I wish to thank Ruth Spangler for her very objective article April 18 on evolution and creationism.

She did a fine job of briefly summarizing one of the more complex and significant debates of the past century.

I must respectfully disagree with Timo Seppalainen’s response letter, “Article wrong, no controversy among scientists.”

There has indeed been a significant, serious controversy among reputable scientists on this issue for decades.

Great thinkers abound on both sides of the issue

In fact, both sides use the same evidence. It is their theorizing of that evidence that differs.

Each attempts to fill in the gaps and make scientific “conclusions” in the context of their own belief system. The greatest thing that students can do is to inform themselves.

What truly is the theory of Evolution? What truly is the theory of Intelligent Design?

There two distinctive parts to evolution: e.g., microevolution where a species adapts and changes over time and conditions and macroevolution where one species changes into another species.

Most people agree on the former; the two sides generally disagree on the latter.

Be informed!

Read Charles Darwin’s “The Origin of Species” and read William Dembski’s “Intelligent Design: The Bridge Between Science and Theology.”

Read Stephen Jay Gould’s “Is a New and General Theory of Evolution Emerging?” and read Phillip E. Johnson’s “Reason in the Balance.”

Don’t just buy into someone’s opinion that a theory is “bogus.”

Decide for yourself.

Who knows, it may be the most meaningful decision you’ll make in college.

F. Marty Martinez

Psychologist

Student Counseling Service