Evolution is a theory, not a fact. This is an extremely important distinction. In science, ultimately almost all “knowledge” remains within the realm of theory rather than fact. Even something as well-established as the theory of gravity, with its precise formula, cannot be said to have been proven in an ultimate sense, as we may one day find circumstances in either the micro or macro worlds (such as the sub-atomic quantum realm) where gravity behaves very differently. The formula for gravity may one day need to be amended to incorporate further variables. Thus, while we may colloquially describe gravity as a “fact”, its precise nature and operation remain theoretical. Ultimately, all scientific theories remain permanently subject to either verification, amendment or disproof, through the examination of ongoing evidence.
Furthermore, not all scientific theories are worthy of the same degree of respect and credibility. While some theories, such as the law of gravity, are substantiated by clear, observable, repeatable, measurable data, other theories are highly speculative and uncorroborated. The current variety of imaginative theories attempting to explain the origin of the universe are examples of the latter kind of theory. Bubble universes[i], mother-baby universes[ii], the multiverse[iii], oscillating or cyclical universes[iv], and even the creation of our universe by aliens[v] are all highly speculative theories that have been recently proposed by scientists to answer the question of ultimate origin. These theories offer contradictory, often mutually exclusive explanations for the origin of the universe. They are based upon little or no hard evidence, arising primarily from the imaginations of the scientists concerned, and certainly do not warrant the same degree of credibility as does the theory of gravity. Thus, the credibility of scientific theories varies enormously, from highly speculative to largely substantiated, depending upon the amount of observable corroborating evidence, as well as the existence of any contrary evidence.
So, where does the theory of evolution fit into this spectrum? Is it overwhelmingly corroborated by observable evidence, or is it speculative and largely unsubstantiated?
My latest book, “No More Monkey Business: Evolution in Crisis”, demonstrates the highly speculative nature of the theory of evolution. It documents the ever-shrinking evidence base for the theory, including the rapidly accumulating body of scientific evidence that now directly contradicts its fundamental premises. Far from being a proven “fact”, evolution is a theory that is coming under increasing scrutiny and criticism from many respected, highly-credentialed scientists.
The theory of evolution, introduced by Charles Darwin in 1859, proposes that all biological life on earth originated from a single-celled organism and, from there, it developed into the complex and varied life-forms that we see today. This progression from the simple to the complex is supposed to have taken place over billions of years by means of genetic variation and natural selection. This refers to a species’ ability to make gradual cumulative changes to its basic structure, in response to environmental and other factors, which eventually results in the formation of new physical features. In this way, it is supposed that an amoeba eventually turned into a giraffe, a fish eventually turned into an elephant, and a single-celled bacteria eventually became a professor of astrophysics at Cambridge University. I am not exaggerating. Ultimately, this is what the theory of evolution proposes!
If you have not previously given much thought to the theory of evolution, the chances are that you have made at least one of the following assumptions:
- The theory of evolution is an established, indisputable fact.
- Only “nutters” and religious “kooks” disagree with it.
- It really doesn’t matter whether the theory of evolution is true or not.
Over the course of my latest book, “No More Monkey Business: Evolution in Crisis”, I hope to disavow you of all three of those assumptions.
The Theory of Evolution is Not Proven
There is a common misconception that the theory of evolution is a proven fact, substantiated by a vast body of irrefutable evidence. Ask the average person whether they think evolution is true, and they will often express surprise that you feel the need to even ask the question! The concept that all biological life on earth gradually evolved from simple to complex lifeforms over hundreds of millions of years through the chance processes of natural selection and adaptation is now an entrenched tenet of 21st century society. It is an assumed “fact”. Not only is the theory accepted unquestioningly, but anyone who dares to propose the biblical creation story as an alternate explanation for the origin of complex biological life is considered to be living in denial. He or she is regarded with the same mocking disdain as are those who still believe that the earth is flat. After all, science has “proven” evolution hasn’t it?
Despite this popular impression among the general populace, the theory of evolution is not even close to being proven at the scientific level. In fact, there is less supporting evidence for the theory now than there ever has been! As “No More Monkey Business” demonstrates, scientific discoveries and developments within many of the major branches of science over recent decades have seriously undermined the previously accepted evidence-base for the theory. The book is packed full of fascinating scientific evidence and quotes from Ph.D. scientists from around the world who have now totally rejected the theory of evolution.
For example, Dr. E.H. Andrews wrote, “Speaking as a scientist, I believe that in another 20 years the theory of evolution will have been totally discredited, purely on scientific grounds. The enormous gaps in the theory are beginning to emerge – not, of course, in the popular versions of evolution, but in the findings of scientists who are studying these matters at depth.”
If you or someone you know is a believer in evolution, and has, as a result, rejected belief in a Creator God, then this book is for you!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: See my newly released book, “No More Monkey Business: Evolution in Crisis”. This is available as an eBook or paperback from book distributors worldwide. For Australian buyers, it is also available from Koorong Books, but the cheapest place to buy it is via my website: SmartFaith.net.
KEVIN SIMINGTON
[i] Proposed by Paul Steinhardt and Alexander Vilenkin, in 1983. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_inflation
[ii] Stephen Hawking, “Black Holes and Baby Universes”, Random House Publishers, 1994.
[iii] Greene, Brian (24 January 2011). “A Physicist Explains Why Parallel Universes May Exist”. npr.org(Interview). Interviewed by Terry Gross. Archived from the original on 13 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
[iv] P. J. Steinhardt, N. Turok (2001). “Cosmic Evolution in a Cyclic Universe”. Physical Review D. 65 (12): 126003. arXiv:hep-th/0111098.
[v] Video Clip of interview between Ben Stein and Dr. Richard Dawkins, “Richard Dawkins Believes Extraterrestrials Created Man.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiVoS78lNqM