Clearing up some issues when it comes to evolution

March 25, 2009 at 1:26 pm · Filed under Seriously

http://www.bsalert.com/img-host/fsm_christmas_ornament-m-005.jpg

I have already asked the question on evolution in this space, around two years ago.

1. Evolution is not a theory that explains the origin of the universe, that field of study is referred to as Cosmology and it is a field of study not covered by Charles Darwin’s, The Origin Of Species.

2. Evolution is not a theory that describes the first origination of life on this planet, that field of study is called Abiogenesis. Evolution by definition describes the change in species over time and natural selection.

3. Evolution is not inherently atheistic, the theory describes nothing regarding the existence of god, it is a scientific theory confining itself to prediction and observation of the natural world.

4. The theory of evolution does not say, “humans came from monkeys”. The theory shows clear evidence supporting the hypothesis that at some point around 6 million years ago, humans, the great apes and primates diverged from a common ancestor.

5. The theory of evolution does not say dogs come from frogs, a rock will turn into a duck or as some former TV personalities like to claim, will produce a half crocodile, half duck (crocoduck).

6. Evolutionary theory is the best supported scientific hypothesis we have for describing the diversity of life on Earth. It is not a religion, a belief system, a faith or any other ambiguous religious term sometimes attached to it by YECs.

[Notes via Uniform Velocity]






  • Adel

    Thanks alot, :)

    I think it will be a good idea that we recite the above points to those who question this elegant theory haphazardly. I am thinking of keeping those points with me on a piece of paper to use them as a prologue before any debate about this matter.

    I want that glowing SMF in my Room :)

  • http://hareega.blogspot.com Hareega

    to me evolution is a theory that makes lots of sense. At least from studying batceria and viruses, we know that they evolve. the same virus (like HIV) evolves into many different forms. It’s very challenging for a scientists to say s/he doesn’t believe in evolution. And I agree, the belief in God is a little different topic.

  • http://www.gyonis.com Ghassan Yonis

    First, thanks for clearing that up, for creationists and evolutionists alike, but I do have to disagree/argue on one point; maybe evolution does not refute “god”‘s existing, directly, but, since all religions are known for selling the idea of god creating everything all at once (or in six days time frame at least!), in that sense, evolution does demolish the religions presentation of god.

  • http://www.nizars.com Nizar

    However, the theory of evolution contradicts with the teachings of the Abrahamic beliefs if their holy scripts are taken literally.

    I have to disagree on point no. 6 regarding ”Evolutionary theory is the best supported scientific hypothesis we have”, so far evidence supports the theory of evolution and there is no reliable evidence that disproves it and thus it has been put to the test.

    Allow me to add a couple more points to your post:

    A fact is an objective and verifiable observation.

    A theory is a conceptual framework that explains existing observations and predicts new ones according to the best possible abilities of the latest scientific research.

    A hypothesis is is a working assumption that has not yet been tested.

  • http://www.thearabobserver.blogspot.com The Observer

    Excellent! Thank you!

  • http://tha2ir.blosgpot.com Ulysses

    Great Post indeed. Thanks

  • Rami

    I have to disagree about point number 4, according to http://tinyurl.com/c6qfyq all spices are having a common descent, and according to http://tinyurl.com/zg2ut gorilla and human are from same family but one is evolved more than the other how that is not linked to religion???

  • y

    hahaha….the pic you chose for this post. funny roobee..very very funny.