Letter: Even Darwin had doubts about evolution theory

Friday, Sept. 2, 2005 | 9:43 a.m.

I have read the recent letters from Sun readers responding to the debates, conversations and articles regarding creationism and evolution, and which of these, if not both, should be taught in the public schools.

I enjoyed Marsha Norton's Aug. 12 comment, citing Francis Bacon, Newton, Pasteur, Faraday, Pascal, Kepler and others as being among the greatest contributors to science, and, more importantly, as "believing in a Divine Creator." Ken Lucas' Aug. 11 letter also stated a true fact: that whether creationist and worshipper of Christ, or evolutionist and follower of Darwin, we both employ the element of faith in our outlook on the world and how it has its existence; the difference being, that we bow at different altars.

Lucas makes a strong statement as well in saying that even Darwin had his doubts. I must agree, as Darwin did write in the first volume of his "My Life and Letters" that, "Not one change of species is on record ... we cannot prove that a single species has been changed."

I'm only glad that my champion (Jesus) did not speculate and say, "Well, it's possible that I created the Heavens and the Earth out of nothing, but then again, it may not be possible." If Jesus had said something like that, then surely we would have room to doubt. Yet, even secular historians (such as Josephus and Tacitus) have testified to Jesus' claims to divinity.

Yet, when Darwin makes claims such as exists in "My Life and Letters," how come we overlook such skepticism, even when it originates from evolution's own champion?

If evolution is true, then there would be evidence of its authenticity, right? Yet Darwin says, "We cannot prove that a single species has been changed."

The missing fossil record perfectly supports Darwin's doubts.

TIMOTHY CARROLL