Intelligent Design

The Intelligent Design (ID) movement is challenging the Darwinian theory of evolution. The movement is based on analysing the scientific principles of design in living organisms such as the cell and the amazing design of the planet and universe. In addition, it analyses the flaws in the evolution theory.
The ID movement, and the research of biochemist Michael Behe, maintains there is 'irreducible complexity' of design in a single cell that could not have evolved by small random mutations. The Intelligent Design movement avoids the theological questions of who the 'designer' might be, thus engaging people from a range of philosophical perspectives, whether Biblical creationists of varying kinds as well as people without a particular religious viewpoint.
The first book to question the principles of evolution in a major way was Michael Denton's book Evolution: A theory in crisis in 1985. This was followed by Michael Behe's book Darwin's Black Box which introduced the principle of the 'irreducible complexity' in the cell. Mathematician William Dembski has recently added more data to the scientific evidence.
Professor Tom Woodward, who recently toured Australia, did his PhD studies on the 'rhetoric of science' and is considered the 'historian' of the Intelligent Design movement. He has an excellent grasp of the major players and developments in the ID movement.
Nearly 200 people attended Professor Tom Woodward's lecture in Glen Waverley on 6 August that was hosted by Salt Shakers. He gave 37 other presentations (lectures, church services and 10 Christian schools) over a three week period - I think he and his wife were looking forward to a rest!
The audience was captivated by Tom's knowledge, his clarity and by the sheer complexity of God's creation.
Darwin said "If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed, which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down."
The Intelligent Design movement is contributing a great deal to the debate about origins and leading many to conclude that there is now evidence to show that Darwin's own challenge has indeed been met.

BOOKS AND LINKS

Professor Tom Woodward's books
Tom Woodward's latest book is Darwin Strikes Back. He documents the latest ID developments, counter-attacks by evolutionists and ID responses.
This book is very clear, easy to read and gives an excellent overview of the ID movement, its critics and the subsequent responses from the advocates of ID.
Read a summary and review on his website. Click here.
Available from Salt Shakers - $16 plus $5 p&p.

His previous book is Doubts about Darwin.
Click here for details.
Available at Koorong in Australia.

Professor Tom Woodward's website
<www.apologetics.org >

Animation of activity in a cell
During his lectures Tom showed an animation of the 'Inner Life of the Cell' which is posted on the Harvard website. (3 minute preview to download or watch a longer version which has a commentary.)
At <http://multimedia.mcb.harvard.edu>

DVDs
Two excellent DVDs that present the evidence for Intelligent Design are 'Unlocking the Mystery of Life' and 'The Privileged Planet'.
Available from Salt Shakers: $22 each plus $3 p&p each.

Other websites on Intelligent Design:

Design Inference
William Dembski's website.

The Discovery Institute
The Institute's Centre for Science and Culture is a think tank in Seattle and co-ordinates research on ID.

Phillip E Johnson
Author of 'Darwin on trial'.