"Real" ringworlds

[Krsqk]

In order to stay mostly on topic, I will respond to your faith/Bible/etc. points via PM/email.

Some creationists, just like some evolutionists (and if there are any other competing families of theories, some of those people, too) will concoct an ad hoc pseudo-knowledgeable reply to temporarily silence any question for which they do not have a better answer. It is difficult, without tone of voice, to distinguish between such a response and a purely theoretical, "This-might-be-the-answer" response. (I would also note that "sinner" isn't a derogatory term in Biblical Christianity, so that isn't a good indicator of the tone.)

I agree that "Well, maybe God did it" doesn't fit well into logical argument. Evolution theory has an equivalent--"Given enough time, it's possible." This is not based on observation, but is merely conjecture. The problem with attempting to fit origins debate into logical structure is that neither one can be logically proved. Creation relies on faith in supernatural process; evolution relies on faith in natural process. As one creationist put it (not referring to you and me), "I believe 'In the beginning, God'; you believe 'In the beginning, dirt.'" Sure, it's a cutesy saying meant to make evolution sound silly and isn't meant to prove anything; but the heart of it is correct--it's a debate between the natural and the supernatural.

Mopping up a few loose ends:[*]Again, I wasn't referring to your comments on Bible-belt Christians, but to Ruatha's. I agree that many people don't think through the consequences of their political desires, instead focusing on short-term convenience.
[*]Intellectual debate without believing the ideas being debated is fine and good, as far as that goes. Emotional detachment is not a requirement of cognitive engagement, though. Vehement argument against an idea is not a sign of close-mindedness, but of passion.

There is faith, and it is a good thing. And there are matters provable by Science, and it is a good thing.

I won't tell you the planets and stars all move out of love for the Prime Mover if you don't tell me science favors a naturalistic origin of the universe.