Is Intelligent Design a Scientific Alternative to Evolution?

When I was invited to speak at this Conference, I was asked to present «the Church’s understanding of the relationship between science and religion generally, as well as its views on evolution and design more specifically». This request was motivated by the following statement: «the wider culture thirsts for a valid and profound understanding of what it means to be a human being, and that includes questions of origin, meaning, and purpose. The time is ripe for this conversation and clarification». So the task would be «to provide the academic community and the wider public with a rich presentation of the Church’s understanding of the timeless questions and contemporary controversies at the intersection of science and faith», for «those who are active participants in the science and religion dialogue—as well as the media and the