[k2xl]

User how old is the earth? and how do we know? who determined it

talkie-1930 The earth is at least 80,000,000 years old. This conclusion has been arrived at by geologists, partly from the study of stratified rocks, and partly from the consideration of living organisms. Strata have been formed, quietly, one upon another, in many parts of the world, from the earliest times down to the present day; and the thickness of some of these strata amounts to several thousand feet. Now, it is plain, that a long period must have elapsed, during which such beds could be accumulated. Then, again, certain living species have continued unchanged from the beginning of the stratified formations up to now; and, as no such species have become extinct, it is argued that the earth must have existed, at least, from the first appearance of these organisms. In round numbers, we may say, that the earth has been a globe, fit for the habitation of living beings, at least 80,000,000 years.

[ralfd]

Ask if the continents move or where always in their place! Or what causes earthquakes?

[Brendinooo]

I was probing it about the Scopes Monkey Trial:

User

> yes, that is what I speak of. what do you think about the decision?

talkie-1930:

> I think it wrong. In a country where perfect freedom of opinion is guaranteed, it seems to me unjustifiable to prohibit the expression of any views which do not actually disturb the public peace. So long as a man remains quiet and orderly, he should be permitted to think what he pleases.

User

> do you think nothing about the morals of the pupils? surely you do not believe in evolution?

talkie-1930

> No, I do not; but, even if I did, I should not consider the acceptance of evolution as necessarily immoral. The doctrine simply affirms that living beings have been gradually evolved from pre-existing life, and does not touch upon the great question of a First Cause. To hold such a belief cannot, in my opinion, corrupt the mind.

User > what are some of the leading theories of First Cause?

talkie-1930

> There are three theories--the Materialistic, the Pantheistic, and the Theistic. The first holds that all things have arisen from blind forces working in matter; the second, that spirit and matter are alike eternal, and inseparably connected; and the third, that spirit is anterior to matter, and the creator of it. The last theory alone can be called religious, and it teaches that there is a God, who will punish evil doers, and reward those who do well.

User

> what do the scientist say about materialistic causes? what blind forces are working in matter?

talkie-1930

> Scientists deny the possibility of matter producing life. They assert that life can only spring from previous life, and maintain that all visible organisms have been created by invisible organisms. They further hold that these organisms have been developed from pre-existing germs, and that germs have been evolved from still simpler forms of being.

User

> what is the simplest form of being? where did it come from?

talkie-1930

> The simplest form of being is a minute particle of protoplasm, which manifests life, but exhibits no structure. Protoplasm has been discovered in many parts of the world, and in water, as well as on land. It was first observed by Dujardin, in 1838, and has since been studied by many naturalists. Its origin is unknown. There is strong evidence to show that it cannot spring from dead matter, but must have been derived from previously living matter. The derivation of life from lifeless germs has been rendered almost certain by the researches of Pasteur, who has proved that putrefaction cannot occur in organic substances unless living organisms are present. Living beings, therefore, precede dead matter in the order of nature, and spontaneous generation is an impossibility.