What if evolution proponents got a grip on all of life?
By Kelly Boggs
 

McMINNVILLE, Ore. (BP)--In the book, "Getting a Grip on Evolution," author
David Burnie writes, "The notion that living things slowly adapt and
change as generations succeed each other is so well validated that it is
no longer simply a theory, but a paradigm that shapes every aspect of the
science life."

Mr. Brunie is not alone in his assessment of Darwin's theory concerning
the origin of life. A poll conducted by People for the American Way
released in the spring of 2000 indicated that 83 percent of those
responding believed the theory of evolution belonged in science class; 71
percent felt that evolution, and evolution alone, should be taught in
public schools.

I think it is high time that those who believe the "fact" of evolution
start demanding its application in every aspect of life. The fruit of
Darwin's didactic is already being realized in the area of family planning
with abortion. It manifests itself in the area of sexuality with
homosexuality and various other perversions. The medical community is
beginning to feel evolution's impact with euthanasia and infanticide.
Since the paradigm of evolution taints so much of our life, let's not hold
back. Another area where evolution's "truth" must be applied is
environmental policy.

One of the tenets of Darwin's theory is natural selection -- or as it is
referred to by some, "the survival of the fittest." In simple terms, this
"fact" of evolution holds that poor-performing (weak and/or unable to
adapt) species will be weeded out in the struggle for survival. On the
other hand, species that are fit (able to adapt and/or overcome
challenges) will survive and thrive via procreation.

Since, according to Burnie and others, evolution is an established "fact,"
they should demand the principle of natural selection be employed when
making environmental decisions. So the next time a whale becomes beached
or trapped in Arctic ice, it must simply be left to die. No more moving
heaven and earth to help; the mammal in question is simply unfit for
survival. It is, in the catch phrase of a popular television game show,
"the weakest link." So we have to say, "Goodbye."

The paradigm of evolution should impact the Endangered Species Act as
well. Writing in "Getting a Grip on Evolution," Brunie states, "Since life
began, about 99 percent of the species that have evolved on Earth have
died out." (Don't you feel lucky to even be alive?) He continues, "For
every species on Earth, life is destined to end in the ultimate failure;
extinction. But although extinction represents failure for individual
species, it is part of the process that allows life to adapt and change."

Spotted owls will just have to adapt to logging in the Pacific Northwest
or "another one bites the dust." Suckerfish can grow lungs, sprout legs
and crawl out of a dried up lake or become compost. According to Brunie,
extinction is simply reality, part of the price to be paid for
evolutionary progress.

Those who assert the "fact" of evolution should get serious about applying
it to every facet of life. If we are nothing more than animals, then it is
time we start acting like it and treating other species accordingly.
Remember, when the environment gets tough, the "tough" evolve - and the
rest become museum exhibits!

Boggs, whose column appears each Friday in Baptist Press, is pastor of
Valley Baptist Church, McMinnville, Ore.

Oryginal:
http://www.bpnews.net/bpcolumn.asp?ID=278