Darwinism or Design? Juniata Students Voice Origin Opinions
Earlier in February, the New York Times ran an article about Marcus R. Ross, a creationist who just received his doctorate in Paleontology from the University of Rhode Island. His recent doctoral achievement has caused great fervor from professionals across the country. Some think that the university should have denied Ross a diploma based on his unconventional paleological views, while others feel that refusing to recognize the completion of Ross’ graduate studies would have been religious discrimination. We asked Juniata students to ponder the topic of evolution versus intelligent design.
Katie Garfield ’10
Biology POE
I believe in evolution because I come from a very scientific background. Both of my parents are researchers at the National Institute of Health (NIH). This past summer I researched at NIH while learning about several research methods which produces great evidence for the evolutionary theory.
Joseph Mazzella ’08
Economics and Entrepreneurialism POE
Firstly, there is only evidence for small adaptation; there is no evidence that these adaptations can lead to new species. Secondly, there is no missing link. And finally, the massive and sudden Cambrian explosion of life cannot fit anywhere in evolutionary theory. For someone to conclude that the complexity, specificity, and perfectly arranged DNA strand as randomness is just as ridiculous as reasoning that a house in the middle of the woods was simply an act of nature. Both structures are evidence for the involvement of an intelligent designer.
Rudie Springsted ’08
Chemistry POE
In a way I believe in both intelligent design and evolution. I believe that God created the world in six days; however I believe that those six days were not twenty-four hours but were actually a long period of time when evolution occurred.
Magda Sarnowska ’07
Economics and International Politics POE
I believe in intelligent design, which to me also explains evolution. Genesis describes the story of creation as taking place in stages. These stages could have been different stages of evolution. For God, a day could have been a million years.
- Sara Hernandez '09, Student Reporter