Evolution a 'Theory' - so says the Introduction to The Origin of Species

A Headteacher in Lancashire has been mocked and ridiculed on Twitter for claiming evolution is not a fact. She tweeted: Evolution is not a fact. That’s why it’s called a theory! There’s more evidence that the Bible is true. It was sent in response to another Headteacher who urged teachers to stick to science when teaching the origins of life. Richard Dawkins has even weighed into the argument.

See here - The Guardian - Headteacher mocked on Twitter for claiming evolution is not a fact.

In light of the furore that has arisen about this comment it is worth remembering what was once written by Dr Leonard Harrison Matthews [1901-1986] in the Introduction to an edition of Darwin's Origin of Species. Matthews was a British zoologist and a Fellow of the Royal Society. He was especially known for his research and writings on marine mammals. He was certainly no believer in creationism!

On page xi of the Introduction to an edition of The Origin of Species, published in 1971 by J.M. Dent & Sons, Dr Leonard Harrison Matthews stated: 

The fact of evolution is the backbone of biology, and biology is thus in the peculiar position of being a science founded upon a unproven theory - is it then a science or a faith? Belief in the theory of evolution is thus exactly parallel to belief in special creation - both are concepts which believers know to be true but neither, up to the present, have been capable of proof. 

It would be interesting to know what new developments have taken place since 1971 to change belief in evolution from a 'theory' to a 'fact'. For example, have new mechanisms been discovered? Have new amazing discoveries been made that can add complexity to matter and can turn a non-cellular structure into a living cell? Have new discoveries been made to turn a single cell organism into a multi-cellular organism?

Scientists can study and locate the mechanisms in living cells for them to copy and replicate themselves. This is called reproduction. Even this process is imperfect and we often end up with genetic mistakes. Scientists can even tweak these copying mechanisms to bring about genetic engineering. But where are the mechanisms in cells to add complexity? Have these ever been found? 

How did the first living cell come into existence? How did invertebrates become vertebrates? This can only take place if there is a mechanism in cells to add complexity, not just to replicate themselves. 

Evolution is a refuge of lies, Isaiah 28:17, for those who do not like to retain the knowledge of God, Romans 1:28.