Enough!

How is it that the discussion of Intelligent Design continues on and on even though it is an idea so lacking in merit it should be laughed out of existence? The other day we were told that even the Catholic Church had agreed about evolution. Today, however, we are told that the Pope himself has contradicted this position and come out in favor of what he describes as an "Intelligent Project." Everything was apparently created as a result of an intelligent project. As evidence for this he quotes Saint Basil the Great from the 4th century. The 4th century! I am really pleased to know that this issue was actually settled back then. And if it was settled why does it continue to occupy people now?

I guess if one wants to believe in creationism of some kind (there are literally hundreds of different creation myths to choose from) they are entitled to do so. But whatever one they choose I assure you it has nothing whatsoever to do with the theory of evolution. And I would also argue that discussing it endlessly is nothing less than an absolute waste of time and energy. You might as well go back to medieval times and argue about how many angels can dance on the heard of a pin. I wouldn't care even if they agreed that the intelligent whatsis invented evolution and then let it run its course thereafter, randomly or not.

When it comes to such things as claims that the earth is only 6000 years or so old, or that the Grand Canyon was caused by the flood, or that humans existed contemporaneously with dinosaurs, or even that dinosaurs never really existed, or there was an ark which preserved all the animals of the earth (except, maybe, the dinosaurs), or someone parted the Red Sea, was swallowed by a whale, or whatever, I have to say NONSENSE. Utter and complete nonsense. Not even worth considering. And, in fact, a danger to human beings in general. People who believe such nonsense should not be allowed to vote. I guess I wouldn't go so far as to argue they ought to be committed to asylums but I'm not so sure. And anyone who believes some notion of Intelligent Design is the equivalent of the theory of evolution is doing a great disservice to the human community. We in the modern world live by science and the scientific method. To abandon this for 4th century beliefs in unknown supernaturals is simply not acceptable. To teach children that the theory of evolution is wrong will do terrible damage to society. Of course there is nothing wrong with pointing out there are gaps and problems and unsolved mysteries with the theory, indeed, that is what we should be doing and is, in fact, what scientists are doing continually. But that is what science is about. To try to replace it with utter poppycock is a dangerous business. So please, can't we follow the example of the good citizens of Dover, Pennsylvania, and tell these fundamentalists to retreat back into the 15th century where they belong? And tell them to take Bush, Frist, and the other morons with them. Oh, happy day!