Origins and Silly Putty: The Problems with Evolution

As evidenced by a wave of recent books on the subject, there is a growing uneasiness in the scientific community about the validity of Darwinian evolution. Many scientists and philosophers are taking a fresh look at evolution, and based on the latest evidence are raising huge questions. Indeed, a hard look at the scientific data accumulated since the time of Darwin in the late nineteenth century, is leading some observers to conclude the following: The evidence for Darwinian evolution is so fragmentary that it would not command any respect at all, if it were not for the fact that the evolutionists have agreed in advance to exclude all thought of intelligent design.

There are, it seems, two definitions of science. One is to look at the facts, test the hypothesis, and see where it leads you—even if you don't like it. This, of course, is the traditional definition. But many are now questioning whether evolutionary dogma may have used a second definition—to start with a definition of naturalism, and look only at the pieces of evidence which fit that philosophy.

The purpose of this essay is to survey several books on the topic, and to present their arguments about the growing problems for evolution. The reader is asked, for the moment, to look at this question as a true scientist would—that is, without a preconceived conclusion. Rather, examine the evidence as a jurist in a court of law.

(Notes: While the terminology used in this essay may be new to some people, the concepts are not difficult. They are easy enough to be understood by high school students. References used are by their number listed in the Resource List at the end. For example, all references to Johnson's book Darwin on Trial are referenced in the text as number 5.)