Re: YEC literature [was Re: RATE Vol. II]

>
> To all of you, a request: what are the most salient points do you think
> one should make in writing an essay that presents and then critiques the YEC
> message? Such feedback would be most helpful

I think it's useful to have some simple examples of self-contradiction (e.g.,
Huse, The Collapse of Evolution, claims that the sequence of organisms in
the geologic column is a) a lie invented by evolutionists b) explained by
differential escape ability from the flood c) explained by successive
innundation of different environments) and clear scientific error (e.g., the
moon dust argument and the dishonest AIG retraction, which claims that the
retraction is based on YEC consideration of new data when the cited source
clearly shows that persistant citation of old data, including the totally
inadequate evidence in the original YEC claim, by old-earth advocates was
the cause; also, AIG-affiliated speakers and the ICR website still had the
moon dust argument after the AIG retraction).
However, the critical issue is Biblical interpretation. Discussion of what
a Christian approach ought to be with regard to science and of the proper
interpretation of Scripture will be necessary to show that you are coming
from a Biblical position. Once that is established, it may then be possible
to effectively raise concerns about bad science.

Related to this is the bad theology common in antievolutionary propaganda,
such as god of the gaps arguments, making a particular view on the time and
means of creation as necessary if not sufficient for salvation, etc.

-- 
Dr. David Campbell
425 Scientific Collections
University of Alabama
"I think of my happy condition, surrounded by acres of clams"