The National Academy of Sciences has published a book supporting the theory of evolution and arguing against the introduction of creationism or other religious alternatives in public school science classes.

The book, Science, Evolution, and Creationism, was written to help people who may not have a background in science to understand the differences between science and religion. The book seeks to provide “a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the current scientific understanding of evolution and its importance in the science classroom.” The book declares that by accepting the reality of evolution, Christians do not have to abandon their belief in God.

The book is available for free reading online. Chapter Three of the book deals with creationism and intelligent design. On intelligent design, the book provides several examples to demonstrate that intelligent design is not supported by scientific evidence.

On creationism, the books says:

“Creationists reject scientific facts in part because they do not accept evidence drawn from natural processes that they consider to be at odds with the Bible. But science cannot test supernatural possibilities. To young Earth creationists, no amount of empirical evidence that the Earth is billions of years old is likely to refute their claim that the world is actually young but that God simply made it appear to be old. Because such appeals to the supernatural are not testable using the rules and processes of scientific inquiry, they cannot be a part of science.”

People who teach creationism and intelligent design may not like the conclusions presented in this book. However, both creationism and intelligent design proponents should read the third chapter of the book and see whether the arguments presented by the scientists are valid.

Read the book online by clicking here.

Claude Mariottini
Emeritus Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

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