Just an interesting paragraph, I thought, and a bit more Options

[Hey Hey]

Just an interesting paragraph, I thought, especially the sentence I've emboldened.

Tony Chinnery The origins of Life

According to quantum mechanics, a parameter, such as position or velocity, only has a value once it is measured. In the end this must be a conscious measurement, as in any experiment with a measuring apparatus, the measuring apparatus itself can be considered as part of a new experiment: experiment + measuring apparatus. Thus quantum mechanics requires sentient beings, without conscious observers the universe would be in an infinity of parallel states. It is this that distinguishes life from machines, and constitutes the mystery of life. On the other hand to say that "God created the universe" has no meaning at all. It is typical of religions to borrow meaninful words and use them in a context where they have no meaning. If I create a house, I am using energy to rearrange pre-existing atoms or molecules, not creating new matter. What does it mean to "cause" matter to exist? Did God wave his arms and chant an incantation? In fact it is impossible to have a rational discussion with a religious person. To believe is irrational, those who believed in Newton's laws were wrong. Thus Melvyn was quite right to exlude God from the discussion.


Me (HeyHey) again: I'm no expert on plants, but I assumed that their evolution was well understood. Then I read:

Kingdom of the plants: defying evolution by Alexander Williams ( http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v24/i1/plants.asp ). Now I'm having to delve further (a pain because I never really liked botany OR taxonomy) as I'd hate to think the creationists might have the lead in this area.