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In his letter (Daily Bee, Nov. 22, 2016), Jason Otto correlates current antisocial behavior with the teaching of evolution. He appears to be unaware that simple correlation does not establish causation.

The Bible recounts the common practice of committing total genocide against one’s enemies, including the total destruction of entire cities and the slaughter of innocent children, women, the elderly, and animals showing no mercy whatsoever (Deuteronomy 7:1-4, 7:16-24, 20:13-17; Judges, 1:1-8; 1 Kings. 16:9-13; 1 Samuel 15:3; Josiah 8:1-29; Ezekial. 9:5-7, etc.) It tells of murdering children and gutting pregnant women (Numbers 31:17 and Hosiah 13:16) and of dashing babies to death against rocks (Psalms 137:9). Is Mr. Otto unaware that the course of human history prior to publishing the theory of evolution in 1859 is a grotesque parade of “witch” burnings, inquisitions, barbarous crusades, innumerable wars, the atrocities of slavery, and countless other examples of man’s uncivilized conduct and violent inclinations?

Humans are highly evolved social animals. Studies of the evolution of cultural adaptation explain why we must learn to cooperate with one another and avoid unnecessary conflicts if we are to survive and prosper as a species. Blaming the teaching of evolution for man’s less-than-angelic behavior is like blaming the teaching of the theory of gravity for airplane crashes. The theory of evolution is the cornerstone of modern biological science. That is why it is accepted by at least 97 percent of all life and earth scientists as the best explanation for the diversity of life on earth.

JACK DeBAUN

Sandpoint