Where theories end and faith begins

I am glad to see that Jack DeBaun (“Theory,” Feb. 28) at least admits that the theory of evolution is just that - theory.

A theory is a proposed model used to explain certain phenomena. The distinction between theory and fact is that theory is one possible explanation for observable facts. For example, it is a fact that apples fall from trees. Newton proposed a theory to explain this fact. Einstein proposed a different theory. But as evolutionist Stephen J. Gould himself pointed out, apples keep falling (as do theories, I might add).

In spite of claims to the contrary, naturalistic explanations for the origin of the universe, the origin of life, the origin of major groups of species, etc., are only theory. And yet, theories are supposed to be testable and falsifiable. But since the origin of the universe and of life occurred only once, in the prehistoric past, explanations are untestable.

Similarly, the theory of common descent of major life groups is one possible explanation for the facts that different life groups exist and share common characteristics. But the marco-evolution explanation can neither be observed nor tested by repeatable experiment. Rather, it is a leap of faith based on naturalistic interpretations of circumstantial evidence and extrapolations from observable minor genetic changes. The best that can be said is that certain observable facts (e.g., similar characteristics between life groups) suggest the possibility of common descent.

But these facts equally suggest the possibility of common design. Neither is capable of definitive proof. And this is where faith comes in.

RANDY HOHF

Sandpoint