OK, let�s all make sure we are using the same terms. Evolution � a variation of a species passed on from one generation to the next � is an observed fact. But to say that that small variation multiplied a million times over billions of years is responsible for life on Earth as we know it -- is a theory.
By definition, a theory is a hypothesis that has been substantiated, but not proven. Many aspects of that theory have been shown to be true, but there are many aspects of that theory that have not even been substantiated. For example, one critical part of the theory that evolution resulted in life on Earth is the jump from amino acids to viable DNA/RNA sequences. As we all know, even the simplest, single cell life forms on Earth have DNA sequences that hold enough information to fill an encyclopedia. And the order of that sequence is so critical that something as subtle as the equivalent of a misspelled word would make the life form non-viable. We have theories about how some amino acids were floating around in some primordial soup, and somehow some energy source jolted the mixture to come up with a single cell life form (it occurred in the south of France if you are a believer in Star Trek), but we have been unable to prove that theory. And it is this specific gap in the theory that caused atheist Antony Flew in 2004 to observe that the statistical odds of the primordial jolt producing a viable DNA sequence were so astronomical as to make that theory �unbelievable�. Creationist love to use the analogy that it would be like a printing press exploding and a complete copy of the Encyclopedia Briticanna falling out. And this is what re-ignited the non-religious intelligent design theory. Contrary to some reports, Antony never said he believed in a deity, but rather, he said that some sort of intelligent design was necessary to overcome the astronomical odds needed to produce a viable DNA sequence. He makes no claim as to what that intelligent design is, only that it exists. Again, this is just another unsubstantiated theory about one of the steps needed to produce life on Earth as we know it. Now, if you go one step further and make some claim that you have specific knowledge of that intelligent designer, then you have stepped out of science and into faith. --CF --------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: texascavers-unsubscr...@texascavers.com For additional commands, e-mail: texascavers-h...@texascavers.com
