Reasonable and reasonably intelligent people should not debate with creationists.

I thank Freeman for challenging me to this debate, it's certainly a topic that isn't talked about so much. First, let's set in place what we both agree on. We both agree that Creationism is a scientifically ludicrous notion, and that evolution is the best explanation for the diversity of life; it's the foundation of contemporary biology. Only a diligent high school understanding of evolution can answer most objections, while the rest are just can be countered with a minimum of a few hours of online research. Likewise, the Big Bang theory is the best explanation for the development of our universe - objections are either philosophically lacking or scientifically misinformed. Seeing as we both believe Creationism is false, the only thing up for meaningful discussion is whether or not debating with creationists is a good idea. The resolution states whether or not reasonable and reasonably intelligent people SHOULD not debate with creationists. My opponent states we shouldn't, I say we should. This is our main and only point of disagreement, so let's resolve this: ==================== PRO Claims: "[Debating with creationists] further legitimizes their position and causes uninformed people to think that there is an actual conflict of ideas when in reality this is not the case." ==================== I see my opponent shares the same sentiments of the esteemed evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. While I respect him as an intellectual, I have to strongly disagree with this point. I ask, for what purpose should be abandon intellectual discourse? My opponent is claiming that meaningful debate will further legitimize the creationist position, but for what reason? In fact, I'd reckon that a constant refutation of creationism will INVALIDATE their position amongst the population. One of the most important thing that can affect someone's life is their education, and if they are properly educated in the merits of evolution and the Big Bang -- many times via debates -- then they can come to a further understanding of the folly of creationism. Look at it this way. Even if evolutionists make a concentrated effort not to debate with creationists, the creationists will see this as an opportunity. Websites like answeringenesis.com will sporadically grow and soon the amount of academic resources that can counter creationism will dwindle in comparison to creationist propaganda. Websites like talkorigins.org will be vacant, and thus the intellectual tide will lean towards creationism. If we don't respond to creationism, then it's propaganda will infect more people! ==================== Reasons we should debate with creationists ==================== There are some good reasons for debating with creationists, including the former point that it's not counterproductive but actually an asset in defusing creationism in the public mind: - It helps the one who debates with a creationist know more about evolution/Big Bang - It can change the creationist's mind - Others can read the debate and hopefully be influenced by the evolutionist (if they debated well, which only comes by practice!) ==================== If you are already debating with a creationist, you shouldn't need to stop ==================== As I have shown before, debating with creationists will not further legitimize their position. So really, there is no harm in debating with creationists. And in fact, as I have shown yet again, debating with creationism can and does demonstrate that their position is INVALID by virtue of intellectual discourse. The final push I want to make is the fact that people debate with creationists for different reasons. Many debate with them in hopes they change their mind, but this isn't always the case. For some it may just be fun to debate, while others like to tear away at arguments they fully know are false. Whatever the reason, if debating with creationists makes someone happy, then they should debate with creationists. Not only is not counterproductive, but it can even also be fun. ==================== Conclusion ==================== As I have shown, debating with creationists can not only be intellectually stimulating but it can just be fun - or for many other purposes out there. The point is that there isn't anything demonstrably negative about debating with creationists; sure maybe a lone sheep here or there may think creationism is valid because it's being debated, but in the end most people won't think so. In fact, debating it can actually make more people NOT believe in creationism!