The Great Design Argument

This post is in honor of Darwin Day coming up later this week. I don't know if I'll be able to post that day, so here is a little something.

One of the most common arguments I see in favor of Creationism is the Design Argument. Basically, here's how it goes:

Of course there is a God. Look at "PLACE ITEM HERE" It's too complicated to simply spring up from nothing. It had to be created by God.

Three problems with this.

First is the basic assumption that not only that God exists, but he/she/it created something. Second, the person making this argument either doesn't understand how something simple can create something complex, or they lack imagination. Most likely both. Third, the thing they try to point out as proof of design is usually poorly designed to begin with. If God made it, he sucks as a designer.

Let's break this argument down one piece at a time.

First, the assumption of God's existence. When arguing with a Creationist or Apologetic or just a regular run-of-the-mill religious person, they think that God's existence is as obvious as the grass on the field or my growing bald spot. Arguing God's existence not only detracts from the Creationism battle, but gives them more ammunition in the confrontation. Better to leave this be for a while.

Second is the blatant and complete misunderstanding of Science. Most often, they sucked at Science class to begin with, but since it contradicted their beliefs, no emphasis was placed on it as a kid. Personally, I think their parents should be brought up on child abuse charges for stuff like this, but I digress. The first and natural reaction would be to beat them over the head with Darwin and Dawkins. Don't. They're expecting that, and they're prepared for a battle. Instead, calmly ask them what they know of evolution and biology. Do not, under any circumstances, get mad. If you get mad, they win. Also, keep asking them questions. If they ask a question, answer it and then ask something else. If they ask "Do you think we came from monkeys?" Respond with "No, we share a common ancestor. Why, is that you were taught? Who taught you this? When did you learn this?" It's psychological, really. The person who asked the last question has the power.

Finally, there is the item they point out as proof of design. While at first glance it might look like perfection, look a little closer. The eye is poorly designed with blood vessels running over top of the lens, forcing us to hallucinate every waking moment. The ankles are very complex, yet have a tendency to break easily. Our lower backs, while adapted to walking upright, are not designed to carry large loads. The world itself is a terrible example of design, especially if you corner them into the "The world was made for us" trap. If the world was made for us, why is 3/4 covered in water that we can't use? It's like making the AC unit three times the size of the house. It just doesn't make sense.

Overall, if God did exist, and if he (See a previous post about the use of pronouns) did design us and the world, he did a crappy job. I'd expect this kind of crappy job from a Temp on their last week, or an intern going back to school, not from the creator of the universe.