From:    Brian Kolacy
To:      Raoul Newton                           Apr-30-94 17:53:10
Subject: stuff

RN> BK~> Sure! Make an erroneous assertation reagrding evolution
RN> BK~> first, and I will attempt to refute it:)

RN>        How can i make an erroneous statement about a piece of
RN>fiction that changes every time another speaks ?

Yeah, that's a good one.  Admittedly I was looking for something more
specific, but your assertion that evolution is fiction will do just
fine.  Consider what Stephen J. Gould, a professor at Harvard who
teaches geology, biology and the history of science, has to say about
evolution being both a theory and a fact:

     "Well, evolution is a theory.  It is also a fact.  And facts and
theories are different things, not rungs in a hierarchy of increasing
certainty.  Facts are the world's data.  Theories are structures of
ideas that explain and interpret facts.  Facts do not go away while
scientists debate rival theories for explaining them.  Einsteins's
theory of gravitation replaced Newton's, but apples did no suspend
themselves in mid-air pending the outcome.  And human beings evolved
from apelike ancestors whether they did so by Darwin's proposed
mechanism or by some other, yet to be discovered. (Gould, 254)

Evolution is not, as you say, fiction.  Do not let your theology blind
you to the realities of nature.  You can, if you wish, propose a
hypothesis that explains the mechanisms of evolution that is more in
keeping with your theology...perhaps it will attain the status of theory
someday, for, as Gould says, there may be another mechanism, yet to be
discovered.  I have yet to see a mechanism that requires a supernatural
force that was valid, but I'd like to see your efforts.

How much have you read on the subject of evolutionary theory?  I would
be interested to see a list of your reference material.  Who are the
people that have influenced you on the subject, and your ideas about the
change of evolution?  What are their credentials with regards to
evolutionary biology?

Bibliography

Gould, Stephen Jay.  1983. _Hen's Teeth and Horses's Toes: Further
Reflections in Natural History_

Cheers!
     Brian C. Kolacy