Evolution is a fairly simple idea. A broad definition of it is "Species change over
             time." Evolutionary theory is supported by a huge body of evidence, including the fossil
             record and observation of organisms alive today. That is the reason it is embraced by
             most mainstream scientists. Theologists, whose arguments are based totally on faith,
             base their theories on fiction not proven fact. Faith, being belief that isn't based on
             evidence, is the principal vice of any religion. And who, looking at Northern Ireland or
             the Middle East, can be confident that faith is not exceedingly dangerous? One of the
             stories told to the young Muslim suicide bombers is that martyrdom is the quickest way
             to heaven. Given the dangers of faith, and considering the accomplishments of reason
             and observation in the activity called science, it is ironic that a person could argue, "Of
             course, your science is just a religion like ours. Fundamentally, science just comes
             down to faith, doesn't it?" Science is not religion and it doesn't just come down to faith.
             Although it has many of religion's virtues, it has none of its vices. Science is based
             upon verifiable evidence. Religious faith not only lacks evidence, its independence
             from evidence is its pride and joy, shouted from the rooftops.
             Considered the father of evolution, Charles Darwin has been the most respected
             and reviled figures in history. While still a young man, he set sail aboard the Beagle to
             see the world before returning to England to become, as planned, a parson (The Origin
             of Species, vii). Legend holds that Darwin happened upon one of science's most
             important theories during his travels on the Beagle, through his unbiased observation
             of nature. In fact, Darwin devised no great theory until his return to England, and was
             not the first person to propose evolution. Evolution was widely discussed, at least in
             scientific circl...