Evolution is the basis for the Secular Humanist's stance on biology. No God, no creator, and no recognition of design- describes the important tenets of evolution. Without the theory of evolution, Secular Humanists would be left without an explanation of the origin of the world, especially without a God. Evolution backs atheism; neither belief could exist without the other. However, evolution is filled with questions and problems that scientists are unable to comprehend; let alone answer. Three problems with evolutionary principles are the ideas of mutations and spontaneous generation, along with the evidence of fossils.
The biggest problem pertaining to mutations is the idea that mutations are not considered beneficial. Genetic mutations manifest themselves in disease, not in the creation of a physically superior being. Yes, humans adapt in order to survive in their environment, but not in such vast degrees as evolutionists claim. Darwin himself admits that he "did not formerly consider sufficiently the existence of structures which, as far as we can... judge, are neither beneficial nor injurious" (Noebel 183). Evolutionists are left with the problem of explaining mutations that are useless or as I stated before, harmful. Mutation provides the explanation needed for adaptation and thus survival of the fittest, but we cannot find genetic mutations that actually aide the human race. Finally, if a organism was to mutate, how would it procreate? It is difficult to find a mate when you are a outsider, a freak. Micro- Evolution does occur- humans adapt in colder weather or their skin does not burn as easily- but this does not accurately provide a hypothesis for monkey into man.
Another problem of naturalistic evolution is the explanation for the creation of the world; no scientist can accurately state where the universe originated. They say particles imploded, but where do these particles come from? Evolutionists attempt to back their argument with the idea of spontaneous generation. Spontaneous Generation is "the theory that non-living matter gave rise to living organisms" (Noebel 181). Not only is this idea illogical, it has been scientifically disproven by Pasteur in the mid 1800s. Yet, evolutionists cling to ideas regarding the Big Bang and the origin of the universe. Time is also used as evidence, but no amount of time can produce the impossible. Secular Humanists, although claiming their belief is founded in science, remain hopeful that new evidence will appear. Darwin himself did not consider spontaneous generation as adequate for explaining the origin of the world, but Humanists must believe in an explosion of matter or their worldview is inconsistent.
Finally, the third argument against evolution is the problem of evidence. No fossil records have been found to support the idea of a monkey evolving into a man. But, Secular Humanists "claim that the fossil record provides an accurate historical account of the process of transmutation of the species, or macroevolution" (Noebel 183). The only evidence of evolution would be found in fossil records that remain invisible. For instance, early fossil records show complex life forms providing no example for the need of evolution. Scientists cannot find any fossil records of the 'pre-evolved' life forms or evidence of the Cambrian Explosion. The Cambrian Explosion is the "sudden geological appearance of most major groups of animals" (Noebel 170). But, no fossil record supports this claim. Also, no transitional forms have been found, which absolves the entire theory that man existed in different forms. The nonexistent fossil record is a severe problem for evolution as it devalues the concepts of transitional forms and the Cambrian Explosion, ideas that form the core of evolution.
