Reply #9: I've never met anyone in person like that

[BurtWorm]

though I've had a few encounters with that sort on the Net. That's barely a nineteenth century--more like a medieval--mindset. It's very Lutheran, especially, to think scripture and commentary on scripture is more trustworthy on the subject of the age of the universe than the universe itself.

You've hit on why scientists try not to get into debates with creationists/IDers. Scientists are open to honest argument and examination of the evidence, so they don't come prepared for the curve balls creationists are very practiced at pitching. They're steeped in the lore--and they're very determined to appear to win the debate at any cost.

I did once almost get reluctantly pulled into a "debate" with a person who was adamantly opposed to stem cell research and who used a very similar method of just pouring on--and on and on--the "facts" against it. They just wear you down with words!

Welcome to DU, by the way! :toast: