II The Views of Bertrand Russell

order, that is, the simpler forms of life appeared first, and the more complex followed later. Yet there is absolutely no proof that the more complex and more meaningful forms of life have actually developed from those simpler forms which supposedly came into existence on their own as a result of material action and interaction. The first point was undoubtedly derived from observation, but the second point is entirely an inference of the evolutionists whose argument is certainly not based on actual observation and cannot therefore be demonstrated. The validity of Russell’s argument, however, rests on the proof of the second aspect of evolution. This weakness in the theory of evolution is admitted by the very scholars who uphold it. For instance, Sir Arthur Keith says: “Evolution is unproved and unprovable. We believe it only because the only alternative is special creation, and that is unthinkable.” That is why the issue of evolution has two such distinct aspects to it. One is its theory, and the other is its cause. The theory of evolution is said to be a certainty, whereas the cause of evolution is as yet unknown. How is it possible for a concept to be believed with such certainty when the causes are unknown? It is like saying that the concept of evolution is a theory for which arguments have yet to be discovered, but which has nevertheless been accepted by the evolutionists as an established fact. That such an ill-founded concept could destroy all arguments in favour of religion is plainly untenable. Even were we to suppose that the different living species came into being through a process of evolution, Russell’s claim still cannot be proved. Belief in Russell’s claim entails belief in the supposition that God could create only at one point in time and that he could not continue to give life over a long period. Not only is there no basis for this hypothesis, but even if it were acceptable, it would in no way refute the omnipotence of God. There is a time-honoured belief that it was an omnipotent God who created amongst other things, man and the trees. But this has never shaken man’s belief that it takes anything from twelve to eighteen