IS EVOLUTION A FACT?

     “. . . and that is a fact!” Have you ever heard that? Too often it is used as an emphasis for statement of a firmly held belief. However, too often the word has been misused. One good definition of ‘fact’ can be found on Wikipedia, namely:

A fact is something that has really occurred or is actually the case. The usual test for a statement of fact is verifiability, that is, whether it can be demonstrated to correspond to experience. Standard reference works are often used to check facts. Scientific facts are verified by repeatable careful observation or measurement (by experiments or other means).

     One acceptable use of the word is for something that has been defined. 1+1=2 is a fact . . . providing you are using a base ten system. However, 1+1=0 if you are using a base two system. In other words, facts can be defined, and, in many cases, must be defined.These are the facts found in Standard Reference works.

     A scientific fact, on the other hand, must be the result of a hypothesis (theory) having been consistently supported when tested multiple times under varying circumstances. This constitutes the "Scientific Method." One must understand, though, that if any one valid test does not support the hypothesis, it must be abandoned and a new hypothesis developed. Thus, in reality, there are no scientific "facts!" There are only consistently confirmed hypotheses which have become considered facts until and unless disproved. Unfortunately, too often opinions are raised to the fact status with no real scientific support. 

     The latter usually occurs when new research finds information that can be theoretically applied to a firmly held opinion. Evolution is an excellent example of such an application. Biologists have developed methods to "read" DNA. They have discovered that all animals have similarities, and we share over 90% of the measured DNA found in primates. Therefore, it has become considered a fact that all life was evolved from single cell organisms and we are close cousins to apes. Is this valid?

     First of all, it must be understood that not all DNA has been mapped. It has only been that DNA which can be read and understood. There is other DNA which has been called "junk DNA." Biologists are beginning to understand that this is the DNA which identifies the individual. If this fraction is ever understood, we may find that we are nowhere near as close to primates as has been assumed from currently limited knowledge. 

     Secondly, it is assumed that separation of species has been the result of mutations. Now, this is possible, but we must also consider that non-fatal mutations are rare, so this would only occur over a long period of time. That is no problem, because life on earth goes back a long time. However, a problem does arise in that there are no fossils found for what should be intermediate species. That is explained by rapid development of the new species. This presents another problem in that scientists now know, as indicated, non-fatal mutations are rare, and in some cases a series of mutations would be required to produce a viable result. But, if individual non-fatal mutation is rare, a needed series of mutations over a short period of time would be infinitely rare! 

      Now, lets consider the conclusion drawn by evolutionists? Is it possible that they are correct? Possibly, yes. Is, then, evolution a fact? Absolutely not! To be a scientific fact an evolution hypothesis must be tested and supported. While the hypothesis has been developed, it is (and likely will always remain) impossible to develop a viable test. Thus, the hypothesis is based on similarity of DNA, and development via mutations -- but this is countered by a lack of evidence for the needed mutations. Thus, evolution must remain a popular theory to explain otherwise unexplained observations, and it can never be considered a fact. To evolutionists, holding firmly to this explanation for the presence of all life forms is just as much a "religious" belief as is that of those holding to all life having arisen by intelligent design.