Counsels on Secular Worldview

Counsel #9 — Random Mutations Are Not Proof

Picture: Counsel #9 — Random Mutations Are Not Proof CSe 49.1

The theory of mammalian evolution suggests that modern fully aquatic whales evolved from terrestrial mammals. However, there is a lack of a detailed sequence of whale ancestors, with only a few presumed predecessors. While living whales lack hind limbs, some ancestral whales had small ones, and the genes for these still exist. Mutations have caused living porpoises (a type of whale) to develop these hind limbs occasionally. Fossils of extinct whales with hind limbs and semi-aquatic mammals with skeletal similarities to whales, particularly in their skulls, are included in this whale evolution theory. Additionally, the extinct smallish terrestrial mammal Pakicetus, with some skull features resembling those of whales, is also considered part of this evolutionary sequence: from Pakicetus to the semiaquatic mammals to whales with hind limbs, and finally to living whales. Despite the existence of these extinct mammalian groups, there is no genetic feasibility that such random mutations could produce such evolution, even over millions of years.^[48] CSe 49.2

“So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:21 NIV CSe 49.3

“The things of nature, upon which we look today…. with unmistakable voice, proclaims the love of God…. It still reveals the working of the great Master-Artist.” Ellen White in the Australasian Union Conference Record, June 1, 1900, Art. A, par. 3 CSe 49.4

Reflect: How can scientific inquiry be used as a tool for supporting special creation^[49] and challenging Darwinian evolution? CSe 49.5