Writing about plant reproduction got me thinking about the issues raised by proponent of Intelligent Design.
In recent articles, I mentioned the evolutionary advantages of seed-based over spore-based reproduction. Having just read a New York Times report about a controversy over Intelligent Design, I had to stop and think about how my audience might respond. Furthermore, since I’m writing about the science of botany, I thought I should define my own opinion.
Intelligent Design asserts that the mechanics of evolution are not sufficient to account for the interlocking complexity of life on Earth, that there must be some divine intelligence behind the creation of life and matter. Many scientists regard this view as absurd and not provable by any scientific method. The two groups might be able to coexist peacefully were it not for the fact that evolution is currently taught in U.S. schools and colleges, while Intelligent Design is not. Those who attempt to get Intelligent Design on the curriculum are told that its inclusion would violate laws prescribing separation of church and state.
Personally, I think if there is an Intelligent Designer, She better be a lot smarter than we supposedly intelligent humans are, because we are using our brilliant brains to make a royal mess of the planet. I do believe in a divine intelligence, but I don’t think it emanates from some overruling godhead who figures things out. I believe it’s part of every atom of every cell or bit of matter. With our mental capacities, we have learned to ignore the deeper intelligence within us. Our job is to get back in touch with that intelligence, and one avenue is the observation of the wonders of nature around us, lifting us momentarily out of our logical mental activity and into the divine state of awe.
What do you think? See the discussion on Intelligent Design.
