Page 56 - Confessions of the Evolutionists

54 CONFESSIONS OF THE EVOLUTIONISTS

Hoimar Von Ditfurth, a German physician and scientific journalist:

Our present knowledge shows that the general principle of the universe
does not apply here; there is no question of a primitive cell gradually
turning into one with a nucleus and organelles. 121
The cell has to have exactly the right amount of enzymes from the
moment it is born- in other words, before it comes into direct contact with

the oxygen in the atmosphere. Is it really possible for such a compatibili-
ty to have emerged solely by chance? Thinkers who answer that question
are divided into two groups. To say Yes, it is possible, is like a confirmation
of belief in modern science. Adopting a more pessimistic viewpoint, we
may say that the non-supporter of modern science has really no alterna-
tive but to reply Yes. Because such a person will have the intention of

coming up with an explanation by way of comprehensible natural phe-
nomena and to produce these on the basis of natural laws without the as-
sistance of any supernatural interventions.
But at this point, accounting for what has happened in terms of nat-
ural laws, and therefore coincidences, shows that the person in question
has been backed into a corner.
If we wish to account for a single cell, capable of behaving compati-
bly with oxygen, forming in a moment in exactly the required form, and

to account not just for that significant event but also the way that such a
complex chemical reaction is essential for the survival of life on Earth,
then what alternative have we other than to shelter behind the idea of co-
incidence?..
But the accumulation of coincidences that serve a specific purpose brings
our credibility into question. 122
... In the absence of a plan setting out where and when construction is to
commence and in what order the various projects will be brought togeth-
er, even the best blueprint will serve no purpose. We know that if we are
dealing with a building, we need to start with the foundations and move
onto the roof once the walls have been finished. We cannot move on to the
plastering before the wiring and plumbing are completed. Every building