A satirical image of Charles Darwin as an ape from 1871 reflects part of the social controversy over whether humans and apes share a common lineage.Image via Wikipedia

It would appear that for over 1500 years the debate has raged over the origin of life.”Natural Theology, published in 1802 by William Paley, discussed the evidence for design using the “inferred watchmaker” analogy. The majority of scientists at that time professed belief in a Creator, in one way or another. This was reflected in their studies. To some extent, design was assumed. “

“Evolution lacked a reasonable engine to drive biological change. When Charles Darwin published “The Origin of Species” in 1859, those who preferred evolution had a seemingly plausible mechanism to explain it - natural selection.”

“Almost 150 years later, the scientific community at large speaks of the “facts” of evolution. Those who propose non-natural causes for biologic effects are soon branded as “ignorant,” “superstitious,” or “closed-minded.” “

Some things never change…

clipped from www.allaboutscience.org

Thousands of years ago, ancient Greeks and Romans considered the idea that life had been designed by some unknown force. At the same time, they wondered if life had progressed from “higher” or “lower” forms over time. Jump forward to today, and the same two questions are still at war. The intelligent design movement, unlike prior competitors to naturalism, represents a solid, clear, and compelling case for design theory. This newer approach partially explains why the intelligent design movement has endured intense scrutiny yet continued to gain support in the worldwide intellectual community.
Scientific and logical evidences that support the influence of an aware designer are the only bullets in the intelligent design movement’s gun. Arguing only through logic and science, the intelligent design movement forces evolutionists to argue their case based only on provable, observable facts - and to admit the assumptions and gaps inherent to a naturalistic view.

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