Michael Daly wrote:
On 16-Feb-2005, Scott Weiser wrote:

Nor do scientific principles DENY the existence of God.

Which is where the discussion ends for many scientists and such
institutions as the Catholic Church. Scientific principles can
neither prove nor disprove the existance of God. Fundies can't
deal with this concept. The Vatican (aided by the Jesuits you
seem to respect) stated this in the mid-nineteenth century after
a review of the "Galileo Affair".

There is a large
body of scholars who believe that the physical properties of the
universe,
combined with statistical probability, provide substantial evidence
of
intelligent design of the Universe.

It does not provide evidence of intelligent design. It certainly
does not
prove the existence of God.

A Bayesian would look at the probabilistic "evidence" and suggest
that
since the highly improbable has happened, their estimates are likely
wrong. Just because a bunch of fundies pull some numbers out of
their
asses and make claims, doesn't prove anything.

There is a large body of scientists and enthusiasts that support the
concept of a hydrogen economy, but a larger body that can show it
is mostly smoke and mirrors.

Hm. So, now any field of study that is "fringe" is not acceptable?
What ever
happened to academic freedom of inqiry?

There is also a significant proportion of the US population that
thinks
Elvis is still alive.

Mike

Mike, I knew that when I opened the can of worms at the start of this
particular discussion in this thread, that the discussion would get a
little intense. I have been watching your particular discussion with
Scott, and I certainly don't want to jump into the middle of your fun
and distract either of you. However if I could get a little of your
attention on the side, I would like to ask you a few questions. Though
I do not necessarily agree, I appreciate your perpective and your
intensity of thought, and thought process.

You apparently believe strongly in the scientific approach, and do not
believe that religion, and in particular Christianity has much to offer
the 21st century man. Is there any conceivable reason that you would
change your mind about God, Christianity, etc. In other words is your
mind closed, or open to the possibility that there is a God, and what
is your basis for coming to this conclusion. In particular, I would
like to know your personal scientific experience in coming to your
conclusions.

It is easy to throw around the Cat. Ch. and the Jesuits, and things
that happened hundreds of years ago. I wasn't there, nor you, so it is
hard to know what was really going on, or interview those scientist
that were there at the time. And similarily, today I can only interview
you. You are the scientist of today in my experience, so I hope you can
entertain my little fantascy, and share your insight and personal
observations that you base your personal philosophy. Respectfully TnT