
Intelligent Design (ID) holds that life, and the universe, were created by an intelligent entity and could not have happened by chance. The debate over creation vs evolution has been ongoing for many years, but as with any subject matter like this, it’s the evidence that should solely influence our conclusions. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case so it is refreshing to hear of Günter Bechly who was open-minded enough to look at evidence from ‘the other side’!
Günter, who was organising the largest museum exhibit in Germany to celebrate the bicentenary of Charles Darwin’s birth in 2009, said it was a “mistake” to read books on ID. But through that “mistake” he learnt that the arguments he had heard from colleagues and YouTube videos were different to what he was reading, and discovered that those who hold the ID position are often mistreated and their position misrepresented. Günter could clearly see the arguments for ID have merit and were not receiving the appropriate response.
His exhibit was featuring the Bacterial Flagellum that evolutionists use to refute ID. But when looking further at the evidence Günter understood the supposed origins of the Flagellum didn’t work and it could not have happened naturalistically. Günter learnt about irreducible complexity and how relevant this concept is when looking at the evidence. We cover this concept in our article – Are the Bible and Science compatible? – as attempting to reason the gradual existence of molecular motors becomes quite far fetched!
We all have a choice what we do with the evidence and it takes courage to do our own investigating. Our own social circles may provide comforting words, but only by a real desire for the truth will we be able to look at both sides of the argument fairly. You may discover that “those creationists” are open-minded and provide reasonable responses to the evidence. Günter discovered that Christianity and science are not in opposition as he describes on his website:
Understanding the truth of evolution takes boldness, but if you are seeking the truth there is no alternative. Why don’t you ‘mistakenly’ read a book on creation and see where it leads you!
This interview with Günter gives a brief look at his journey:
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1:25)
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