No Birthday Candles For Darwin

Richard Miller, head of the Biological Sciences Department at Butler University in Indianapolis, wrote an article entitled, “Charles Darwin’s Great Idea About Evolution” which appeared in The Indianapolis Star on February 12, 2003. Miller applauded Darwin’s great idea, the theory of evolution by natural selection, calling him “one of history’s greatest scientists.” Brief comments are in order regarding Miller’s article.

Charles Darwin did not originate the theory of evolution. Some of the tenets had evolved down to him. Thales of Miletus (640-546 B. C.) was the first on record to suggest the idea of evolution. Water became plants and plants became simple forms of animals, according to him. Others followed Thales with various slants and shades of evolution. Darwin’s The Origin of Species,

which was first published in 1859, popularized the theory that “life evolved slowly and that change, the survival or extinction of each species, is determined by that species’ ability to adapt to its environment – often referred to as natural selection.”

Miller lamented that school boards and state legislatures in more that ten states in the last five years have considered the removal of evolution from state science standards. He, with tears, alluded to the firing of teachers who have taught evolution as “fact” and the placing of disclaimers on books dealing with evolution. He says, “These debates have resulted in a grave disservice to students all over the country.” We rejoice, however, in the fact that educated people are recognizing that evolution is merely a theory without any real evidence to support it. It is more philosophy than science.

The readers of the article are told, “Evolutionary theory is a basic component of biological literacy.” However, the view that the earth was flat was once considered a basic component of earth science. But that does not mean it is true. Miller quotes an unnamed geneticist who said, “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.” But the truth is that nothing in evolution makes sense in light of biology.

Mr. Miller tells us:

Evolution by natural selection accounts for two of the most fundamental features in the living world around us: the fundamental similarities among living things and the diversity of life. According to Darwin, all living things have certain characteristics in common because all have descended from a common ancestor. The many different kinds of living things are a result of historical changes in species, primarily caused by natural selection.

Three points are in order in answering this quote. (1) It is the creation by God, not evolution, that accounts for two of the most fundamental features in the world around us. (2) Darwin and all who follow beg the question by attributing commonality with one common ancestor. The fact that many species have some of the same traits is proof that there was one Architect and Creator, God (Genesis 1; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16). Just as the bold, rhythmic brush strokes and vivid colors point to the postimpressionist painter, Van Gogh, so all the species in this world bear the marks of the divine creator. (3) The diversity of life does not demonstrate evolution, but the wisdom of God in creating creatures for various environments.

Professor Miller thinks that an everyday example of evolution by natural selection is drug resistance in bacteria.

I do not doubt nor deny that peculiar circumstances can sometimes favor drug-resistant bacteria. But is this proof of evolution? Bacteria are still bacteria which cannot become yeast. It does not form into another organism. The Bible and nature still teach that everything produces after its own kind (Gen. 1:11-12). Dogs are not going to produce cats, no matter how well they get along. There is not a living nor dead thing that supports the theory of evolution. It is merely a theory without foundation.

Last Wednesday Miller suggested that we take a moment to remember Darwin whose contributions changed the way humans see themselves and their relationship with all other living things on the planet. Well, it would not hurt to take a moment to consider Darwin’s impact on our world. A moment’s reflection might cause people to realize that if man were not taught that he was a mere animal maybe he would stop acting like one.

We lit no birthday candles for Charles Darwin and his theory.

The Informer

Vol.56 No. 16

February 16, 2003