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[[File:Evolution.jpg|alt=evolution darwin theory|right|thumb|201px|Late in [[Charles Darwin|Charles Darwin's]] life, Darwin told the Duke of Argyll that he frequently had overwhelming thoughts that the natural world was the [[Intelligent design|result of design]].<ref>[https://electricscotland.com/history/glasgow/anec305.htm The Duke of Argyll and Mr. Darwin  - As told in Glasgow]</ref>  See also: [http://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions for evolutionists] ]]  

[[File:Evolution.jpg|alt=evolution darwin theory|right|thumb|201px|Late in [[Charles Darwin|Charles Darwin's]] life, Darwin told the Duke of Argyll that he frequently had overwhelming thoughts that the natural world was the [[Intelligent design|result of design]].<ref>[https://electricscotland.com/history/glasgow/anec305.htm The Duke of Argyll and Mr. Darwin  - As told in Glasgow]</ref>  See also: [http://creation.com/15-questions 15 questions for evolutionists] ]]  

[[File:Alfredwallace.jpg|alt=evolution darwin theory|right|thumb|201px|Alfred Russel Wallace is the co-discoverer of [[natural selection]] along with Charles Darwin. He held a view that differed from Darwin in that higher intelligences were involved in the evolution of some species such as man.]]  

[[File:Alfredwallace.jpg|alt=evolution darwin theory|right|thumb|201px|Alfred Russel Wallace is the co-discoverer of [[natural selection]] along with Charles Darwin. He eventually came to hold a view that differed from Darwin in that higher intelligences were involved in the evolution of some species such as man.]]  

The theory of '''evolution''' is a [[Naturalism|naturalistic]] [[theory]] of the [[history]] of life on earth (this refers to the theory of evolution which employs [[methodological naturalism]] and is taught in schools and universities). In biology, evolution is understood as a process that results in changes in the genetic material of a population over time from adaptations of organisms to their environments. The study of evolution can be performed on different scales: ''microevolution'' reflects changes in DNA sequences and allele frequencies within a species over time (e.g. mutations, interbreeding), ''macroevolution'' reflects large-scale changes at the species level which result from the accumulation of numerous small changes on the microevolutionary scale. [[Natural selection]] is one commonly cited mechanism for driving evolution, but there are others such a genetic drift.<ref>[https://www.nature.com/scitable/definition/evolution-78/ Evolution - Nature (Journal)]</ref> Currently, there are several [[theories of evolution]].  See also: [[Theistic evolution]].

The theory of '''evolution''' is a [[Naturalism|naturalistic]] [[theory]] of the [[history]] of life on earth (this refers to the theory of evolution which employs [[methodological naturalism]] and is taught in schools and universities). In biology, evolution is understood as a process that results in changes in the genetic material of a population over time from adaptations of organisms to their environments. The study of evolution can be performed on different scales: ''[[microevolution]]'' reflects changes in DNA sequences and allele frequencies within a species over time (e.g. mutations, interbreeding), ''[[macroevolution]]'' reflects large-scale changes at the species level which result from the accumulation of numerous small changes on the microevolutionary scale. [[Natural selection]] is one commonly cited mechanism for driving evolution, but there are others such a genetic drift.<ref>[https://www.nature.com/scitable/definition/evolution-78/ Evolution - Nature (Journal)]</ref> Currently, there are several [[theories of evolution]].  See also: [[Theistic evolution]].

Evolution is often linked to Charles Darwin and [[natural selection]]. However, Alfred Russel Wallace who was the co-discoverer of natural selection along with [[Charles Darwin]], argued that nature exhibited design and purpose with evolution.<ref>Alfred Russel Wallace. 1911. [https://archive.org/details/worldoflifemanif00walliala The World of Life: A Manifestation of Creative Power, Directive Mind and Ultimate Purpose]</ref> His works on natural selection were around in the 1850s and some works on the uniqueness of man occurred in the 1860s.<ref name="wallacenat">Alfred Russel Wallace. [https://wallace-online.org/converted/pdf/1895_NaturalSelection_S725%5B2d%5D.pdf Natural Selection and Tropical Nature: Essays on Descriptive and Theoretical Biology] important works on natural selection: "The Law which has Regulated the Introduction of New Species" (1855) and of course "On the Tendency of Varieties to Depart Indefinitely from the Original Type" (1858); on the the limits on natural selection and man see "Limits of Natural Selection as Applied to Man" (1869)</ref> Wallace's views challenge the Darwinian view of evolution and allow for a an overlap between design, intelligence, purpose with natural selection and evolution.<ref name="intelligent evolution">Flannery, M.A. Alfred Russel Wallace’s Intelligent Evolution and Natural Theology. Religions 2020, 11, 316. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel11060316</ref><ref>Flannery, Michael A. 2011. Alfred Russel Wallace’s Theory of Intelligent Evolution: How Wallace’s World of Life Challenged Darwinism, rev ed. Riesel: Erasmus Press</ref> Before 1864, Wallace also believed that man was a result of natural selection, but by 1869, Wallace had changed his view since he felt that natural selection was insufficient to craft man's features like rationality, and postulated that higher intelligences may have been involved in man's evolution.<ref>Malcolm Jay Kottler. [https://www.newdualism.org/papers/M.Kottler/Kottler-Isis1974.pdf Alfred Russel Wallace, the Origin of Man, and Spiritualism]. Isis, Vol. 65, No. 2 (Jun., 1974), pp. 144-192 Published by: The University of Chicago Press on behalf of The History of Science Society

Evolution is often linked to Charles Darwin and [[natural selection]]. However, naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace was the co-discoverer of natural selection along with [[Charles Darwin]]. Wallace eventually came to believe that nature exhibited design and purpose with evolution.<ref>Alfred Russel Wallace. 1911. [https://archive.org/details/worldoflifemanif00walliala The World of Life: A Manifestation of Creative Power, Directive Mind and Ultimate Purpose]</ref> His works on natural selection were around in the 1850s and some works on the uniqueness of man occurred in the 1860s.<ref name="wallacenat">Alfred Russel Wallace. [https://wallace-online.org/converted/pdf/1895_NaturalSelection_S725%5B2d%5D.pdf Natural Selection and Tropical Nature: Essays on Descriptive and Theoretical Biology] important works on natural selection: "The Law which has Regulated the Introduction of New Species" (1855) and of course "On the Tendency of Varieties to Depart Indefinitely from the Original Type" (1858); on the the limits on natural selection and man see "Limits of Natural Selection as Applied to Man" (1869)</ref> Wallace's views challenge the Darwinian view of evolution and allow for a an overlap between design, intelligence, purpose with natural selection and evolution.<ref name="intelligent evolution">Flannery, M.A. Alfred Russel Wallace’s Intelligent Evolution and Natural Theology. Religions 2020, 11, 316. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel11060316</ref><ref>Flannery, Michael A. 2011. Alfred Russel Wallace’s Theory of Intelligent Evolution: How Wallace’s World of Life Challenged Darwinism, rev ed. Riesel: Erasmus Press</ref> Before 1864, Wallace also believed that man was a result of natural selection, but by 1869, Wallace had changed his view since he felt that natural selection was insufficient to craft man's features like rationality, and postulated that higher intelligences may have been involved in man's evolution.<ref>Malcolm Jay Kottler. [https://www.newdualism.org/papers/M.Kottler/Kottler-Isis1974.pdf Alfred Russel Wallace, the Origin of Man, and Spiritualism]. Isis, Vol. 65, No. 2 (Jun., 1974), pp. 144-192 Published by: The University of Chicago Press on behalf of The History of Science Society

Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/229369."In 1864 Wallace was firmly committed to the action of natural selection alone in the development of man. In 1869 he first expressed publicly his new point of view that natural selection was unable to explain the origin of man and that higher intelligences guiding man's development were required."</ref>

Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/229369."In 1864 Wallace was firmly committed to the action of natural selection alone in the development of man. In 1869 he first expressed publicly his new point of view that natural selection was unable to explain the origin of man and that higher intelligences guiding man's development were required."</ref>

Microevolution and natural selection are accepted to occur by all creationists,<ref name="test">Numbers RL. Ironic Heresy: How Young-Earth Creationists Came to Embrace Rapid Microevolution by Means of Natural Selection. In: Lustig A, Richards RJ, Ruse M, eds. Darwinian Heresies. Cambridge University Press; 2004:84-100.</ref> but macroevolution and the limits of natural selection is what is usually disputed.<ref>[https://answersingenesis.org/evolution/?srsltid=AfmBOopLgbKLuo1T0WUtyPAE_oC6BsxXISw-TLyKw37AXTXDbMH77y-v Evolution - Answers in Genesis]</ref><ref name="nat" />

[[Microevolution]] and natural selection are accepted to occur by all creationists,<ref name="nat">Numbers RL. Ironic Heresy: How Young-Earth Creationists Came to Embrace Rapid Microevolution by Means of Natural Selection. In: Lustig A, Richards RJ, Ruse M, eds. Darwinian Heresies. Cambridge University Press; 2004:84-100.</ref> but [[macroevolution]] and the limits of natural selection is what is usually disputed.<ref>[https://answersingenesis.org/evolution/?srsltid=AfmBOopLgbKLuo1T0WUtyPAE_oC6BsxXISw-TLyKw37AXTXDbMH77y-v Evolution - Answers in Genesis]</ref><ref name="nat" />

The theory of evolution posits a process of transformation from simple life forms to more complex life forms, which has never been observed or duplicated in a laboratory or in the wild.<ref>

The theory of evolution posits a process of transformation from simple life forms to more complex life forms, which has never been observed or duplicated in a laboratory or in the wild.<ref>

*[https://answersingenesis.org/theory-of-evolution/12-arguments-evolutionists-should-avoid/ 12 Arguments Evolutionists Should Avoid] by Answers in Genesis</ref> See also: [[Causes of evolutionary belief]]

*[https://answersingenesis.org/theory-of-evolution/12-arguments-evolutionists-should-avoid/ 12 Arguments Evolutionists Should Avoid] by Answers in Genesis</ref> See also: [[Causes of evolutionary belief]]

== Theory of Evolution - Mutations and the Life Sciences in General ==

== Mutations and the Life Sciences ==

''See also:'' [[Theories of evolution]]

''See also:'' [[Theories of evolution]]

See also: [[Atheism and equivocation]]

See also: [[Atheism and equivocation]]

=== Biological diversity - evolution contrasted with biblical creation science ===

=== Biological diversity ===

[[Image:Intelligent design.jpg‎|thumbnail|200px|right|When [[Richard Dawkins]] was a young man, he recognized [[Intelligent design|that the complexity of life indicates a designer]]. ]]

[[Image:Intelligent design.jpg‎|thumbnail|200px|right|When [[Richard Dawkins]] was a young man, he recognized [[Intelligent design|that the complexity of life indicates a designer]]. ]]

Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]] wrote:

Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]] wrote:

All ([[sexual reproduction|sexually reproducing]]) organisms contain their genetic information in paired form. Each offspring inherits half its genetic information from its mother, and half from its father. So there are two [[gene|genes]] at a given position (locus, plural loci) coding for a particular characteristic. An organism can be [[heterozygous]] at a given locus, meaning it carries different forms ([[allele|alleles]]) of this gene... So there is no problem for creationists explaining that the original created kinds could each give rise to many different varieties. In fact, the originally created kinds would have had much more heterozygosity than their modern, more specialized descendants. No wonder [[Francisco J. Ayala|Ayala]] pointed out that most of the variation in populations arises from reshuffling of previously existing genes, not from mutations. Many varieties can arise simply by two previously hidden [[recessive allele|recessive alleles]] coming together. However, Ayala believes the genetic information came ultimately from mutations, not creation. His belief is contrary to [http://creation.com/information-theory-questions-and-answers information theory], as shown in [http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-chapter-9-is-the-design-explanation-legitimate chapter 9 on ‘Design’].<ref>http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-chapter-9-is-the-design-explanation-legitimate</ref>}}

All ([[sexual reproduction|sexually reproducing]]) organisms contain their genetic information in paired form. Each offspring inherits half its genetic information from its mother, and half from its father. So there are two [[gene|genes]] at a given position (locus, plural loci) coding for a particular characteristic. An organism can be [[heterozygous]] at a given locus, meaning it carries different forms ([[allele|alleles]]) of this gene... So there is no problem for creationists explaining that the original created kinds could each give rise to many different varieties. In fact, the originally created kinds would have had much more heterozygosity than their modern, more specialized descendants. No wonder [[Francisco J. Ayala|Ayala]] pointed out that most of the variation in populations arises from reshuffling of previously existing genes, not from mutations. Many varieties can arise simply by two previously hidden [[recessive allele|recessive alleles]] coming together. However, Ayala believes the genetic information came ultimately from mutations, not creation. His belief is contrary to [http://creation.com/information-theory-questions-and-answers information theory], as shown in [http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-chapter-9-is-the-design-explanation-legitimate chapter 9 on ‘Design’].<ref>http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-chapter-9-is-the-design-explanation-legitimate</ref>}}

=== Prominent evolutionists have indicated that the origin of life is part of the evolutionary model ===

=== Origin of life ===

Dr. Don Batten of [[Creation Ministries International]] has pointed out that prominent evolutionists, such as [[PZ Myers]] and Nick Matzke, have indicated that a naturalistic postulation of the [[origin of life]] (often called [[abiogenesis]]), is part of the evolutionary model.<ref>[http://creation.com/origin-of-life Origin of life]</ref> This poses a very serious problem for the evolutionary position as the evidence clearly points life being a [[Intelligent design|product of design]] and not through naturalistic processes.<ref>[http://creation.com/origin-of-life Origin of life]</ref>

Dr. Don Batten of [[Creation Ministries International]] has pointed out that prominent evolutionists, such as [[PZ Myers]] and Nick Matzke, have indicated that a naturalistic postulation of the [[origin of life]] (often called [[abiogenesis]]), is part of the evolutionary model.<ref>[http://creation.com/origin-of-life Origin of life]</ref> This poses a very serious problem for the evolutionary position as the evidence clearly points life being a [[Intelligent design|product of design]] and not through naturalistic processes.<ref>[http://creation.com/origin-of-life Origin of life]</ref>

Sanford's book ''Genetic Entropy and the Mystery of the Genome'' explains why human [[Deoxyribonucleic acid|DNA]] is inexorably deteriorating at an alarming rate, thus cannot be millions of years old.<ref>[http://creation.com/john-sanford John Sanford - bio] at [[Creation Ministries International]]</ref>  

Sanford's book ''Genetic Entropy and the Mystery of the Genome'' explains why human [[Deoxyribonucleic acid|DNA]] is inexorably deteriorating at an alarming rate, thus cannot be millions of years old.<ref>[http://creation.com/john-sanford John Sanford - bio] at [[Creation Ministries International]]</ref>  

The evolutionist Michael Lynch wrote in the  ''Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America'' in a December 3, 2009 article entitled: ''Rate, molecular spectrum, and consequences of human mutation'' (taken from the abstract):  

The evolutionist Michael Lynch wrote in the  ''Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America'' in a December 3, 2009 article entitled: ''Rate, molecular spectrum, and consequences of human mutation'' (taken from the abstract):  

{{cquote|Finally, a consideration of the long-term consequences of current human behavior for deleterious-mutation accumulation leads to the conclusion that a substantial reduction in human fitness can be expected over the next few centuries in industrialized societies unless novel means of genetic intervention are developed." <ref>[http://www.pnas.org/content/107/3/961 ''Rate, molecular spectrum, and consequences of human mutation'']</ref>}}

{{cquote|Finally, a consideration of the long-term consequences of current human behavior for deleterious-mutation accumulation leads to the conclusion that a substantial reduction in human fitness can be expected over the next few centuries in industrialized societies unless novel means of genetic intervention are developed." <ref>[http://www.pnas.org/content/107/3/961 ''Rate, molecular spectrum, and consequences of human mutation'']</ref>}}

== Evolution - Implications of Genetic Code and Processing of Biological Information ==

== Genetic Code and Biological Information ==

[[Image:Stephen Meyer.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Dr. [[Stephen Meyer]] published an article favoring [[intelligent design]] in a peer reviewed science journal which had traditionally only published material advocating the evolutionary position.<ref>http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/filesDB-download.php?command=download&id=1489</ref>]]

[[Image:Stephen Meyer.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Dr. [[Stephen Meyer]] published an article favoring [[intelligent design]] in a peer reviewed science journal which had traditionally only published material advocating the evolutionary position.<ref>http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/filesDB-download.php?command=download&id=1489</ref>]]

:''See main articles: [[Creation science]], [[Intelligent design]], and [[creationism]]''

:''See main articles: [[Creation science]], [[Intelligent design]], and [[creationism]]''

In the peer reviewed biology journal ''Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington'' Dr. [[Stephen Meyer]] argues that no current materialistic theory of evolution can account for the origin of the information necessary to build novel animal forms and proposed an intelligent cause as the best explanation for the origin of biological information and the higher taxa.<ref>Dr. [[Stephen Meyer]], [http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&id=2177 ''Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington'', 117(2):213-239. 2004, The Origin of Biological Information and the Higher Taxonomic Categories]</ref> The editor of the Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, Dr. [[Richard Sternberg]], [[Smithsonian-Sternberg affair|came under intense scrutiny and persecution for the aforementioned article]] published by Dr. Meyer.

In the peer reviewed biology journal ''Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington'' Dr. [[Stephen Meyer]] argues that no current materialistic theory of evolution can account for the origin of the information necessary to build novel animal forms and proposed an intelligent cause as the best explanation for the origin of biological information and the higher taxa.<ref>Dr. [[Stephen Meyer]], [http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&id=2177 ''Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington'', 117(2):213-239. 2004, The Origin of Biological Information and the Higher Taxonomic Categories]</ref> The editor of the Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, Dr. [[Richard Sternberg]], [[Smithsonian-Sternberg affair|came under intense scrutiny and persecution for the aforementioned article]] published by Dr. Meyer.

== Theory of evolution and little scientific consensus  ==

== Scientific consensus  ==

''See also:'' [[Theory of evolution and little consensus]] and [[Theories of evolution]]

''See also:'' [[Theory of evolution and little consensus]] and [[Theories of evolution]]

One of the regrettable consequences of Charles Darwin’s ''On the Origin of Species'' was the advent of the [[pseudoscience]] known as [[geopolitics]].<ref>[https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/geopolitics-ill-suited-for-challenges-of-today-endangers-global-economy-by-robert-skidelsky-2023-06 The Costly Return of Geopolitics], Robert Skidelsky, Jun 19, 2023. www.project-syndicate.org</ref> <ref>[https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User:Conservative%27s_essays&oldid=2072209#International_politics_and_geopolitics User:Conservative's essays#International politics and geopolitics], August 16, 2024.</ref>

One of the regrettable consequences of Charles Darwin’s ''On the Origin of Species'' was the advent of the [[pseudoscience]] known as [[geopolitics]].<ref>[https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/geopolitics-ill-suited-for-challenges-of-today-endangers-global-economy-by-robert-skidelsky-2023-06 The Costly Return of Geopolitics], Robert Skidelsky, Jun 19, 2023. www.project-syndicate.org</ref> <ref>[https://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=User:Conservative%27s_essays&oldid=2072209#International_politics_and_geopolitics User:Conservative's essays#International politics and geopolitics], August 16, 2024.</ref>

===Recent clamour to revise the modern evolutionary synthesis===

===Modern evolutionary synthesis revision===

''See:'' [[Modern evolutionary synthesis]] and [[Theories of evolution]]

''See:'' [[Modern evolutionary synthesis]] and [[Theories of evolution]]

== Evolutionary Theory and Cases of Fraud, Hoaxes and Speculation‎ ==

== Cases of Fraud, Hoaxes and Speculation on evolution‎ ==

[[Image:Haeckel.jpg|right|170px|thumb|[[Ernst Haeckel]]]]

[[Image:Haeckel.jpg|right|170px|thumb|[[Ernst Haeckel]]]]

:''See also: [[Evolution and Cases of Fraud, Hoaxes and Speculation‎]]'' and [[Atheism and deception]] and [[Theories of evolution]] and [[Evolution and just so stories]]

:''See also: [[Evolution and Cases of Fraud, Hoaxes and Speculation‎]]'' and [[Atheism and deception]] and [[Theories of evolution]] and [[Evolution and just so stories]]

Stephen Gould continues by quoting Michael Richardson of the St. George’s Hospital Medical School in London, who stated: "I know of at least fifty recent biology texts which use the drawings uncritically".<ref name="haeckel" />

Stephen Gould continues by quoting Michael Richardson of the St. George’s Hospital Medical School in London, who stated: "I know of at least fifty recent biology texts which use the drawings uncritically".<ref name="haeckel" />

== Lack of Any Clear Transitional Forms ==

== Transitional Forms ==

''See also:'' [[Evolution and the fossil record]]

''See also:'' [[Evolution and the fossil record]]

== Microevolution vs. macroevolution ==

== Microevolution vs. macroevolution ==

 

In 2011, Dr. [[Grady S. McMurtry]] declared:  

In 2011, Dr. [[Grady S. McMurtry]] declared:  

{{cquote|It is a commonly held belief of evolutionists that small changes in genetic materials (mutations) will ultimately produce the presumed large changes necessary for one biological organism to change into a different kind of biological organism which is commonly called [[macroevolution]]. This belief is not valid. Scientifically, a mutation is a copying error of previously existing information contained in the DNA: a mutation is a structural change in the hereditary material which makes the offspring different from its parents.   

{{cquote|It is a commonly held belief of evolutionists that small changes in genetic materials (mutations) will ultimately produce the presumed large changes necessary for one biological organism to change into a different kind of biological organism which is commonly called [[macroevolution]]. This belief is not valid. Scientifically, a mutation is a copying error of previously existing information contained in the DNA: a mutation is a structural change in the hereditary material which makes the offspring different from its parents.   

 

It is acknowledged that the Laws of Genetics are conservative, they are not “creative.” Genetics only copies or rearranges the previously existing information and passes it on to the next generation. When copying information, you have only two choices; you can only copy it perfectly or imperfectly, you cannot copy something “more perfectly.” Mutations do not build one upon another beneficially. Mutations do not create new organs; they only modify existing organs and structures. Mutations overwhelmingly lose information; they do not gain it; therefore, mutations cause changes which are contrary of evolutionary philosophy.

It is acknowledged that the Laws of Genetics are conservative, they are not “creative.” Genetics only copies or rearranges the previously existing information and passes it on to the next generation. When copying information, you have only two choices; you can only copy it perfectly or imperfectly, you cannot copy something “more perfectly.” Mutations do not build one upon another beneficially. Mutations do not create new organs; they only modify existing organs and structures. Mutations overwhelmingly lose information; they do not gain it; therefore, mutations cause changes which are contrary of evolutionary philosophy.

{{cquote|...supporters of ‘jerky’ evolution [[saltationism]] and its relative, [[Theory of Punctuated Equilibrium|punctuated equilibria]]) point out that the fossil record does not show gradualism, and that the hypothetical transitional forms would be disadvantageous. But supporters of [[Phyletic gradualism|gradual evolution]] point out that large, information-increasing changes are so improbable that one would need to invoke a secular miracle. Creationists agree with ''both'': punctuational evolution can’t happen, and gradual evolution can’t happen—in fact, particles-to-people evolution can’t happen at all!<ref>[http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-2-chapter-3-argument-evolution-is-true-science-not-just-a-theory Refuting evolution]</ref>}}

{{cquote|...supporters of ‘jerky’ evolution [[saltationism]] and its relative, [[Theory of Punctuated Equilibrium|punctuated equilibria]]) point out that the fossil record does not show gradualism, and that the hypothetical transitional forms would be disadvantageous. But supporters of [[Phyletic gradualism|gradual evolution]] point out that large, information-increasing changes are so improbable that one would need to invoke a secular miracle. Creationists agree with ''both'': punctuational evolution can’t happen, and gradual evolution can’t happen—in fact, particles-to-people evolution can’t happen at all!<ref>[http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-2-chapter-3-argument-evolution-is-true-science-not-just-a-theory Refuting evolution]</ref>}}

== Implausible Explanations and the Evolutionary Position==

== Implausible Explanations ==

[[Image:Feather image.jpg|thumb|200px|left|[[Harvard]] biologist [[Ernst Mayr]] wrote: "It must be admitted, however, that it is a considerable strain on one’s credulity to assume that finely balanced systems such as certain sense organs (the eye of vertebrates, or the bird’s feather) could be improved by random [[mutation]]s."<ref>[http://www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/ReferencesandNotes9.html Ernst Mayr, Systematics and the Origin of Species (New York: Dover Publications, 1942), p. 296]</ref>]]  

[[Image:Feather image.jpg|thumb|200px|left|[[Harvard]] biologist [[Ernst Mayr]] wrote: "It must be admitted, however, that it is a considerable strain on one’s credulity to assume that finely balanced systems such as certain sense organs (the eye of vertebrates, or the bird’s feather) could be improved by random [[mutation]]s."<ref>[http://www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/ReferencesandNotes9.html Ernst Mayr, Systematics and the Origin of Species (New York: Dover Publications, 1942), p. 296]</ref>]]  

Individuals who are against the evolutionary position assert that evolutionary scientists employ extremely implausible "just so stories" to support their position and have done this since at least the time of Charles Darwin.<ref>http://www.uncommondescent.com/intelligent-design/two-just-so-stories/</ref>

Individuals who are against the evolutionary position assert that evolutionary scientists employ extremely implausible "just so stories" to support their position and have done this since at least the time of Charles Darwin.<ref>http://www.uncommondescent.com/intelligent-design/two-just-so-stories/</ref>

In the course of that conversation I said to Mr. Darwin, with reference to some of his own remarkable works on the Fertilisation of [[Orchid]]s, and upon The [[Earthworm]]s, and various other observations he made of the wonderful contrivances for certain purposes in nature—I said it was impossible to look at these without seeing that they were the effect and the expression of Mind. I shall never forget Mr. Darwin's answer. He looked at me very hard and said, “Well, that often comes over me with overwhelming force; but at other times,” and he shook his head vaguely, adding, “it seems to go away.”(Argyll 1885, 244]<ref>http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/teleological-arguments/notes.html</ref>}}

In the course of that conversation I said to Mr. Darwin, with reference to some of his own remarkable works on the Fertilisation of [[Orchid]]s, and upon The [[Earthworm]]s, and various other observations he made of the wonderful contrivances for certain purposes in nature—I said it was impossible to look at these without seeing that they were the effect and the expression of Mind. I shall never forget Mr. Darwin's answer. He looked at me very hard and said, “Well, that often comes over me with overwhelming force; but at other times,” and he shook his head vaguely, adding, “it seems to go away.”(Argyll 1885, 244]<ref>http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/teleological-arguments/notes.html</ref>}}

<br />

<br />

=== A significant portion of atheists see their lives and the world being the product of design ===

=== Atheists and views of design ===

Research and historical data indicate that a significant portion of atheists/agnostics often see their lives and the world as being the product of purposeful design (see: [[Atheism and purpose]]).<ref>

Research and historical data indicate that a significant portion of atheists/agnostics often see their lives and the world as being the product of purposeful design (see: [[Atheism and purpose]]).<ref>