When Debating Creationists Becomes Futile: Why You Should Opt Out

Have you ever found yourself facing a debate with a creationist on topics like the origin of time, space, matter, energy, gravity, and life? If you have, you may have realized that such discussions often go nowhere, or worse, can leave you feeling drained and frustrated.

The Key Sign That You Are Debating with a Creationist

There is a key sign that you are embarking on a futile debate with a creationist: you are debating with a creationist. It is never advantageous to convince a creationist because they either lack the logical ability to appraise and evaluate evidence or insist that the truth must conform to their beliefs. Let’s delve into the reasons why.

Logical Inability to Evaluate Evidence

In some cases, creationists might be unable to logically evaluate evidence due to a lack of education in the sciences or a fundamental flaw in the way their brains work. This is a genuine condition in a subset of human beings. If they could properly evaluate the evidence, they would realize that all the evidence overwhelmingly supports an Earth billions of years old, not the 6,000 years posited by young Earth creationists. However, if they have missed that critical point, no amount of further evidence is likely to change their mind.

Refusal to Use Logical Evaluation

In other cases, creationists refuse to use their logical capabilities. This is often rooted in a fear of having to give up long-held beliefs. I recall a story about a real university professor who explicitly refused to accept any scientific evidence that contradicted his beliefs, stating, “I REFUSE to accept ANY of the actual evidence of science, geology, physics, etc. which goes against my beliefs because to do so would mean that I would have to give up my belief and that is something that I cannot do.”

While the refusal to abandon beliefs is understandable, it also demonstrates a choice driven by fear rather than a genuine search for truth. There might be a way to hold onto one’s beliefs while aligning them more closely with reality and evidence, but this scientist feared that accepting reality might lead to the eventual erosion of everything he holds dear, a concept he referred to as a 'slippery slope.'

Why Engage in Such Debates?

Despite the futility of changing a creationist's mind, there are valid reasons to engage in such debates:

(A) An Opportunity to Teach

The most significant benefit is the opportunity to teach. You can teach people about science and logic. However, it is crucial to recognize that the creationist is extremely unlikely to be the beneficiary of your teaching. Instead, your efforts may benefit others who might read your articles or follow the discussion. These individuals might be seeking truth but veering down the wrong path influenced by creationists who reject the scientific consensus in favor of their own belief systems.

The Greater Good

By continuing to discuss and write, you have the potential to teach people who are on the fence, those who might be looking for truth but are being misled. Through your efforts, these individuals might come out of the discussion with a better understanding of reality. Equally, other people who engage with your content might learn to critically evaluate evidence and think logically.

Conclusion

Debating creationists is often a fruitless endeavor. However, by engaging in such debates, you have the opportunity to teach and influence others who may be more open to learning. The key is to recognize that the real beneficiaries are likely not the creationists themselves, but the broader community seeking truth.