objections evolution scholars lay people raised objections evolution evolutionary ideas came prominence 19th century published book origin species theory evolution idea species arose descent modification single common ancestor process driven natural selection initially met opposition scientists different theories eventually came receive overwhelming acceptance scientific community observation evolutionary processes occurring modern evolutionary synthesis explaining evidence mainstream 1940s criticisms evolution come religious sources scientific community religions advocating evolution accepted occurrence evolution religious beliefs reject evolutionary explanations favor belief deity created universe life application supernatural processes resultant creation evolution controversy focal point recent perceived conflict religion science modern features movements creation science neo intelligent design argue idea life directly designed god intelligence scientific evolutionary theory taught public education arguments evolution widespread include objections evolution evidence morality scientific acceptance scientific community recognize objections valid citing detractors things scientific method evidence basic physical laws history evolutionary ideas came prominence start 19th century particular species theory forward opposed scientific grounds notably encountering political religious objections ideas natural laws controlled development nature society gained vast popular audiences constitution man anonymous natural history creation published book origin species convinced scientific community new species arose descent modification branching pattern divergence common ancestors scientists accepted natural selection valid hypothesis darwin view primary mechanism evolution generally rejected earliest objections evolution scientific religious darwin contemporaries eventually came accept species based fossil evidence formed defend evolution church wealthy specific evolutionary mechanism darwin provided natural selection actively disputed favour alternative theories darwin account opposed lord led scientific opposition basis calculations earth million years old estimate strongly disputed figures corrected radioactive dating rocks showed earth years old views favoured version evolution accelerated divine guidance specific hereditary mechanism darwin provided lacked supporting evidence evolution mechanism eclipse persisted 1880s 1930s inclusion inheritance rise modern evolutionary synthesis modern synthesis rose universal acceptance help new evidence confirmed darwin predictions refuted competing theories especially america broke argument evolution 1870s turning point possibly marked death form christian evolution consensus britain publication descent man darwin debate previous decade sir notes steady acceptance evolution educated christians result evolutionary theory respectable lectures evolution antagonistic religion highlighted trend temple appointment archbishop_of_canterbury demonstrated broad acceptance evolution church hierarchy decades roman_catholic_church avoided official evolution catholics proposed evolution reconciled bible conflicted finding created god deny finding lead pope mentioned evolution directly officially allowed concept humans coming pre existing living matter question creation soul pope said evolution hypothesis acknowledged large body work accumulated support reiterated attempt material explanation human soul incompatible truth man muslim reaction ranged believing literal creation educated muslims version guided evolution reinforced contradicted mainstream science occurred relatively early medieval taught ideas muslim scholar 9th century proposed concepts similar natural selection acceptance evolution remains low muslim world prominent figures reject evolution philosophy human origins denial objections muslim authors writers largely reflect forward western world regardless acceptance major religious early religious objections darwin theory opposition evolution ideas species change time natural processes different species share common ancestors genesis account creation believers biblical attacked natural theology early 19th century analogy argument design movement natural theology included range ideas arguments outset darwin theory published ideas evolution presented evolution accepted secondary cause open scientific investigation holding belief god cause non specified role guiding evolution creating humans position adopted denominations christianity judaism line modernist theology views bible removing conflict evolution religion 1920s christian united_states developed arguments modernist theology opposition teaching evolution fears led german threat religion morality opposition developed creation evolution controversy involving christian united_states teaching evolution public schools early dismissed evolution interpretation bible argument legally supreme_court ruled arkansas forbidding teaching evolution religious grounds violated establishment clause developed nuanced objections evolution alleging variously religious freedoms acceptance evolution religious stance appealed democratic principles arguing evolution controversial science classrooms teach controversy objections evolution culminated intelligent design movement 1990s early 2000s unsuccessfully attempted present scientific alternative evolution defining evolution main sources confusion ambiguity creation evolution debate definition evolution context biology evolution genetic changes populations organisms successive generations word number different meanings different fields evolutionary molecular evolution evolution stellar evolution refer evolution spiritual evolution number biological evolution evolutionary processes cause errors claim modern evolutionary theory says big bang contexts evolution refer sort progressive development gradual improvement evolution understood process results greater quality complexity biological evolution common meaning leads frequent example idea backwards evolution result erroneously assuming evolution directional specific goal mind reality evolution organism objective showing increasing ability successive generations survive reproduce environment increased defined relation environment consider species humans highly evolved advanced certain sources criticized indicating tendency evaluate organisms according standards objective ones evolution require organisms complex history life shows apparent trend evolution biological complexity question appearance increased complexity real conclusion comes fact majority life earth consisted view complexity necessary consequence evolution consequence specific circumstances evolution earth frequently greater complexity naturally selected depending situation organisms complexity increase decrease stay trends observed evolution sources frequently define evolution according scientific meaning result attempts evolution address findings evolutionary biology straw man argument means advocates evolutionary simply speak past scientific acceptance recent objections evolutionary theory focused scientific validity attempting come alternative ideas debate findings status theory critics evolution assert evolution theory emphasizes scientific theories absolute presents matter opinion fact evidence reflects difference meaning theory scientific context speech theory guess science theory explanation predictions verified experiments evidence evolutionary theory refers explanation diversity species ancestry met extremely high standards scientific evidence example evolution theory modern synthesis natural selection inheritance scientific theory modern synthesis constantly debated tested refined scientists overwhelming consensus scientific community remains robust model accounts known facts concerning evolution critics state evolution fact science fact verified observation contexts fact simply refer overwhelming evidence example common usage theories earth revolves sun objects fall gravity referred facts purely theoretical scientific standpoint evolution called fact reason gravity scientific definition evolution process occurs population organisms genetically changes time definition theory evolution called fact referring theory established nature evolution widely considered theory fact scientists similar confusion involved objections evolution theory science known absolutely true verified evidence distinction important philosophy science relates lack absolute certainty claims evolution strict proof possible formal sciences logic mathematics natural sciences terms appropriate evolution proven true indictment evolution calling theory confusion arises meaning proof simply compelling evidence case scientists consider evolution proven degree acceptance objection teaching evolution evolution controversial contentious unlike past arguments sought abolish teaching evolution altogether argument makes weaker claim evolution presented alongside alternative views controversial students allowed evaluate choose options objection forms basis teach controversy campaign think tank based seattle washington promote teaching intelligent design public schools goal institute wedge strategy attempt gradually undermine evolution ultimately reverse dominance replace science christian convictions subsequent attempts insert intelligent design public school curriculum including failed amendment scientists courts rejected objection grounds science based appeals popularity evidence scientific consensus popular opinion determines considered acceptable science evolution controversial public arena entirely experts field response disputed level scientific support evolution gathered scientists august sign scientific dissent order number scientists dispute refer evolution statement outright disbelief evolution expressed skepticism ability random natural selection account complexity life counter petitions launched turn including gathered signatures days tongue cheek petition gathered signatures evolution supporting scientists named steve similar variation thereof stephen etc argued century evolution theory crisis soon overturned based objections lacks reliable evidence natural laws objections rejected scientists claims intelligent design explanation meets basic scientific standards required scientific alternatives evolution argued evidence evolution exists false dilemma characterize evidence intelligent design similar objection evolution certain scientific authorities mainly pre modern ones doubted rejected evolution commonly argued darwin deathbed false originating story objections generally rejected appeals authority scientific status common neo objection evolution evolution adhere normal scientific standards genuinely scientific argued evolutionary biology follow scientific method taught science classes taught alongside views objections deal nature evolutionary theory scientific method philosophy science religious nature commonly argue evolution grounds evolution religion science purpose criticism undermine higher ground claim debating debate science evolution religion equally religious beliefs argue evolution religious intelligent design oppose evolution frequently refer supporters evolution arguments evolution religion generally arguments analogy argued evolution religion things common evolution religion examples claims arguments statements evolution based faith supporters evolution darwin prophet supporters evolution reject alternative suggestions hand claims popular recent years neo movement sought distance religion giving reason use seemingly anti religious analogy response supporters evolution argued scientist claims including darwin treated shown aspects darwin theory rejected revised scientists years form neo later modern evolutionary synthesis claim evolution relies faith based belief evolution observed likewise rejected grounds evolution strong supporting evidence require faith general argument evolution religious rejected grounds religion defined adherents spiritual supernatural beliefs evolutionary supporters point evolution based faith accuse strict definition religion usage refer enthusiastically engaged united_states courts rejected objection assuming purposes argument evolution religion religious remedy stop teaching evolution establish religion opposition clearly established case law common sense evolution religion teaching evolution violate establishment clause related claim evolution section merge claims describe evolution religion argument evolution frequently criticism science argued science religion grounds faith based supernatural beliefs statement considered observation test demonstrate statement false statements examined scientific investigation permit tests evaluate accuracy claimed observation fitted evolutionary framework impossible demonstrate evolution wrong evolution non scientific evolution considered predictions contradicted evidence evolution kinds evidence evolution fossil record showing change time confirmation prevented accumulating observations showing organisms created spontaneously darwin ideas fact evolutionary science developed continued confirm central concepts despite consists largely claims evolution contrast explanations involving direct intervention supernatural physical world result experiment investigation unpredictable action deity philosopher said scientific theory research programme later changed mind argued darwin theory natural selection difficult test respect areas science direct evidence evolutionary theory original words chapter wrote demonstrated complex organ existed possibly formed numerous successive slight modifications theory absolutely break evidence supported instance argument favor complexity response criticism evolutionary theory numerous examples potential ways evolution proposed asked hypothetical evidence evolution replied fossil rabbits era numerous potential ways evolution proposed example fact humans fewer pair great offered hypothesis involving fusion splitting common ancestor fusion hypothesis confirmed discovery human fusion remain separate extra inactive remain human result fusion assertion common descent invention dna methods true human dna far similar great mammals common descent dna analysis shown humans share large percentage dna depending measure evolution humans common ancestor recent common ancestor numerous transitional fossils found human evolution passed tests related claim natural selection specifically argued phrase survival fitness defined ability survive reproduce phrase rarely additionally fitness accurately defined state possessing traits survival likely definition unlike simple avoids true similarly argued evolutionary theory circular reasoning evidence interpreted supporting evolution evolution required interpret evidence example claim geological strata dated fossils hold fossils turn dated strata cases strata dated fossils position relative strata dating strata dated theory evolution formulated book science case philosopher science specifically addresses question taking account notable philosophical critiques reject definition theory set statements points took strictly view theory observations discovered mechanics people suggested planet influenced orbit prediction eventually confirmed agrees surely right idea science succeed fail insists view scientific theories consisting elaborate collection statements calls auxiliary according good scientific theories features unity independent auxiliary unity science unified good theories consist problem solving strategy small family problem solving strategies applied wide range problems great scientific theory like newton opens new areas research theory presents new way looking world lead ask new questions embark new lines inquiry typically science incomplete time raises questions currently answer vice contrary mother good theory productive raise new questions questions answered giving problem solving strategies auxiliary independently auxiliary hypothesis ought independently particular problem introduced solve independently theory designed save evidence existence neptune independent orbit like definitions theories including makes clear good theory includes statements terms consequences like observation irregularities orbit possible consequence observation production new possible equally important consequence account good theory based understanding physical sciences work taking account way life sciences work point view theory meets conditions good scientific theory question successful theory heart evolutionary theory family problem solving strategies related common employment particular style historical narrative history piece reasoning following general form step consists description ancestral population organisms reasoning proceeds tracing modification population subsequent generations showing characteristics selected inherited prevalent reasoning like answer host biological questions kind story told answer sorts questions sorts living things evolutionary theory unified diverse questions addressed advancing histories narratives constantly claims subject independent check darwin provided scheme diversity life gave structure ignorance darwin important resolve general issues histories way biology proceed plain clear tackle questions answers evidence objections evidence evolution occurs tend concrete specific involving direct analysis evolutionary biology methods claims lack observation common claim evolution observed challenges objections come debates evolution defined defining evolution section conventional biological definition evolution simple matter observe evolution occurring evolutionary processes form populations changing genetic composition generation generation observed different scientific contexts including evolution fruit flies mice bacteria laboratory field studies experimental evolution particularly providing important insights evolution occurs especially case resistance response examples specify organizations dispute occurrence short term relatively minor evolutionary changes observed dog breeding dispute occurrence major evolutionary changes long periods time definition directly observed processes traces ones define observed example directly observed times despite popular contrary additionally modern evolutionary synthesis draws distinction processes described theory evolution considering simply species level species level example ring species additionally past historical traces transitional fossils example provide plausible links different groups organisms linking birds recently discovered linking fish amphibians dispute examples asserting fossils belong exclusively group asserting far evidence obvious transitional species darwin found transitional species greatest weaknesses theory geological formation intermediate links geology reveal finely graduated organic chain obvious objection urged theory explanation lies believe extreme geological record darwin appealed limited collections available extreme lengths time involved different rates change living species differing little fossils period later editions added periods species undergoing modification long measured years probably short comparison periods species remained undergoing change number clear transitional fossils increased enormously darwin day problem largely resolved advent theory punctuated primarily stable fossil record broken occasional major compelling direct evidence inter species species species evolution gathered understanding amounts created kinds continued insist dramatic demonstrations evolution produced version objection popularized young earth argues god directly observe events distant past scientific claims speculation story telling dna sequences organisms allow independent test predicted relationships species diverged recently closely related genetically species related phylogenetic trees organization tree life predicted common descent fields direct observation laboratory experiments difficult impossible scientific method instead relies observation logical fields test satisfied theory predict results new observations observations theory predictions revised discarded alternative better explains observed facts example newton theory replaced theory general observed precisely predict orbit mercury unreliable evidence related objection evolution based unreliable evidence objection goes substantial evolution isn proven arguments claiming evolution isn evidenced typically based argument evolution evidence current evidence evolution likely overturned past evidence certain types evidence inconsistent dubious arguments evolution reliability based analyzing history evolutionary thought history science general point past major scientific revolutions overturned theories time considered near certain claim current evolutionary theory likely undergo revolution future basis theory crisis reason critics evolution commonly appeal past scientific man argued scientists mistaken past evidence aspects evolution current evidence evolution likely based fraud error evidence evolution accused fraudulent times including darwin claims subsequently refuted claimed certain pieces evidence evolution considered date erroneous 19th century comparative drawings embryos illustrate theory phylogeny merely errors molecular biologist criticizes biology textbooks alleging continue reproduce evidence response notes textbooks reviewed wells makes claimed error drawings shown historical context discussion wrong accurate modern drawings photos textbooks wells unreliable chronology claim evolution relies certain types evidence reliable information past example argued dating technique evaluating material age based radioactive decay rates certain generates inconsistent unreliable results dating based particularly criticized argued decay relies number assumptions principle consistent decay rates rocks acting closed systems arguments dismissed scientists grounds independent methods confirmed reliability dating additionally different dating methods techniques independently confirmed results form objection fossil evidence reliable based wider range claims include gaps fossil record fossil dating circular section certain fossils fossils seemingly place examination found fossils consistent formation argued certain features evolution support evolution punctuated assert hoc theory explain fossil gaps oldest common objections evolution dispute evolution truly account apparent complexity order natural world argued evolution unlikely lacking account aspects life intelligence god religions appealed specific features common objection evolution simply unlikely life complexity apparent design arisen chance argued odds life having arisen deliberate intelligence guiding low intelligent designer natural world specifically diversity life extreme version argument evolution create complex structures creation complex structures section idea simply life evolved quotation probability life originating earth greater chance hurricane sweeping luck assemble boeing claim attributed known anti advocated theory begins outer space primitive life earth held arrived natural views similar unrelated invariably justified arguments analogy basic idea argument designer argument argument existence god based perceived order universe common way objection evolution appealing 18th century philosopher analogy argues certain natural phenomena watch ordered complex means like watch designed intelligent agent argument forms core intelligent design neo movement seeking establish certain variants design argument legitimate science philosophy theology taught alongside evolution objection fundamentally argument lack imagination argument certain explanation seen alternate intuitive explanation appealed instead supporters evolution generally respond arguing evolution based chance predictable chemical interactions natural processes supernatural beings designer process involves random elements non random selection survival enhancing genes drives evolution ordered trajectory fact results ordered designed evidence supernatural intelligence appearance complex natural phenomena argued insufficient evidence statements certain structures demonstrate poor design life evolving exactly evidence intelligence deck cards dealt certain random order noted arguments form life arising chance objections evolution arguments evolution based component necessary precursor evolution similar objections evolution christian philosopher supporter intelligent design revised argument evolutionary argument asserts reject supernatural intelligent creator apparent probability certain evolving low specifically claims evolution account rise reliable reasoning argues god expected create beings reliable reasoning evolution likely lead unreliable ones meaning evolution true trust reasoning relies conclude true novel argument criticized similarly design arguments argued survival likely selected making natural development reliable likely unreliable ones unexplained aspects natural world argued current evolutionary theory account certain complex structures particularly basis argues structures purposely arranged intelligent agent addition complex structures systems phenomena critics variously claim evolution explain consciousness intelligence instincts emotions homosexuality music language religion morality animals intelligence instinct emotion language explained evolution remain mysterious preliminary explanations supporters evolution contend alternative explanation able adequately explain biological origin phenomena argue evolution grounds explain certain non evolutionary processes big bang meaning life instances evolution refer entire history universe argued aspect universe seemingly entire body scientific theories point objections leave arena evolutionary biology general scientific philosophical disputes argued favor cosmic ancestry evolution class objections radical claiming major aspect evolution merely impossible law nature constrained way produce biological diversity world creation complex structures living things intricate features cellular molecular level function complex sophisticated conclusion products intelligent design evolution modern evolutionary theory biological systems evolved combination natural selection genetic drift darwin early detractors recognized potential problems arise theory natural selection lineage organs biological features accounted gradual step step changes successive generations stages initial organ organ improvements original impossible later organ develop process natural selection complex organs eye presented need design god anticipating early criticisms evolution eye complex organs impossible darwin noted tells numerous perfect complex eye imperfect simple grade useful shown exist eye vary slightly variations inherited certainly case variation modification organ useful animal changing conditions life difficulty believing perfect complex eye formed natural selection imagination hardly considered real similarly evolutionary biologist said topic evolution feather interview television program got series advantages way feather think problem natural selection problem perfectly possible feathers began extensions scales act earliest feathers different approach reptiles keeping warm arguments use half eye use half wing research confirmed natural evolution eye intricate organs entirely feasible claims persisted complexity evolving designer objection evolution refined recent years sophisticated complexity argument intelligent design movement formulated complexity idea certain biological systems broken constituent parts remain functional evolved naturally complex complete systems past arguments nature generally relied organs primary examples complexity cellular nature argued components systems blood cascade immune system complex evolved simpler systems fact argument intelligent design open direct experimental thought experiment makes point clear darwin claimed complex required deliberate intelligent design flip claim produced natural selection acting random process claim scientist laboratory place species lacking selective pressure mobility grow thousand generations equally complex system produced happened claims years proposed complexity new developments advances biology improved understanding evolution undermined arguments idea seemingly complex systems evolve refuted evolutionary mechanisms adaptation organs entirely new functions use initially necessary features system later longer required potential evolutionary pathways provided systems examples complexity explosion complexity argument explosion relatively rapid appearance million years ago major animal demonstrated fossil record extinct accompanied major organisms prior explosion organisms simple composed individual cells occasionally organized colonies following million years rate accelerated order magnitude diversity life began resemble today resemble species today basic problem natural selection calls slow accumulation changes new longer new class longer new order longer new family longer new genus longer emergence new species apparent occurrence high level taxa implying unusual evolutionary mechanisms general consensus factors helped trigger explosion generally accepted consensus combination explosion continues area controversy research rapid level apparent fossil record accurate example opinions involving commonly cited rise oxygen great event biologist environmental changes particular revolution caused evolution worms released buried nutrients steadily increasing oxygen content atmosphere allowed nutrients fuel growth ecological competition kind arms race gave distinct selective advantage allowed species occupy new evolution developmental mechanisms enabled organisms generate new readily increase molecular oxygen allowed formation protective layer helps shield earth lethal radiation sun creation information new increasingly common objection evolution evolutionary mechanisms generate new information attempted use information theory dispute evolution argued life demonstrates specified complexity evolution intelligent agent account generation information required produce specified complexity claims widely rejected scientific community new information regularly generated evolution novel gene arises dramatic examples entirely new unique traits arising observed recent years evolution eating bacteria developed new efficiently digest material existed modern era fact organism considered environment evolved need account creation information information forms record possible survive particular environment created gathered environment research trial error organisms reproduce fail related argument evolution harmful vast majority neutral minority beneficial harmful harmful environment helpful violation second law objection evolution second law law applies systems case closed states isolated system tend increase time approaching maximum value words ideal isolated system measure dispersal energy physical system available mechanical work tend increase stay decrease argue evolution physical law requiring decrease disorder time claim based manifestation law applicable isolated systems exchange matter energy surroundings organisms contrast open systems constantly exchange energy matter environment example animals eat food waste absorb heat similarly earth energy sun energy space space system violate second law enormous increase sun earth space local decrease caused existence evolution self organizing life second law precise mathematical definition argument analyzed physicist concluded estimates involved biological evolution demonstrate conflict evolution second law published letter editor mathematical titled anti abuse mathematics mathematician stated fact natural forces routinely lead local decreases water ice eggs turn babies plants use sunlight convert carbon dioxide water sugar oxygen divine intervention explain process offers confidence moral implications common objections evolution evolution leads results including bad beliefs behaviors events argued teaching evolution values morals considered appeals consequences form logical potential belief evolutionary theory objective reality humans animals biological classification humans animals basic point known years asserted creation magazine people taught evolution expected behave like animals animals behave sorts different ways meaningless evolutionary terms humans able acquire knowledge change behaviour meet social standards humans behave manner humans social effects published experiences headquarters german_army france belgium asserted german intellectuals totally committed makes right hearted acceptance worst natural selection applied human life society strongly influenced politician saw moral threat america campaigned evolutionary theory campaign culminated trial effectively prevented teaching evolution public schools 1950s claim perceived social like crime teenage homosexuality abortion wars genocide caused belief evolution president theological seminary louisville kentucky wrote august npr taking issue essay series debates education abortion homosexuality host issues debates origin meaning human life evolutionary theory stands base moral rejection traditional morality engineering professor founder claims evolution pagan religion emerged tower aristotle responsible war pornography breakup nuclear family christ coral ridge claims darwin responsible adolf hitler atrocities kennedy documentary accompanying pamphlet title darwin kennedy states simply darwin hitler efforts expose harmful effects evolution having nation children world kennedy states years theory evolution brought darwin intended millions deaths destruction deemed inferior human life increasing fellow similar claims claim central documentary film expelled intelligence allowed promoting intelligent design describes claims outrageous holocaust imagery complex factors led mass hitler need darwin evolution plan jewish people darwin evolutionary theory explain hitler madness anti existed long darwin wrote word young earth blames communism socialism world war world war racism holocaust war crimes vietnam war evolution increase crime mothers social son claims evolution responsible body piercing sex sexually transmitted diseases divorce child abuse supporters evolution dismiss criticisms argue opposite case study published author illustrator found religious beliefs including belief disbelief evolution positively social like crime surveys find christians non christians similar divorce rates highest divorce rates reject evolution embrace argued october evolution supports concepts like family values avoiding lies fidelity moral codes rule law goes suggest evolution gives support notion creator limitations based human model common image careful analysis charges evolution led moral holocaust yields conclusion charges appear highly suspect analyses conclude origins holocaust likely found historical christian anti evolution evolution justify exploitation lesser breeds law superior races particularly nineteenth century strong typically european nations successfully expanded strong nations said survived struggle dominance attitude europeans exception christian missionaries seldom adopted customs languages local people charge leveled evolutionary theory belief evolution commonly claimed proponents evolutionary theory hand argues creation science harmful christianity bad science turn away recruits young asks seriously expect non christians develop respect christianity insist teaching brand science brings evolution requires rules existence supernatural makes comparison evolution professor biology notes founding fathers twentieth century evolutionary biology devout anglican preached published articles church magazines practicing eastern apparent member author book religion science addition wide range religions reconciled belief supernatural evolution found americans largest christian denominations belong churches support evolution education churches include evangelical lutheran church america african methodist roman_catholic_church poll people american way found american public felt evolution compatible belief god people polled choose correct definition evolution list poll reported journal nature showed american scientists disciplines percent believe evolution active deity evolution similar results reported surveys general american public percent scientists polled believe god answers prayers believe scientists surveyed far universal scientists support evolution general public supports evolution similar results reported poll american public scientists object idea diversity life including human beings arose natural processes need supernatural intervention argue evolution basis literal interpretation creation myths separate kinds religions catholicism reconciled beliefs evolution evolution
Objections to evolution