Essay:How Quote Mining Works (For new RW users)
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For those who are new to the Rationalwiki family, unfamiliar with creationist debate tactics or a teen who is curious about Skepticism- this is a guide on how creationists quote mine for their arguments. Creationists will take any scientific study (example below) and copy/paste parts that seem to support biblical literalist views. The Institute for Creation Research is known for quote mining.
Example[edit]
(Note- this is hypothetical)
Study- New Humanoid Transitional Fossil Helps Uncover Human Biology Mysterys By Professor John Doe PhD, UCLA Department of Paleontology
In a recent geological dig deep in the deserts of southern Iran, a fossilized skeleton of a transitional humanoid was dug up by a mining company. This fossil was dubbed- Greg. Greg's anatomy is similar to Neanderthals. Carbon dating shows that Greg is much younger than other fossilized humanoids. The anatomical structure of the mouth is very similar to modern humans. More tests show that the rib cage is about 600,000 years ago. The current hypothesis is that Greg adapted to the desert conditions of the region
CreationWorldNews article- New Evidence For Creation
by Professor Jane Doe PhD, Christian International University Department of Mathematics
The recent discovery of the "Greg" fossil has once again proven the early creation of the Earth 6000 years ago. Citing the UCLA Department of Paleontology study-
“”In a recent geological dig deep in southern Iran, a fossilized skeleton of a transitional humanoid was dug up by a mining company. This fossil was dubbed- "Greg". Greg's anatomy is similar to Neanderthals. Carbon dating shows Greg is much younger than other fossilized humaniods
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See! The Evolutionists can't figure out how old the fossil is. This is a victory for the bible.
Conclusion[edit]
Quote miners will take any study, either scientific, mathematical, literary or theological and take only pieces of it to make an article supporting their views. For die hard alternative medicine promoters, they take a few sentences from a study such as Biochemistry and distort what is said. Someone making an article or video mocking religious view that are not their own, will only read about the very basics of a religion then act like an expert.
Hope this helps!