Whispers
Whispers
For such trifling little flutters, butterflies do make an interesting case against the theory of evolution. You might think of them as whispers reminding us that our God reigns.
One of the (very many) books I have carried to and fro from the library this past week was Butterflies of the East Coast: An Observer’s Guide by Rick Cech and Guy Tudor. The author raises the question, Why have butterflies invested such a significant degree of evolutionary energy into pattern development? Why indeed?—and while we’re discussing this, let’s point out that, to begin with, evolutionary “chance” could hardly be responsible for the gorgeous colors and detailed patterns. This shows evidence of an intelligent and creative Maker.
Later in the book’s introduction, after describing three characteristics of the butterfly—beauty, gracefulness, and harmlessness—the author makes another interesting statement. “All of these considerations raise a paradox. Specifically, we generally accept without argument the Darwinian principle that in nature only the fit survive. Yet while butterflies have existed for at least 50 million years—longer than lions or tigers or bears—they possess none of the traits we typically associate with fitness. They are neither strong nor fierce nor armored nor cunning nor stealthy (at least in flight). Indeed the three defining traits just discussed (beauty, gracefulness, and harmlessness) scarcely seem a prescription for survival. What are we to conclude? In short, either ‘survival of the fittest’ does not apply in this corner of the animal kingdom, or else we need to rethink seriously what it means to be ‘fit.’”
It sounds like they have a problem.
Evolutionists also have a huge problem when it comes to metamorphosis. Scientists are unable to understand this amazing phenomenon, or to explain how evolution could have created such a delicate and complicated process.
Butterflies may be fragile, but they give a strong testimony for their Creator. “But now ask the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee. Or speak to the earth, and it shall tell thee, and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?” Job 12:7-9.
Photograph: Hackberry Emperor. © Erin Smith, March 2008. Used with permission.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008