SnT-I will try to field these in the order asked.

True for the present day situation. However, all matter in the universe in "star stuff" to include, of course, the matter that comprises our solar system.

I don't know this for a certainty. But there are only 2 processes, biotic or abiotic (I like binary problems - keeps the math simple :D). We stipulated, earlier, that these molecules did not arise from life (biotic). Experimental evidence shows that they do not necessarily need to arise from life.

and Even though the number may be large (but much smaller than you are suggesting, I think) it is still finite. The opportunities for catastrophic annihilation are infinite even if the manner of such events are limited.

and No! To the best of my knowledge there is no evidence that if life arises that it must evolve into intelligent life. Moreover, the cynic would argue that the arrival of intelligent life will ultimately result in its self-destruction. Some days I believe there is a lot of truth to that point of view.

And you have just made my case, our knowledge is limited and that is our mission as humans - pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Again, two different things, having knowledge is meaningless and even dangerous without corresponding understanding.

Hope that was clarifying. [Just the opinions of a FOG]

http://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Big-Ba...d+the+big+bang

Gerald L Schroeder, Ph.D wrote "Genesis and the Big Bang: The Discovery Of Harmony Between Modern Science And The Bible". It's worth reading, if you have an interest in the subject.

Debate tonight - I'll be interested in watching this one when it's posted on YouTube.

Richard

Bill Nye to Defend Evolution in Kentucky Debate
Time, 4 Feb 2014

Evolution, the Bible and the origin of the universe will be up for debate when “Science Guy” Bill Nye shares the stage with the founder of Kentucky’s Creation Museum.

Nye is in Kentucky to debate with Ken Ham on Tuesday evening.

The event is attracting plenty of attention in science and faith circles, as Nye is a former TV star and Ham is prominent among Christians who believe the Bible tells a factual account of the Earth’s beginnings.

The Creation Museum says the audience will be made up of visitors from 29 states, and the debate will be streamed live online.

Ham invited Nye to debate last year after Nye criticized the belief held by Ham and other creationists that the earth is just a few thousand years old.

http://science.time.com/2014/02/04/b...#ixzz2sN8ajh1t

I've said it before....
 

I've said it before - since nobody knows how long one of God's days is they both might be right although Ham may be a lot off on the timeline.

Kangaroo Fossils
 

Bill Nye did an excellent job.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around quantum mechanics. Specifically, with quantum coherence of electrons and protons within enzyme reactions in living cells, which has been suggested to help with protein formation (10,000 times a second). Well that and wave-particle duality…my point is, intelligent design.


Has anyone brought up Ancient Aliens theories yet? :rolleyes: That show is entertaining to watch however. In my snuggie and tin foil hat.

Looks like a win-win arrangement.

Ham gets publicity for his fund-raising business err... I mean his ministry.
Nye gets to beat up a straw man.

<edit>

This attitude may be a little cynical.
Still, something about the associated hype just makes it seem like these guys are more interested in personal agendas than their respective messages.

Dang... I didn't know they existed... :p

Did you have issues with teachers omitting curriculum when it didn't fall in line with their beliefs?

I admire Ken Ham for the conviction in his beliefs, but I don't agree with them. With a preponderance of evidence to suggest Earth is more than 6000 years old, among other reasonable ideas that contradict his beliefs, there will always be people who think otherwise, and I don't think their beliefs cause harm to scientific progress. Bill Nye made a good point when he said the future of our economy depends on future engineers and scientists, but I think good scientists can be spiritual, or even indoctrinated into belief systems that may not change when they're educated about things that say otherwise.

You can be Christian and not take the words of the Bible literally, IMO. I believe God exists in the things science cannot explain, (where did the matter that caused the big bang come from?) I don't think we're the only intelligent beings that have existed, exist, or will exist.

Regardless of what other theories or beliefs argue, evolution should stand or fall on its own merits.
Whenever evolution is subjected to skeptical scrutiny, proponents immediately invoke religion and attack it.

It always devolves into a straw-man argument.

All you need to know about Ham is that he wrote "The Dinosaurs of Eden" in which he depicted children in Eden playing with dinosaur pets and that he claims that dinosaur fossils were buried by Noah's flood. As a young Earth proponent, Ham doesn't even like the Intelligent Design proponents because they accept that the Earth is ~4 billion years old.

Illustrations from his book....

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/image...3f3fd110.L.jpg

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/image...414fd110.L.jpg

Anyone that holds Ham as the champion of their cause deserves the ridicule.