Keepers of Galapagos. The Gospel of St. Charles

There is the theory of evolution and there is the theory of Intelligent Design (ID).  Which is true?  The fact is a theory, by definition, is never true.  It is a set of hypotheses based on assumptions, patterns and observation.  In that regard, both Darwinism and ID are equal; neither carrying the weight of conclusive proof, nor are they, by definition, disqualified as theories.  In other words, neither are true, nor untrue.  They are theories.  They are equal.

Except in the classroom.  

ID has a public relations problem.  I cite, as an example, the recent withdrawal of the name Ben Stein as commencement speaker at the University of Virginia.  Stein, whose documentary film, “Expelled” was an expose’ of the hypocrisy practiced in higher learning in order to keep ID out of the classroom – and Darwin as the sole resident of the academia’s hallowed halls.  Stein had been invited by the U president to address the graduates - but the hue and cry from staff and students was such that Mr. Stein voluntarily withdrew his name from consideration.  The idea of welcoming someone who might actually believe in a “Creator” is a little overwhelming for a major university.

Why the hysteria over someone who simply has given voice to a theory?  Here’s my amateur hypothesis:  One needs to understand that Darwin’s model is much more than an explanation for our biological origins.  Darwinism supplants God.  Darwin places chance as the only determinant for our origins and as long as life is random, chaotic and without design, only men can give it meaning.  Only men, wise men – like academics - therefore, are capable of serving as God.  

ID, on the other hand, opens the door for the possibility there is a power exclusive of human reason and greater than academia, politics, the arts or social sciences.  It’s not rocket science, folks - the exclusion of ID from the classrooms of higher learning is the equivalent of closing your eyes, putting your hands over your ears and singing.  Most academics won’t even listen to the debate.

And, these are the people leading our kids from adolescence to adulthood.

God help us.