In Denial

Charles Darwin's 'The Origin of Species' reframed the way most of us have come to think about the natural world and man's relationship to it. The author of this book argues that, if subjected to close scrutiny, it is not a scientific theory. He also reminds us that, when it was first published, there was criticism of Darwin's work by thinkers in the field such as Adam Sedgwick and Richard Owen. Criticism which is as valid today as it was then. And he stresses that this criticism did not proceed from a religious basis, but from a different interpretation of the evidence. Despite the ingrained cultural tendency to regard it as inviolate, the author identifies a number of serious defects in the theory - a theory which now masquerades as fact. He fully exposes the role of belief in Darwin's proposition. More than has been recognised, Darwin resorts to belief to cover the cracks and, in the case of the geological record, literally 'jump the gaps'. Whatever else it is, belief is not scientific. So, whatever else it is - Darwin's is not a scientific theory. This book's central thesis is that the distinctive individuality, perfection, and complexity of our planet's creatures cannot have arisen by the chance processes which are the basis of Darwin's theory. Everything points to design. Not to recognise this is to be in denial. "Challenging and engaging... a convincingly argued contribution to this important debate." Michael Shallis Former Senior Lecturer in Science Oxford University Department of External Studies