[net.origins] baloney

lew@ihuxr.UUCP (Lew Mammel, Jr.) (09/25/84)

Rich Hammond suggested that similar functions being performed by similar
molecules in distinct but similar animal/plant groups can be taken as
the outcome of a reasonble Creator's actions, as well as evidence of a
common origin.

This is ok as far as it goes, but there is a lot more to it. This broaches
the subject of homologous versus analagous organs, which Gould discusses in
"The Panda's Thumb".   Said thumb is actually a development of the wrist
bone.  It makes sense in an evolutionary theory since it developed after
the five digits were already in an advanced paw configuration. The 
opportunity for an opposing thumb had passed, and this wrist bone
development occurred instead.

Evolution provides a framework within which thousands of such anomalies
can be understood as part of a natural pattern. I don't think that
speculations on why the Creator made this sixth appendage out of the
homologue of the wrist bone, rather than just giving the the panda a
tried and true hand, can be counted as theory in the same way.

	Lew Mammel, Jr. ihnp4!ihuxr!lew

ethan@utastro.UUCP (Ethan Vishniac) (10/03/84)

[Meaningless verbiage]

>>Why didn't the creator use the SAME molecules for the same functions in
>>different criters (kinds or species). ...

>That's sounds very arrogant...
>Don't be so hasty to think that current scientific knowledge has the ultimate
>say on anything.  And if God is the author, how much more so.

This has been said before on this newsgroup, and needs to be said again.
Science can only accept hypotheses based on observations.  An omnipotent
being, with indecipherable motives, can do anything for any reason.
One can never conclude that creation by an omnipotent being at any
time *including yesterday* (or last hour) is impossible.  One can only
conclude that the evidence points toward an old Earth with evolving life.
If God can do anything he can certainly fake the evidence.

                         
"I can't help it if my     Ethan Vishniac
    knee jerks"         {charm,ut-sally,ut-ngp,noao}!utastro!ethan
                           Department of Astronomy
                           University of Texas
                           Austin, Texas 78712