Intelligent design doesn't hinge on world's perfection
Letters to the EditorPublished July 17, 2005
Re: Oh, His aching back! July 10.
Professor David Barash begins by referring to a 172-year-old publication, which overstated a position by referring to the world's "perfection." This, however, is certainly not the foundation upon which the current intelligent design model is based. The modern ID movement simply points out ample evidence of design (vs. chance or randomness), not perfection (vs. imperfection).
We know from biblical passages like Romans 8 that the entire creation is "groaning" for the time in the future when things will be set right (perfect) once again. The Bible never makes the claim that our present bodies would be free from pain or deterioration. But the biblical text does speak of "new bodies" that God will provide, which will be perfect.
If the existence of pain and minor flaws are the "best arguments" for the evolution model, as Barash claims, then, the theory is in even worse shape than I imagined.
-- Gary Ripple, St. Petersburg
Clues are in the complexity
Re: Oh, His aching back, July 10.
David Barash has erroneously equated the modern theory of "intelligent design" - which specifically refers to the empirical evidence that points to the very high probability that a "mind" was at work sometime in the creation of life - with "optimal design," which involves some people presumptuously passing judgment on its creator and thereby being able to convince themselves, and those who are less informed, that a creator could not exist.
The irreducible complexity of life, as is evidenced by the numerous interdependent molecules, cells and organ systems, each of which cannot function without the other (for this is the basis of medical science), points to the intelligent design of life and away from what is promoted by Barash, i.e., all life having come about exclusively by the random forces of nature.
The author's lead in, which purposely misrepresents the modern intelligent design movement, combined with his puerile theological reflection, makes one realize that he is trying to bring down a straw man.
-- Howard Glicksman M.D., Spring Hill
A rational belief
Re: Oh, His aching back!
It is evident from reading David Barash's column that he either does not understand what intelligent design theory is, or he is simply dogmatically opposed to it since it relies on the existence of God.
We intelligent design adherents believe that God created the universe billions of years ago, and that the natural world is following physical laws that were "thought" of by something we will never understand. Evolution is simply the way God went about developing a self-aware creature that can study and ponder all that's been created.
Nor do we believe that the human body is perfect. It has been cobbled together. Like Thomas Edison or any great inventor, there were many trials and errors before there was success.
Intelligent design appeals to intelligent people who have a rational belief in God.
-- Stuart Berger, Clearwater
Flaws are part of the plan
Re: Oh, His aching back!
One would think that those who believe in divine creation must also believe that the creator has a purpose for his creations. Indeed, there must be a divine plan and our flaws and weaknesses are part of that plan.
Our bodies were not meant to last forever. What sense would there be in making us physically perfect and with the ability to procreate? The earth is only so big.
We are on earth to be tried and tested and to gain experience. We are flawed and imperfect because we need to learn from these things. We must know pain so that we may appreciate pleasure. We must experience sorrow so that we may better understand joy.
Nowhere is this law of opposites more evident than in the pain of childbirth. Indeed it is painful, but from that pain is born a never-ending love. I have personally experienced it three times. Sacrifice teaches us love. The harder we work for something the more we appreciate it.
Our bodies were designed to age and eventually to wear out. It is part of a loving creator's plan to place challenges and obstacles in our path and then to help us overcome them so that we may become stronger, wiser and better. It is also part of the plan that when we have completed our task here in this life we should then move on to the next step in our progression.
One would think that those who believe in a creator would sees these "flaws" as proof of his divine purposes.
-- Paula Smith, St. Petersburg
A most beautiful province
Re: "The Rock" endures, Travel, July 10.
Thanks to Robert Jenkins for his insightful article on my home province of Newfoundland. While he paints an endearing picture of simple folk who toil in a harsh climate trying to live off the land and sea, that image is very far from the reality of everyday life.
My home town of St. John's boasts a major university (my alma mater) and some of the finest research facilities in the nation. It is also the business center for massive offshore oil and natural gas developments that rival the Middle East.
While the quaint pictures of isolated communities appeal to the tourists seeking to get away from it all, Newfoundland and Newfoundlanders (we don't really like the "Newfie" label) is a progressive place that balances rural beauty with urban sophistication.
Come for a visit, and enjoy Canada's most beautiful province!
-- Gary Compton, Wesley Chapel
A very sad situation
Re: Holding on, July 10.
I read the second installment of Barry Bradley's story, and my heart goes out to him and his wife. This is a very sad situation happening a thousand times over, every day, somewhere.
The only thing I can think of that would make this even sadder is if this man had no health insurance. Imagine!
-- Margie Pastorelli, Spring Hill
Try a native plant
Re: Grow a tree . . ., July 10.
I was pleased to see the ad last Sunday from the Newspaper in Education program telling readers about the "Crape myrtle tree sale to benefit literacy."
As a longtime educator, I applaud the program and have used it effectively in the classroom. If you have this event again, I hope you will consider a native tree as your plant of choice. We have beautiful native trees, bushes and plants that can provide the basis for lessons in conservation of water, sustaining wildlife and their use by native peoples. Planting native plants reaffirms Florida's sense of place.
-- Catherine Quindiagan, president, Pinellas Chapter, Florida Native Plant Society, Tierra Verde