The piece on page 31 is entitled “The Origin of Life… Through Chemistry.” Written by Joel Achenbach of the Washington Post, it gives a snapshot of some recent research into the origin of life. After discussing the work performed by biologists Harold Morowitz and Eric Smith, the author throws in the line, “This is probably not what opponents of the teaching of evolution want to hear, but it seems that a kind of molecular natural selection applies even to the world of geochemistry.”

This is a non sequitur. It is not prompted by any statement from the researchers, nor does it seem to have any consequence in the development of the article.

What is much more disturbing however, is Mr. Achenbach’s characterization of those who dissent from Darwin (one has to assume that intelligent design is at the forefront of the author’s thoughts when he made this statement considering the recent trial in Dover, PA as well as legislative action taking place in a number of other states). First, and most importantly, no leading proponent of intelligent design is opposed to teaching evolution! No one who has spent ten minutes investigating the origins controversy can with good conscience say so. Even 25 years ago when the public dissenters from Darwin were young-earth creation scientists, their famous call was for “equal time” of creation science with evolution, not the abandonment of any teaching of evolution. In fact, those attempting to change science curriculum are calling for teaching evolution and teaching it well, and also teaching that it is the theory accepted by the majority of scientists.

More subtly, Mr. Achenbach joins a great host in misunderstanding the relationship of design and evolution (again, I am making an assumption that he intended design theorists as the primary target of his comment). Intelligent design and evolution are rightly viewed as complimentary… as friends. All design theorists think that evolution has played a role in Earth’s biological history (though there is great disagreement as to just what degree). What happens too often is that scientists assume evolution and wind up invoking it without bothering to find any real evidence. For a great example of this see Cornelius Hunter’s recent post here.

Intelligent design and evolution are friends… compadres…amigos. Design theorists are happy with the teaching of evolution, and with the scientific investigation thereof. We just wish that our friend would stop hanging out with that bully Naturalism…he’s a bad influence.