World Peace Herald, DC
10-30-06
The challenge to Darwin’s theory of evolution – 7
By SEKAI NIPPO
TOKYO -- Just as intelligent design can be seen in the micro world of molecular
biology, the latest scientific research implies the existence of an intelligent
designer in the macro world of cosmology and astronomy.
Stephen Meyer, director and senior fellow of the Center for Science and Culture
of the Discovery Institute, says, “Evidence of design exists in various fields of
science. Cosmology and astronomy especially, are key fields that contain strong
evidence of design.”
One of the leading ID scientists is Guillermo Gonzalez, assistant professor of
astronomy and astrobiology at Iowa State University. He is the leading ID
scientist in the fields of cosmology and astronomy. Dr. Gonzalez discovered that
the earth is “not only the best environment for intelligent life, but also the best
place for scientific discoveries.” This forms the core concept of his theory as a
“correlation between habitability and measurability.”
“Habitability” as a condition for life to exist, and “measurability” as a condition for
scientific discovery, are totally different characteristics. There is no logical
necessity that both conditions should be met simultaneously. These two
conditions are simultaneously met on the planet earth where intelligent life exists.
“This cannot be explained as mere accident," Dr. Gonzalez stresses. "The only
possible explanation is the ID theory that assumes the existence of an intelligent
designer.”
He attempted to prove this assumption by listing the enormous body of evidence
in his book “The Privileged Planet,” coauthored with philosopher and theologian
Jay Richards and published in 2004. According to his book, cosmology and
astronomy have so far been dominated by the “common sense” that there should
be numerous planets with intelligent life in the infinite universe and that “the earth
is merely a mediocre planet that can be found anywhere.”
This “common sense” is called the “Copernican Principle.” It and Darwinism
share the same root, which is the naturalistic worldview. Thus, cosmology and
astronomy have been under the strong influence of Darwinism. “The Privileged
Planet” squarely challenges this concept and emphasizes that the earth is a
“special planet” that has been designed.