Darwin's theory for the evolution of life is often reported as proven scientific fact. However, neither evolution nor creation can be scientifically proven because, by definition, empirical scientific proof requires direct and repeatable observation of the event. Both creation and evolution can only be evaluated by how consistent they are with the evidence we can directly observe today. The theory of evolution states that life by mere chance arose from nothing and through natural processes gave rise to all the varied life forms observable today. But, as we shall see, this theory can not adequately explain life as it actually exists.

The Complexity Of Life Requires Intelligent Design

Evolution teaches that all of life arose from a "primordial soup" and, without any design or direction and by mere chance, evolved into the complex life forms we have today. (For more information on the Origin of Life, refer to the TruthMatters document by that title) Even within the sciences of Physics (1^st Law of Thermodynamics) and Biology (Spontaneous Generation) we learn the contradictory truth that "nothing comes from nothing." We also learn from Physics (2^nd Law of Thermodynamics - the Law of Entropy) that things do not become more organized and complex by chance, rather when things are left alone they tend toward disorder. Saying a "soup" of primordial proteins and gelatinous "goo" could without direction or creativity evolve into a human being is like saying a tornado could whip through an auto junkyard and assemble a car, running and ready to drive. Creating something as complex as a car or a human demands intelligent design; it doesn’t just happen on its own.

Similarity Between Different Species Is Not Proof Of Evolution

It is true that the skeletons of different animals share striking similarities, with appendages that are well developed in one animal appearing as under developed and useless in another. This observation is undisputed, but it as likely proves a common creator using a common pattern as it does a common ancestor.

Natural Selection Does Not Result In Evolution

Natural Selection is an observable phenomenon where the strong survive and generate new offspring, and the weak are weeded out and fail to reproduce. This is undisputed, but it does not prove evolution. Evolution says that new and different creatures arise as a result of this process. This is not observable today or in the fossil record. In fact, observations of genetic variability and adaptation have demonstrated that a species of animal can only move a limited distance from the species norm, and the farther from the norm it moves, the lower the probability for survival. For example, there is great variability in the canine species, from a 150 pound St. Bernard to a two pound teacup poodle. But as dogs reach the extremes in size their health and viability decreases. Giant breed dogs have a shortened life span of only 6-8 years. Miniature breeds require intensive care and support just to survive. Furthermore, if all dog breeds were abandoned to survive and breed in the wild, the canine population would quickly revert to their wild, or “normal,” form. A contrast between Natural Selection and Evolution could be demonstrated by placing a widely divergent population of dogs in a harsh environment such as Alaska. Dogs that have thick warm coats of hair, among other variables, would have an advantage and thus be more likely to survive and propagate. After several generations we would have a population composed of mostly this type of dog. However, we would not expect to find that the dogs had evolved into Polar Bears or Eskimos.

Genetic Research Creates A Problem For The Theory Of Evolution

Because natural selection alone has not been able to cause the type of changes necessary to propel an organism across an evolutionary step, evolutionists have proposed that new creatures arise through frequent genetic mutation. According to this theory, mutations result in beneficial changes that are naturally selected in reproduction and propagated until a new species arises. But, genetic research and observation show that mutations are rare, and when they do occur they are almost always detrimental to the individual. This is an acute embarrassment for evolutionary theory, and evolutionists continue to search without result to find another genetic explanation for how evolution could have proceeded.

The Fossil Record Lacks Evidence For Evolution

The most serious problem with evolution is that transitional forms depicted artistically in museums do not actually exist. If evolutionary theory were correct, the fossil record should contain millions of transitional forms. The true fossil record is another embarrassment to Darwinists. Even Darwin himself admitted that the lack of transitional fossils was “the most obvious and gravest objection which can be urged against my theory.”[1] Darwin anticipated that once the fossil record became more complete the transitional animals would be found, but in the 150 years since his death millions of fossils have been catalogued and the picture has not changed – transitional forms do not exist. Modern fossil evidence shows an overwhelming pattern of sudden appearances followed by stasis, meaning that new life forms are discovered fully formed in the fossil record with no ancestors, and they exhibit no significant directional change toward forming other types of creatures.

The Ape-Men Are Not Ape-Men

Finally, the “ape-men” depicted in art and displayed in museums are far from proof that we evolved from monkeys. Many depictions of ape-men are now in fact admitted mistakes or outright hoaxes. The Neanderthal man, for example, was recently admitted to be a true human not unlike humans today. This revelation came after it was discovered that the skeletons suffered from rickets, a nutritional deficiency that causes abnormalities in bone growth and a stooped stance. Nebraska man, an ape-man created around the finding of a single tooth, was discredited when it was later discovered that the tooth came from a wild pig. It has been uncovered that Piltdown Man was an outright and deliberate hoax created by pairing a human skull with a carefully stained and filed jaw from an orangutan. In 1953 Piltdown man was formally declared a fake, but for 40 years it had been affirmed by renowned scientists as proof that evolution is a fact.[2] Just as there are no credible transitional fossils in animals, there are no fossils of "ape-men" that provide convincing evidence that humans evolved from apes.

Contrary to commonly propagated contemporary thought, the theory of evolution is not undisputed scientific fact that leaves no room for belief in a creator, God.

Recommended Resources For Further Study:

Holy Bible, New International Version (or other modern translation of reader's choice)

McDowell, Josh. Josh McDowell Answers 5 Tough Questions. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 1991

Hanegraaff, Hank The Face That Demonstrates The Farce Of Evolution. Word Publishing 1998

Serway, Raymond A. and Faughn, Jerry S. College Physics. Saunders College Publishing 1985

[1] Johnson, Phillip E. Darwin on Trial. InterVarsity Press 1993, p. 47

[2] Hanegraaff, Hank The Face That Demonstrates The Farce Of Evolution. Word Publishing 1998, p. 54

The Evolution of Life