Instead of endlessly bickering over which theory is correct, why not just consider teaching neither theory in public schools? I don't want the children of an atheist (or agnostic, or Buddhist, or Taoist, or worshipers of the ten-thousand foot tinman/Jelly-Bean monster - or whatever) being taught that life came about by intelligent design, because that would be offensive and contradictory to what the parent has most likely already taught the child. And I don't want evolution being taught to my children, because it contradicts what I have been teaching them since they've learned to talk. Since it's such a touchy subject for so many people, why has nobody ever just considered to wipe that it from the classroom agenda and discuss other (and more important/relevant) areas of science? Matters of such importance to the parents might just happen to be better taught by *gasp* the parents...and not some biased science teacher! Now, there's a thought! I understand the sheer joy of carrying on a thread for the sole purpose of trying to belittle & discredit the opponent, but usually it ends the second time the original argument gets brought up again...and in the exact same context. Beyond that, it's just monotonous bickering, as I mentioned before. It was certainly a fun thread to read in the beginning, but now I'm beginning to wonder who will have the prescience of knowing how this will all end up. (i.e. - everyone frustrated with everyone else because absolutely no points are getting across to the other party.)

With all due respect to the primary contributors of this thread, you guys (and gals?) are getting nowhere with your arguments, and are just touting how well each other can quote, well...each other! This isn't a debate...it's just a battle of witty comebacks! You seem so educated, but can't seem to grasp the fact that in 10,000 posts from now...this is just going to end up a stalemate. Which, actually, already happened during each of your first responses. You each need to smoke a bowl, or drink a glass of wine, or do whatever it is you do to "zone out", then come back and really put some thought into what you're trying to prove. By that time, you'll be quasi-inebriated and may just finally see the humor in all this incessant jabbering!

Peace, love & mutual understanding to all of you wily debunker'ers! :hippy:

-Mr. C