How to Infuriate an Atheist

Want to tick off an atheist? Just refer to Natural Selection as random. That one really gets 'em riled up. The problem is, it's starting to bother me too.

When you learn about the theory of natural selection, as told by those who agree with it, not those arguing against it who all too often misrepresent it, you realize that it's not an idea of random processes. Natural selection is more accurately described as an "undirected" process.

This seems trite, and I'm not sure that saying it's undirected is that much better, but it's important to get it right. Why? When you come across, in a debate, as having no idea what the other guy is talking about, you're doing about as much harm as you would by not knowing what you yourself are talking about.

I would appreciate it if people would stop debating the scientific validity of natural selection, Darwinist evolution, intelligent design, the big bang, etc. when they don't know what they're talking about nor what the opposing view is talking about. Christians doing this (I’m thinking at the moment about online debates in forums/blogs) need to realize that they are, whether it’s justified or not, representing Christians as a whole, and hurting our reputation when they do this. (Before you start thinking that I'm worrying about what other people think to much, let me clarify "hurting our reputation." Christians have a reputation of being dumb and closed minded in the scientific community. I can handle it if someone thinks that I'm dumb, but when we're representing Christ, I want to make it clear that He knows what He's talking about, and, I think, might even really like science considering He made it and all.)

The responsibility then of those who do know what they’re talking about is to speak up! I’m somewhere in between at the moment, so I think the best thing for me to do is be prepared to answer questions, but avoid publicly debating intelligent design and natural selection until I know a bit more about it.

Thoughts?