Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article by Steven L. Peck originally appeared in Science & Mormonism Series 1: Cosmos, Earth, and Man (2016).
Abstract: Steven Peck, a BYU Professor of Biology, takes it as “axiomatic that evolution in its broad sense is the way the biological world works, although details are still being worked out and amazing discoveries will continue for centuries.” Using vivid examples, he explains both the compelling nature and the complexity of evolution. He also describes the weak science behind what is popularly called the “Intelligent Design” movement. However, “evolution does not negate by one iota the idea of a purposeful universe that was organized by a loving, intelligent God.”
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About the Interpreter Foundation Book Chapter Reprint Series
The purpose of this reprint series is to make individual chapters from books published by The Interpreter Foundation more accessible to readers. Chapters from large format books will be made available as pdf files, while chapters from smaller format books will appear within the Interpreter journal, making this content available in a form suitable for many popular digital readers.
Although in some instances the formatting and pagination may have been changed, the content of this chapter, like others in this reprint series, is identical to what appeared in its original book publication. It has not been updated to incorporate research that has appeared subsequently nor to reflect the current practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to use the full name of the Church and to avoid terms such as “Mormon” and “LDS.”
I must side with Eldon on this issue, though not entirely for the same reason (I don’t care much what the world says about intelligent design, only what the gospel says about the creation of earth and man).
These five scriptures contain wording that is my guide as to how Adam and Eve came to be:
“which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God” (Luke 3:38).
“this is the genealogy of the sons of Adam, who was the son of God” (Moses 6:22).
“even the right of the firstborn, or the first man, who is Adam” (Abraham 1:3).
“For the firstborn [Adam] holds the right of the presidency [under Christ] over this priesthood” (D&C 68:17).
“even the right of the firstborn, or the first man, who is Adam, or first father, through the fathers unto me.” (Abraham 1:3)
Five scripture passages mean this is not a hidden doctrine, nor something done in a corner, but is strong and clear and forthright and unmistakable.
I have in my library a very interesting book: Dr. Stephen C. Meyer, Signature in the Cell, DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design, HarperOne, 2009, 611 pages, in which Dr. Meyer goes through the analysis which has led him to abandon the theory of organic evolution in favor of intelligent design. Dr. Stephen C. Meyer received his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in the philosophy of science. As far as I know he has absolutely no connection with and possibly no knowledge of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After having perused his book I find his arguments to be more compelling than those of Dr. Steven Peck. At the present time I must cast my vote in favor of Intelligent Design.