Cybersurf

Why did I choose evolution as a subject for a web site review program? Simply because there are so many good sites online arguing the issue from different perspectives. While there are many nuanced versions of each side of the argument, they can be broadly divided into two camps. Those who believe in evolution and those who don’t – that is the creationists. I am going to try really hard, not to reveal my position on the debate – the aim here is to share some ideas on where you can get information on the discussion.

Let’s start with the talkorigins.org web site. Although it is a web site, it is also a usenet newsgroup devoted to the discussion and debate of biological and physical origins. As the site says on the front page itself – and I quote: “Most discussions in the newsgroup centre on the creation/evolution controversy but other topics of discussion include the origin of life, geology, biology, catastrophism, cosmology and theology.” end of quote.

What is really useful about the talkorigins site is that real scientists provide answers to questions normally raised in the creation vs evolution debate.

Talkorigins.org is an excellent site if you are looking for good ammunition in plain easy to understand English.

On the other side of the debate, there is creationdesign.org and this too provides a wealth of ammunition if you are on the creationist side of the fence.

The front page has a beautiful photograph of a galaxy with the words Creation Ex Nihilo covering the centre. I presume it means that the galaxy was created out of nothing.

Down both sides of the front page are basic, yet provocative navigations bars carrying titles such as: Circuits; the Honey Bee, If you believe….; Chances and sixth sense; parade of impossibles and quotations:

All of this out to prove that evolution is impossible therefore a divine creator must have made all this.

Creationdesign dot org is certainly not a boring site.

Then if you go to the debatingChristianity.com web site you will find a whole host of interesting debates – and one of the most visited is of course the creationism versus evolution section.

One of the most interesting sites I found while researching this debate is called the Panda’s Thumb dot org. I will read out how the site describes itself:

The Panda's Thumb is the virtual pub of the University of Ediacara. The patrons gather to discuss evolutionary theory, critique the claims of the anti-evolution movement, defend the integrity of both science and science education, and share good conversation.

A virtual Pub – who would have guessed? But it is Australia.

And as we draw to the end of this week’s Cybersurf, let me remind you that I will post on the Cybersurf Blog – which you can find at Cybersurf.blogspot.com – a list of all the web sites mentioned in this program. I will also put up a few additional web addresses for those who wish to read further, and for those who want to add their voices to the debate – there is a comments section just waiting for you. Remember – Cybersurf.blogspot.com

And tomorrow in the weekly science slot, we’ll take a look at evolution in our schools. Should evolution be taught in schools – listen to the science feature on AM Live Tuesday Morning. Till next time, remember to keeeeeep on surfing.

Relevant Links:

Talk Origins
Debating Christianity and Religion
Creation Design
Where will the science vs. religion debate go next? - SciDev.net
Panda's Thumb
Teaching evolution in schools "not a priority" - Science in Africa
Origin of Species and Evolution - Wits University

// posted by Steven Lang @ 7:44 am