Ive tried avoiding certain topics before...only marginal success.

For the most part , debating is about winning. This is what happens in court rooms between two lawyers.

I love science also but I don't believe it has the answers of some of the most important parts of life. Thus there is more to life than science. :)

I commend you for this decision, no amount of reasoning will make any difference at any rate. Best conserve your energy and direct it elsewhere! I often feel like posting in those threads as well but I know all too well that it is fruitless, I can easily live my life without discussing creationism and/or evolution over anonymous boards!

Im sad that you wont post anymore. While I disagree with a lot of your points on the religions threads, I always liked and agreed with your posts on the evolution/creationism threads.

Of all the people in the site, theres only a few who are fair, reasonable and actually open to debate and you are one of them.

Now, if you wont mind, Id like to say that (I think) you have a characteristic that I have too and have been fighting with for awhile - the need to have the other acknowledge you are right.

I spent years fighting with one of my brothers about a variety of issues and felt the same way as you. After a lot of soul-searching I found it that I was the biggest problem.

I was convinced that if I gave the right argument, he would agree. But people arent always reasonable.

So I tried to stop fighting. But then I realized that I was doing it out of hurt ego more than anything. Like, I wont even bother with him.

But I now I see, that the problem is me thinking too much about his reaction. I should just state my views and thats it. How he is going to respond doesnt matter.

Not to mention that people do change their minds, but 99% of the time isnt instantenous. it takes a lot of people, events, time to let it sink in.

What I think you should think about is that all those facts you mention on every thread may help that person down the line. You wont see it, but your words might help make him see it in the future.

Also, other people read those threads (like me ) and they will enjoy it.

So, I guess, after this very long post, that my point is that everytime you post in one of these threads, you do contribute to making a lot people (not just the person you are talking to) know a bit more about science. Since you say you love science, that should be a good reward.

PS - Something you could do is keep a file on your PC with the arguments already written. New thread pops up, just ctrl c ctrl v it.

PS2 - Im almost sure this my longest post on VGChartz ever.

She blinded me with science!!!  

Sorry I'll go away now.....

It's like you read my mind :P Yeah the threads have been really bad recently with both sides bashing. But really you were never one of them imo (and im not even on your side!! ). So dont give yourself a hard time :)

Edit: hey i agree with everyone here :D Good for a change

I understand how you feel. There are those who believe in a certain idea. If the idea is true or not is another matter. It's more the matter that people will ignore, misuse, believe lies or misinformation. I'm all up for the idea that some one can believe that being created humanity. Just don't go on with misinformation. It's a pity too. 

So I agree with. That's why I have a policy when it comes to posting in threads. If your debating with some one your wasting your time. That's why I never debate in a thread. I will post my thoughts on the matter. If some one questions them I will clarify, but I will never debate. The reason is that people will never listen EVER. Especially over the internet. It takes a personal epiphany for some ones mind to change. That's why I often to tell people to

"Do your own research. Get your research from more than one location."

The people who I find who live by that philosophy often have more productive conversations. Those who use single source tend to be single minded.

So I sympathies. If you want to have good discussion about creationism. You won't find it on a VG forum. I'm a hardcore PnP Roleplayer. I've been GMing for 20 years. I wouldn't waste time discussing PnP on this site unless some one displays interest.

Funny, you always seemed like a calm guy that takes things slowly and loves debates.

"Don't judge a book by its cover"

^Shaddup!!!

Well I am calm and I do enjoy debates when I can see that it is constructive.

But the creation/evolution debate is rarely that. I can think of two or three people who are willing to listen and offer well constructed rebuttals in those threads (as opposed to an automatic response), but for every person like that I find that ten who don't.

It's what happens when two sides are just so polarised against each other.

I'll miss you, Data.  You were my fave part about Star Trek: The Next Generation.