You suggest there is a concerted effort by pro-evolution groups to discredit intelligent design theory by linking it to creationism. In fact, such linking doesn't take any effort at all. The website you mention is run by the Discovery Instutute and Center for Science and Culture - well-known as Christian conservative think-tanks:
Personally, I think the Discovery Institute and Center for Science and Culture are trying to confuse people into thinking that intelligent design is some sort of "universal" concept. It's not. I'd like to see a list of members and/or sponsors for these entities who are not Judeo-Christians. I suspect such a list would be very small indeed - if one could be compiled at all.
Intelligent design, therefore, is championed by a narrow group of people who are "certain" they know the designer's identity. And if that isn't creationism, I don't know what is.
This is a debate that may never have a solution. There will always be people who don't believe in a supreme being or force. And, there will always be people who, by virtue of generations worth of indoctrination (aka brainwashing) that starts in early childhood (before people are allowed to attain independent rational thought processes), will choose to believe in cosmic poobahs sitting on golden thrones "up there" - constantly at battle with hobgoblins "down there."
Personally, I think childhood indoctrination into ANY belief scenario that doesn't pass muster using the scientific method of "proof" is a form of child abuse. And well-intentioned abuse is still abuse.
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Arlene,
You suggest there is a concerted effort by pro-evolution groups to discredit intelligent design theory by linking it to creationism. In fact, such linking doesn't take any effort at all. The website you mention is run by the Discovery Instutute and Center for Science and Culture - well-known as Christian conservative think-tanks:
http://tinyurl.com/d4tvch
Personally, I think the Discovery Institute and Center for Science and Culture are trying to confuse people into thinking that intelligent design is some sort of "universal" concept. It's not. I'd like to see a list of members and/or sponsors for these entities who are not Judeo-Christians. I suspect such a list would be very small indeed - if one could be compiled at all.
Intelligent design, therefore, is championed by a narrow group of people who are "certain" they know the designer's identity. And if that isn't creationism, I don't know what is.
This is a debate that may never have a solution. There will always be people who don't believe in a supreme being or force. And, there will always be people who, by virtue of generations worth of indoctrination (aka brainwashing) that starts in early childhood (before people are allowed to attain independent rational thought processes), will choose to believe in cosmic poobahs sitting on golden thrones "up there" - constantly at battle with hobgoblins "down there."
Personally, I think childhood indoctrination into ANY belief scenario that doesn't pass muster using the scientific method of "proof" is a form of child abuse. And well-intentioned abuse is still abuse.