1. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #173315 by Reason1958 on April 30, 2008 at 3:38 pm

"Atheists have not only engaged in suicide bombings, but have pioneered the practice -- specifically, the Marxist Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka..."

Do the Tamil Tigers predate the Kamikazi pilots of WWII? Who "pioneered" who?

2. What's the evolutionary advantage of offering your place to an old woman on a bus?

Comment #169444 by Reason1958 on April 26, 2008 at 5:54 am

- Experience has taught that women of breeding age find kindness and altruism attractive in a potential mate. By demonstrating kindness to the old woman, observing females of breeding age will be attracted to me.

- My social status in the tribe/community is elevated, thus giving me advantage.

- By giving up something to a lesser member of the tribe/community, I am demonstrating my power and strength (if I can afford to voluntarily give up something to a weaker one, I must have inestimable power/wealth). Such power is attractive to females and intimidating to rival males.

3. How do you explain the lack of transitional forms in nature, the gaps in the fossil record?

Comment #169264 by Reason1958 on April 25, 2008 at 4:50 pm

For reasons already cited (rarity of fossilization, relatively small number of existing fossils so far found), plus the challenge: "I assume you agree that many amphibians, such as frogs, go through a metamorphosis from egg, to tadpole, to transitional phase with traits of both tadpole and frog, and finally frog. You tell ME why there are no fossils of these transitional states--especially considering the number of amphibians that have lived since your accepted time of the 'creation'."