Intelligent Design Theory Vs Evolution

For many years, a complex debate has raged on: how were we created? The two different sides of this argument have been the intelligent design theory and evolution. The intelligent design theory states that all living creatures were created by something or something. On the other hand, the theory of evolution states that complex creatures evolved from more simplistic creatures naturally over time. Both of these ideas are controversial in nature depending on who you ask. This topic, I feel, will be debated for centuries going forward. Questions will flare up about these complex ideas until the end of time. This reflection essay will discuss the basics of each idea and how it relates to myself, what individuals support these ideas and the

One actor that can be mentioned involving intelligent design theory is one Charles Thaxton. Thaxton is credited in being one of the first authors for the intelligent design theory (Forrest 2005). In 1984, Thaxton co-wrote along with two other authors the first book dedicated to this theory: The Mystery of Life's Origin: Reassessing Current Theories. His book provided the building blocks to where the study of the intelligent design theory is today. Without his work, evolution would not have dancing partner in this constant debate. Speaking of evolution, the theory cannot be mentioned without talking about Charles Darwin. Darwin laid the foundation for theory of evolution and transformed the way the natural world was thought of. His book published in 1859, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, was the first document that questioned the origin of human beings. For centuries the common idea was that people were created by God and in Gods image. With Darwin’s theory, a new window of opportunity had opened. This window was not just opened for theorists or the intellectual elite, but for those who were on the fence about the existence about a God or did not believe in existence at all. Those non-believers would rally around Darwin’s theory, which would eventually lead them to be called atheists. Both Thaxton and Darwin made unprecedented

That being said, I feel that both ideas have parts that can be agreed upon by people on both signs. With intelligent design theory, you have to admit that we had to be created by some sort of being whether you want to believe it or not. We just didn’t pop out of nowhere one day and started to live on this planet. Something or someone must have had their hand in creating the intelligent creatures that inhabit the Earth. But I also feel that there are parts of evolution that I do agree with. Even though it goes against everything that I learned in religious education, Dawkins was sort of right with Evolution. Humans have evolved over time. We do live the same way as people in the 11th century. There are points in history that show humans to a step forward to where they stand currently. These theories I feel do influence my life in not major ways, but minor ways. They put into question what I have been raised on and what I learned going through the process of the Catholic church. It is not an overwhelming feeling to accept either of these theories as my true belief, but it does give a different perspective. These choices are what God wants for his people. That is why he gave us free will to choose what we believe. And whatever that choice is, whether it is intelligent design theory, evolution or the traditional Abraham Religions, God wants us