Fish Piper

One example was a quote that went something along the lines of “No naturalistic theory is able to explain information-rich systems [such as DNA, cell structures, complex organisms, etc.]“. Two things are worth mentioning in response. First, this is exactly what Natural Selection seeks to explain. Writing it off without reference is crazy. Second, a subtle shift occurred just moments before in the narrative, where a logical connection was forged wherein ‘information’ (i.e. phenomena that conform to a recognisable, external, pattern) necessarily implies intelligence. This is simply bogus. Plenty of information signals are recognisable patterns, but do not originate from any discernible intelligence. Some do, like radio signals. Other streams of information, such as a dog’s bark - a readily identifiable pattern - do not come from what we would term ‘intelligence’. To take that further, the sound of a river, or a rock falling - these are by no means indicators of intelligent beings producing such information. Yet they are patterns.

Why is any of this important?

It’s not about Jesus. This is a problem, as the end-point of intelligent design is Theism, an idea of God a long way from the God of the Bible, who is personally and intimately involved in the world through Jesus Christ. And it paints the Christian community (or at least a vocal sub-set) as idiots in the public eye, for reasons other than the gospel. I’m more than happy to be considered dumb for my belief in the resurrection of Jesus (cf. 1 Cor 1:18-2:5). But for the sake of pretty average science, based on a thoroughly divergent philosophy of science, mixed with (at least in the US) a good dose of politics - no thanks.

Evolution does not preclude Christian belief, despite what the intelligent design people say.