager,

I am sure others will come by to attempt to help you out here, but I suspect your mind is actually made up and no amount of evidence will convince you otherwise. There's an internet adage "don't feed the trolls," but I am going to ignore it for a second.

Your ancestors are not monkeys... you, and all humans, can trace our lineage back over millions of years to a point where there is a common ancestor for us and other primates (chimps, monkeys, gorillas). This is well documented by fossil, genetic, and geographic evidence. There is NO evidence against it. From that common ancestor you can trace back to a common ancestor with all other mammals, go farther back and you'll find a common ancestor with all other living things.

Evolution does not occur in the fashion that modern species "evolve" into other modern species. It is also not the case that one day a chimpanzee has a baby that is an entire different species than itself. Evolution occurs gradually and relentlessly. Of course you have to be willing to accept the Earth is billions of years old... if you don't accept that, then we really can't have a conversation.

Finally, Noah's Ark has not been, and likely will not be found. Science has perfectly reasonable explanations for all of your challenges. I am not going to explain them all to you because google and the library exist.

By the way, science and religion does not have to be a dichotomy, and it is naive to believe in only one, rigid "truth."

I, for one, believe in what can be proven with empirical evidence. The rest I consider "up in the air."

Gregor Mendel, the first person to study genetics, was an Augustinian monk who taught science. We really need to open our minds.

If I can see it, smell it, taste it, touch it..then it must be real...right? I work in the medical field and I do believe in evolution. That is what "I" believe. I do not knock or disrespect how others think, feel or believe. In my education and medical coursework, Chemistry, Biology, MicroBiology etc. along with working in the ER and in Cancer centers, I have seen too much to believe otherwise.
I am fascinated by evolution and all the possibilities!
This is a great topic and as long as we respect one another and our individual beliefs we can have a great debate on this topic! Thank you for posting! :-)

For me, the big bang theory... is interesting... not necessarily a better explanation for the world than "Chaos" in greek mythology or God in most modern religions creating everything.

However, I do think that science and religion can go hand in hand, sure there was a big bang, and there was a God who came out of that or somehow brought it about, who knows. I don't think science can prove the big bang theory just as religions can't prove their beliefs. You can just choose for yourself, what sits right with you.

NOW for the monkey ancestry thing. I was looking into that at one point and modern scientists don't believe we descended from monkeys but that people and monkeys descended from the same original being. This I find much more acceptable, because I always thought... well, if we were descended from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?

I really can't see science coming up with an explanation for why we are here, but even if they do I think religions will always be able to stick to their beliefs and religion will live on as well.

As much as I am for the old internet adage, I must persist.

*First point: Scientists don't "just make up theories". They study the facts & come to conclusions. "Theories" are ideas that have been tested & have no right or wrong answer. "Hypotheses" are random guesses at what happened.

*I've been taking a Catholic class (not to become catholic...long story) but they understand the Bible must not be read literally. They don't know if the world was made in 7 human days. Nobody was around when the events in Genesis occurred.They're myths--BUT they serve a purpose:to say that God created everything,even people.
*And I do study my Bible,thank you.I've read it cover to cover.
*The Catholic religion takes its beliefs straight from the Bible. I used to think otherwise myself but was proven wrong.

*I don't take tabloids seriously. It's impossible when they say the world will end every year & Obama has a gay lover. One should learn to take such stories with a grain of salt and common sense.

*Possessed people--I prefer to call them "crazy", schizo, etc. Never seen an exorcism done either.
*Also,Ouija board--you misspelled it,first of all. Secondly, I have yet to see one move. However,that files under "supernatural", not evolution.

*As far as Adam and Eve are concerned...again,we can't take Genesis literally. These stories in Genesis were written well after these "events" occurred. I'm sure Satan probably tempted Eve & caused humanity to fall. However,if you read a bit further,when Cain kills his brother,he is exiled to another land. He is afraid the people there will kill him. Now,if Eve is the mother of everything,then why--when she had only 2 sons--are there other people in the land where Cain is banished to? You see,there is a discrepancy.

*I believe in God & that Jesus died as a sacrifice to cleanse us of sin. All the rest of the facts are minor.I don't think God will condemn me if I don't take Genesis literally. God gave us brains for a reason--to think & not act like "sheeple".

Monkey's aren't as dumb as we paint them? Are you saying that you have the intelligence of a monkey? I definitly think you're a lot smarter than a monkey. So am I saying that their dumb? No.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by this. You use "their" when it should be "they're",& Monkeys doesn't need an apostrophe--nothing belongs to them in the first sentence there.
Also, you misspelled definitely.

See? I guess I am smarter than a monkey after all.

Science and religion often clash. I do believe that monkeys are similar to humans in many ways. How do they not know that monkeys evolved from humans. I think everything was designed for a reason, and it has a purpose. Yet, science can be very helpful sometimes.

1st of all GO SLUGS... Do your research on Noah's Ark on google or in the library because you obviously havn't been informed. And thank you for explaining evolution to me, but these days those things are taught in elementary school and on and on from there so really there is no more need to try and explain what it is. I fully understand. And about the Earth being around for billions of years... Thankyou for thinking I don't know that. Here's something for you to learn: "The ark rested upon the mountains of Ararat" Genesis 8:4... "and this is how you will make it: 300 cubits the length, 50 cubits its width, and 30 cubits its height" Genesis 6:15... Noah's Ark is in Turkey on Mount Ararat and the government recognizes it as Noah's Ark National Park and National Treasure. Check it out

I just want to say to everyone that I'm not against evolution. HIV evolves all the time and that's why scientists can't find a cure. I am against the theory that humans evolved from whatever animal they evolved from. I do believe in God's creation and the book of Genesis is simple to understand. Just like people prove things in Science every day, things are proven about the bible. Probably not as often because not that many people search for the answers anymore. Sodom and Gomorrah has been found with the most pure sulphur they've ever found and they found the sulphur in what looks just like rain drops. Noah's ark has been found. This ancient... not tabloid... that was the wrong word... but anient piece of stone that the Pharoah carved or his servant carved about the Israelites and the plagues has been found. Really old chariot wheels found at the bottom of the sea where Moses parted it. Plus people do get posessed. There is so much proof that there is a God and that the bible is the truth.

I take it you're a Ron Wyatt follower? He's an amateur archaeologist who claimed to have found chariot wheels, Sodom and Gomorrah's ruins, Tower of Babel, etc., but he has not been vetted by the academic or scientific community, nor have any of his claims have not even been proven. I suppose I can go around and say I found an elf skeleton in my backyard, but it really doesn't automatically make it true:

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/c/chariot-wheels.htm

Yeager,

I've seen this before and I'm sure, sadly, I'll see it again.

Let me ask you to explain something. If the story of the flood is true, and two of every animal were on Noah's Ark when it landed on Mt. Ararat and all the animals were let loose to re-populate the earth. How do you explain the geographic distribution of animals across the globe.

Why did all the penguins go South and none went north? Why did only marsupial mammals decide to make the trek to Australia? If all types of animals were released from Mt. Ararat, should we not see a decrease in diversity of species in concentric circles surrounding the landing place of the Ark?

Why does the distribution of animals across the globe match pretty much exactly what would would expect with evolution and plate tectonics and not at all what you would expect with the Bible story?

You say you think evolution applies to other animals, but not us? God designed us in a perfect image? Why do internal structures of our body resemble those of other mammals in the way that non-random natural selection predicts, including seemingly in-efficient features such as the ridiculous route taken by the recurrent laryngeal nerve? Why are the light sensing cells on the retina of the human eye seemingly installed backwards leading to a blind spot in our vision? Wouldn't and intelligent designer have put them on properly?

The answer to all these questions is simple: relentless non-random natural selection over millions of years leading to the gradual modification and segmentation of species from a common ancestor.

If the original question is referring to the theory of evolution, then your wrong. Darwin never actually stated human beings, homo sapiens, evolved from monkeys. Rather, Darwin suggested two main ideas in his book the Origin of Species: Survival of the fittest, and natural section. Taken into account, the theory is that, given numerous common physical and physiological characteristics we share, including skeleton, organs, and brain development, many people have gone the extra mile to assume that homo sapiens evolved from a common ancestor as "monkeys". Personally, I believe the idea is quite plausible. From a religious standpoint, how does the theory of evolution contradict all religion and the idea of a greater existence for mankind? In fact, would not the complicated and miniscule chances that have shaped the development of our species add to our importance? Out of all the complexities of nature, have we not emerged as the only self-aware species? Looking at the complex web of events, I see no way to not believe in our species importance and destiny.

Dear Religious Nutbag,
Please provide me a link to the pictures of the Ark as it stands now in Turkey. If it is not too much trouble, please also provide links to unadultered pictures of the other religious relics you claim exist.

Sincerely,
Skeptical person who actually has a thought process.

While I'm not gonna be as direct as eyeswideshut, I did go and look up some of this stuff, especially the noah's ark thing. There are just a bunch of weird photos of a ridge, and something that looks vaguely manmade but could be a rock. And the sites I've found say it has aluminum and titanium fittings. Titanium wasn't even discovered until 1791, and only in an impure form at that. Did noah have a modern smithy working for him? If the real noah's ark had been found, even 15000 feet up on a mountain, do you think that a huge community of beleiveres wouldn't already be up there making a shrine or something? I think that solid proof of one of the greatest stories in the world would make a bit more of a splash than me finding it on collegenet.
Also, how can you say scientists are only making up little stories to satisfy themselves when they've spent their lives looking for any sort of truth, and you read a book? And every peice of research we do on your claims shows that everyone thinks this stuff was a fraud except the sites with phrases like "prayerfully" and "satan is confusing the unbeleivers by hiding this find from the news" and such? At the very least try to be open to discussion, nobody on this site takes well to being lectured at, especially when you've not earned their respect yet. If you have an opinion or a belief come at us as an open minded, empathetic adult who will listen and truly consider what we have to say, not an E-priest trying to shame us into a faith.
My grandfather was a pastor, and my other is a renowned scientist, weird I know. I can believe in both and the universe doesn't collapse, and I'll admit there's a great deal I don't know.
The Bible is a story, with some truth perhaps but it's main purpose, as any honest pastor will tell you, is to convey morals and belief through poetry.

YM:

Let me start off by explaining my own position on a few things. I'm agnostic, which is to say that I don't really have a defined stance on this. I say maybe we're all monkeys, and maybe we're all created in God's image, or maybe there's some other explanation. At this point, I don't feel that there's enough evidence to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, where we came from.

But, guess what?

Every monring, I get up, get dressed, eat a bowl of cereal, and get on with my life any way. I'm comfortable with not knowing. Comfortable enough that it seems ridiculous to argue over matters of faith over the internet with somebody that I've never met in person.

So, you're probably thinking: "Well, if you're not here to argue with me, why the hell are you writing this thing, any way?"

I'm writing to discuss a few salient points. The first is called tolerance. Sure, you're probably more enlightened than the rest of us, and sure, you're probably going to heaven, where the angels sing all day, and the sun never sets, and the streets are paved with gold, and yadda, yadda, yadda....

...And sure, the rest of us, (even apparently, Karin, who to the best of my knowledge is still a practicing Christian, even if she has misgivings...) are definitely going straight to hell, where we will burn for an eternity along with Hitler, Jimi Hendrix, and that crazy guy who suggested that the Earth was not in fact, the center of the universe...

--But, is there any reason that you have to come to our peaceful little patch of internet real estate, to rile things up with your religiously zealous trollery?

Sure, we enjoy spirited debate. We've even had some particularly good ones about religion, and the soul, and metaphysics, and epistemology. And, I even remember a particularly argumentative forum discussing the merits of chunky peanut butter. But, I can assure you, that NOBODY on this site, (or in real life) enjoys being talked down to, even by a person as enlightened as yourself.

And, I'm not saying that you're not entitled to your own opinion. I am, above all, a libertine, and I feel that everyone is entitled to say pretty much what they will, even to the extent of offending me. All that I'm asking is that you tone it down a little. Maybe a little less argumentative? (And, dare I say -- a little less self righteous?)

There are certainly problems with the theory of evolution, but while those problems are concerning there is plenty of evidence that supports it as well.

Take, for example, Lucy. Lucy is the oldest Hominid fossil ever found, dated to 3.2 million years ago. This date is based on a carbon dating system that is indisputably accurate, at least to an extent. Lucy is not a Homo Sapien, however her skeletal structure closely resembles that of you and me. Whatever she was is extinct today, but the close resemblance to humans is unmistakable. Of course, it would be impossible to prove that humans evolved directly from Lucy, or any of the other pre-human fossils that have been found, but it is a logical explanation. It would also be logical to say that God put these pre-humans on the Earth, but at least the evolution theory has hard evidence.

In addition, the bible estimates the age of the Earth to be 6000 years. We know that Ancient Mesopotamia existed longer ago than that, and the evidence that Lucy is 3.2 MILLION years old completely contradicts the bible, thus discrediting it.

To understand the possibility that Humans evolved from another animal, you have to realize the volatility of genetics. Genetic mutations have been proven to happen very easily. They happen in viruses and bacteria all the time. MRSA, that bacteria that caused a scare a few years ago, is a mutation (an evolution) of the staff bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. A genetic mutation on the scale of a bacteria can happen very quickly. Evolution on the human scale is a combination of many of these small mutations spread out over millions of years. 3.2 million years is an unfathomable amount of time, and at least the possibility that a significant evolution could happen in that time needs to be respected. I'm not saying that it is definitely true. I'm just saying that the evidence suggests that it is very possible.

Thanks for hearing me out.

Hey you guys, if anybody is being lectured here it has been me ever since I posted this. I'm not stupid so I was pretty insulted when some people were telling me that the world has been around for billions of years and if you don't know that then we shouldn't talk or how some people kept explaining evolution. I said it twice and this is the third time. I know what it is. When "eyeswideshut" called me a religous nutbag I have to admit I laughed. It was pretty funny and very insulting but that's alright. I'm sorry if I offended you guys. I didn't think I was being rudely argumentative but if you feel that way than I'll definitly tone it down a bit. I was just trying to defend my case. I truly do not believe that anyone on this forum is going to hell and I really don't believe I'm so righteous. I did not mean to come off that way so sorry for insulting you guys. You had some pretty good arguments. I learned a few things I never knew so all of your comments were very much appreciated. I still believe that Noah's Ark has been found and I still believe in all the other religous proof that has been discovered. I've seen the videos. If you want to see them then seek and you shall find. Those who wanted the link seemed to just want it to create an argument about it and so you can go ahead and look for it yourself if you truly do want to know about it. If you think it's a scam then that's fine. I also still disagree with what science says about humans evolving from whatever we supposedly evolved from. And that's the end of it. I will now let you guys keep arguing this matter. Have a great debate. Goodbye

In the least disrespectful way possible I would have to be honest and say that my opinion on the matter is that I don't really care either way.

It is at least slightly possible that we didn't come what we view now as monkeys and even if we did I will have to go back to South Park when I think that the big bang and evolution could just as well be the answer to how and not the answer to why.

The bible is extremely vague in the creation of everything. How am I to know that evolution isn't how God created us from the earth?

The big bang could have very well have been what it looked like when God punched the primal soup that was EVERYTHING in the face!

I dunno. My faith in our crappy interpretations of what an all powerful being has to say is about as strong as my faith in a piece of spaghetti allowing me to repel off a mountain. The church had no problem with the intuition of slavery for hundreds of years. I don't believe that was the fault of God but our overconfidence in a few "religious leaders" to dictate to us what God says through the bible. Maybe faith in these people and even in our own interpretations of the bible does way more harm than good, especially when it comes to things as trivial as the mechanism of the creation of man.