Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Which is right?

Elisa (Intelligent Design)

The truth is that there is no one view of creation that is fully proven and accepted. The Big Bang Theory, one of the most universally accepted models, for example, is not complete, with a big question mark regarding the start of the universe. On top of this fact, there exists incredibly compelling evidence for “intelligence design.”

First, it is important to consider the academic evidence. Phillip Johnson taught law for 30 years at the University of Berkeley, and with his book, Darwin on Trial, he showed that Darwin’s view of evolution and creation was lacking in many ways. He provides evidence for intelligence design, and he cracks holes in materialism and Dawrwin’s theories in general. One must understand the holes in Darwinian evolution before taking a stance on the topic, including the fact that there is no evidence for large transformations in the fossil records. 

There are also philosophical arguments for intelligent design, including the origin of the universe itself. This is called the Kalam cosmological argument, which states that anything that begins to exist has a cause, and since the universe began to exist, it must have a first cause. The origins of the universe are not fully explained by science, and there are numerous other arguments besides this as well, like the Teleological argument.  

Let’s not forget that nearly all religions have a view that there is some type of creator or God, especially the Abrahamic religions. Evidence for a global flood backs up Biblical scripture, for instance, pointing to the possibility of a God and intelligent design. Throwing out intelligent design in favor of an unproven, materialistic model with massive holes in it is a premature step that should be avoided.  

Andrew (Evolution)

There is ample proof of evolution in terms of genetic information, geological records, and fossils. Scientists have studied evolution in numerous ways and there is consensus. Further, many of the domesticated plants and animals that we live with have been selectively bred for certain traits in living memory, which is a form of evolution and a proof of concept. Evolution is based on empirical observation, intelligent design is based on faith. While faith is often lovely and comforting, it can never be said to be “correct,” as it can never be proven.

Each of the intelligent design stories is different from the others. If we are to believe in intelligent design, which story shall we choose? Are we to believe that the Christian God created all of the animals on the fifth and sixth days of existence, or are we to believe the Islamic Allah created all of life on earth? Eastern traditions such as Hinduism have many different versions of creation, how do they fit into this discussion? There is no proof for any of them so each is equally likely to have occurred. 

Evolution does not necessarily preclude intelligent design. There is no reason why there cannot be a guiding hand in the evolutionary process, or that some higher being hasn’t set the process in motion. This is known as theistic evolution, there just isn’t any evidence for it. When assessing whether something is correct or not, we can only deal with the facts presented in front of us and in this case we have overwhelming scientific evidence that evolution is a very real process that has led to an incredible diversity of life on Earth. There simply is no evidence for intelligent design.