What is the theory of intelligent design?
Intelligent design is a theory that proposes that a supernatural intelligent
being had to have created certain cells. The main line of reasoning behind
intelligent design lies in biological cells that are labeled “irreducibly
complex.” The chief example of irreducible complexity is a part of a cell
called the bacterial flagellum. This microscopic motor rotates, allowing
bacterium to move. Michael Behe, a leading design theorist alleges that
“this motor, like an automobile engine, needs all of its machinery in place
to function at all.”1 The argument then is that the structure,
which includes about 30 proteins that function as bushings, o-rings, a
universal joint, and other parts, is too complex to have evolved on its
own and needs some supernatural designer. However, “the theory of
intelligent design does not consider the identity of the designer nor does
it defend the Genesis account or of any other sacred text.”2
Why is intelligent design in the news?
On December 20, 2005, a U.S. District judge’s ruling prohibited a
Pennsylvania school district from teaching intelligent design.
Judge John E. Jones, a religious republican, said that “the overwhelming
evidence at the trial established that intelligent design is a religious
view, a mere re-labeling of creationism, and not a scientific theory.”3
This decision meant that the Dover, Pennsylvania school district would
have to change its policy requiring biology teachers to include information
about the gaps in Darwinian evolution. The policy had also suggested
students with questions read Of Pandas and People, a book on intelligent
design. Although the inventors of intelligent design would say otherwise,
Jones’ decision sets a precedent of viewing intelligent design as a
religious view, rather than a valid scientific theory.
How do evolutionists combat intelligent design?
First of all, the Darwinian camp looks to the definition of intelligent
design. The theory needs a supernatural being in order to work. Science,
however, does not look for the supernatural. Science has historically, and
still does look for explanation by nature and through nature. Secondly,
evolutionists use science to show that the bacterial flagellum and other
“irreducibly complex” systems can be reduced to smaller systems. Ian
Musgrave, who holds a PhD from the University of Adelaide in biomedical
research, thinks he has the answer to the evolution of the bacterial
flagellum. Musgrave proposes that the smaller systems that make up the
flagellum already exist in a cell, and that their combining is not all that
complex after all.4 Musgrave’s theory flies directly in the face of Behe’s
irreducible complexity.
What are the real problems with intelligent design?
If intelligent design is truly a re-packaging of creation, it is a bad one.
It still allows for macro-evolution after the design of the complex cell.
It also does nothing to support the Genesis account of creation or the
belief in a specific Judeo-Christian God. If intelligent design is actually
a scientific theory, it has major flaws. It simply assumes a supernatural
being having only the proof that the design theorists do not believe that
certain cells can be broken down into smaller systems. The theory also has
no way to contest research like that of Dr. Musgrave. Simply put,
intelligent design is bad science and bad religion all rolled together.
How should Christians view intelligent design?
Intelligent design does nothing to support the Christian view of creation.
Is being designed by some unknown supernatural force any better than being
“the fortunate mistakes of countless biochemical morons?”5 I do not believe
that it is. Both intelligent design and Darwinian evolution are non-Biblical
theories. I am quite confident that I was created by the Triune God. What,
then, of the public school debate? The duty of the public school is to
educate, not to teach religion. It is our duty as Christians to share the
Word. In an increasingly atheistic-minded world, we must remain faithful to
God’s Word, never compromising, firmly believing, and always trusting our
Creator, Savior, and King.
(Footnotes)
1 Witt, Jonathan. The Origin of Intelligent Design. Discovery Institute. 9 Feb. 2006 .
2 Witt, Jonathan. The Origin of Intelligent Design. Discovery Institute. 9 Feb. 2006 .
3 Jones, John E. United States. District Judge. U.S. District Court Harrisburg, PA. Memorandum Opinion. 20 Dec. 2005. 9 Feb. 2006 .
4 Musgrave, Ian. “Evolution of Bacterial Flagella.” 17 Mar. 2000. University of Adelaide. 8 Feb. 2006 .
5 Discover Editorial Staff. “A Message From the Mimivirus.” Discover Mar. 2006: 31.
