The problem isn't Evolution its Natural Selection?

Question

Now we all know Evolution is pretty much proven because we all know that different traits are passed on down through genes over the years and that the environment, temperature, living conditions, ect. all determine what happens to our bodies and then if we have children these traits are passed down.

But I was wondering why people still refuse to believe ( most of the time Religious people) this evidence. They say " It's impossible for the human body to be what it is through just sheer chance." But they don't realize that Evolution is guided through Natural Selection in which the preferred genes are the ones put into play and the ones most suitable to live in the environment.

Why don't people believe this and still continue to believe in Intelligent Design or Creationism?

Answer 1

First, your statement about the environment, temp, and living conditions determining what happens to our bodies is inaccurate. These things do not change the genes that are passed onto progeny. Your statement is Lamarckism, or the "inheritance of acquired characteristics",  which is no longer accepted.

You are right about natural selection. It is not a random process.

Science is a matter of accepting the evidence that we have found, not about believing something, as you asked, "why people still refuse to believe", which has no place in science. You either accept the evidence or you do not.

Another important thing to realize, the idea of a creator and evolution by natural selection are not mutually exclusive, although I am sure you know that the IDers try to phrase the issue in this manner. It does not help when ignorant athiests adopt evolutionary theory without an understanding of the science.

Also realize there are many forms of creationism, from deism to early earth creationism that is the most fundamental. I tend to think people believe in ID or creationism because it makes them uncomfortable to be a descendent of an ape(and still an ape), and to boot, an animal. This phrases their existence as naturalistic, rather than in the image of their creator.

The real question should be, why are people not taught to think in a critical fashion, and not accept everything that is told to them? The problem is not one versus the other, but rather cognitive dissonance.

Answer 2

It basically boils down to fear.  Its safer to believe in the magic all powerful man in the sky that is going to save us and make everything better.  They need that security blanket because some just can't accept the fact that we were an accident (or series of) just like every other life form on this planet.  The other reason is laziness.  They only choose to believe what they have already been taught instead of go looking for the truth themselves.  Just can't accept that we're here for no reason either.

Answer 3

You are looking at this from a scientific perspective.  Science relies on proof.  Religion is based on faith--or the belief in something that cannot be proven (obviously, you don't need faith if there is proof positive).  The believe it because, on some level, they feel it.  I think of it as being the same as how we all know what it is like to feel loved, but love itself has no conclusive proof.  I believe in evolution, and I'm not religious, but I also feel the presence of a higher power.  Science can explain so many things-but it cannot explain away the sense of awe you experience when you see just how perfectly nature functions.