MadSci Network: Evolution
Query:

Re: A Creationist Has A Problem with the Process of Thermodyanmics

Date: Wed Nov 22 15:49:17 2000
Posted By: Neil Saunders, Research fellow
Area of science: Evolution
ID: 974134468.Ev
Message:

Hi Phil,
Thanks for the question. A lot of creationists have trouble with thermodynamics, largely because they wilfully choose either to misunderstand it or to misquote it to suit their arguments.

Well, it's obvious that raw energy alone isn't enough to spontaneously form a building from bricks. But an intelligent source isn't required to instigate it-what's required is the appropriate molecular machinery to convert sunlight into useful work. In that particular case, the appropriate molecular machinery is a builder. Then we come to the question of how did the builder arise, so we can see that the "lumber and bricks" analogy is neither helpful nor clever.

I'm going to direct you to the 2 sources that I always use when creationism arguments come up. First, the Talk.origins archive, which has a wealth of material pertaining to the debate. Look in the FAQ section and you'll find pages concerning the 2nd law argument. Second, a more forceful point of view can be found at No Answers in Genesis, but you'll find good explanation s of the 2nd law there too.

At the end of the day though, creationism is about irrational belief, not science. These are people who will tell you that black is white if it suits their standpoint, so enjoy the argument!

Neil Saunders


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