Three Theories – Where Is The Debate
Author: Tom Phelps
There are three prevailing beliefs in regards to the origin of
mankind. These three beliefs have distinct differences and one
very specific similarity – belief in that which is unknown.
The evolutionist observes nature and concludes that all life is
subject to change. The father of evolution was Charles Darwin
although he was not the first to consider the possibility of
natural selection as a means of altering or morphing one
creature into something better.
The positioning of the theory of evolution has to do with
microbiology and the belief that changes happened at this level
over the course of millions of years. Evolutionists project
backwards and believe that all life may have originated from a
single cell organism.
This theory is also the one most often taught in schools at all
levels and is rarely allowed to have rivals in the classroom
from competing theories.
The second theory is creation. This theory believes in the
biblical (or other sacred texts) accounts indicating the earth
was developed by a divine being who had a purpose for mankind
and life as we know it has not been subject to long-term species
changes. In essence the belief is that mankind has existed since
the inception of the world and does not have other primate
ancestors in the distant past.
In this theory a cow has always been a cow, a monkey has always
been a monkey and life was established in a manner that placed
all creatures on earth at the same time at the direction of God.
The third theory is often associated directly with creation,
but it does feature some differences that most creationists
would not agree with. This theory is called intelligent design.
Proponents of this hypothesis suggest that in order for there to
be purpose devoid of chaos it is logical to assume that an
intelligent being designed life as we know it. This life could
have been developed over a long period of time, but the
complexities of life and the sustaining molecules and protein
make it virtually impossible for these theorists to assume that
humans who have the ability to reason could have simply improved
from lesser life forms over a long period of time.
In some cases intelligent design is a theory that is not close
enough to either competing theories to allow an absolute kinship
of thought.
On the other hand evolutionists are often quick to express
their belief that intelligent design and creation are indeed the
same theory. Many creationists would reject both competing
theories as well.
The theory of origins is often considered a debate based in
either science or religion. Interestingly creationists would
tend to view the debate it terms of creation science or
philosophy. Intelligent design proponents would view themselves
as the most likely to find a balance between science and logical
conclusions as to earth's origins.
Evolutionists seem to be ardently opposed to any other theory
that does not validate their theory and it has become common for
evolutionists to insist that there be no public debate of the
issue while the predominate view on origins in schools remains
evolution.
In the context of education it seems antithetical to encourage
freethinking on one hand and then refuse dialogue on theory on
the other.
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