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Evolution vs. Intelligent Design |
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Monday, 11 June 2007 |
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Page 1 of 2 These threads are quite interesting from the perspective of finding out another's point of view; and as such, I intend to bring forward one of the main issues of which I feel is a problem within the populace today. In this country we are lucky to have schools that teach evolution as part of the main curriculum, but in America (in particular) there are several "educational" establishments that seem to be based upon "belief" rather than "fact".
I believe strongly in evolution as the way in which life on this planet came about. The majority of creationists believe one of two major theories, either:
* The universe is 6000 years old, and a "god" created all life.
* Evolution works, but "god" fills in the gaps in the scientific records.
It is true that if something could be proved to not have been created by a "series of gradual changes" the theory of evolution would fall flat on its back; However, creationists use this as a type of scientific carte blanche.
Darwin proposed that life as we knew it originated via a series of minute gradual accumulating changes that improved survival rate; NOT as creationists would have you believe (ie. bacteria, monkey, human). The changes are in fact so gradual that you would not be able to notice them for centuries! However, a bird with 51% wingspan could fall from a greater height and survive than an equivalent bird with a 49% wingspan. This is the theory of natural selection, and as of yet, has not been proven to be unfairly represented.
Creationism on the other hand has two major problems with each proposal. If god created everything (because a high intelligence is required to create complex life) then an even greater intelligence would be required to create god, and the one before that, ad infinitum.
The other problem is that of "god" stepping in to help evolution along the way. This is just a way of saying "we don't know an answer and instead of looking for one we'll say.... god did it". Agreeing a theory is sound and then using god's name to fill in the gaps (hence the term god of the gaps) is not only intellectually inferior, but cowardly.
Teaching creationism in schools strikes me as a form of religious indoctrination; and as a result, in my eyes, a form of child abuse. Any thoughts from either side? I've ranted for too long. Discuss here.
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