Ms. Hasche, evolution is a fact. Everyone can see that organisms change over time.

The theory of evolution, which tries to explain the evidence, comes in two parts, though: the theory of common descent and the theory of natural selection.

Here I use the word theory in its scientific sense, i.e. just shy of a law. Calling Darwin’s work just a theory belies a gross misunderstanding of what scientists mean when they say theory.

The theory of natural selection few people, even creationists, have any problem with. The difficulty comes with the theory of common descent.

In order to disprove common descent, creationists use the Bible and distorted facts.

They are fond of taking a sentence where Darwin says the formation of the eye seems unlikely, and neglecting the rest of the paragraph where he describes how it would be possible.

Ms. Hasche herself tries to disguise the fact that creationism is a very Christian movement by calling it intelligent design.

This same tactic was used in Georgia.

As for your jibes about evolution not having a complete picture of the beginning of life — anyone can tell a nice story, the only problem is that in science a little thing called evidence is required. Creationist journals try to produce such evidence but they fail miserably.

In fact, writing for a creationist journal is almost a black mark on someone’s record. Science no longer accepts creationism and as such teaching it in science class is not giving a true picture of science. Teach creationism in a class on religion but keep it out of science textbooks and classrooms.

Will Christopher

President

ISU Atheist & Agnostic Society

Senior

Biophysics