Evolution, is without a doubt a highly controversial theory; regardless of the vast amount of evidence there is so as to prove its validity. What is more, not too long ago, a new human-like species was discovered. In 2013, anthropology professor John Hawks and his team aided by the locals made a huge discovery. They found 15 partial skeletons in a burial chamber deep in a cave system in Johannesburg.  An unprecedented achievement for the scientific community. Still and all, countless religious people still remain skeptical about evolution. What more evidence do these people need to come to the conclusion that most religious ancient texts were purely man-made?

 

"Homo Naledi". That is how this newly-discovered species has been named. Let me refresh your

memory regarding the human evolutionary chain.

- Ardipithecus ramidus (4.4 million years ago): Fossils were discovered in Ethiopia in the 1990s.

  They were able to climb trees and walk upright.

- Australopithecus afarensis (3.9 - 2.9 million years ago): The famous "Lucy" skeleton belongs to

   this species of human relative. Fossils of this species have only been found in East Africa. They 

   were also able to walk upright, but spend most of their time in the trees.

- Homo habilis (2.8 - 1.5 million years ago): This human ancestor had a slightly larger braincase and

   smaller teeth than older species, but retained features such as long arms.

- Homo naledi (Still of unknown age, but thought to be as old 3 million years): This new

   discovery had small modern-looking teeth, human-like feet, but more primitive fingers and a

   small braincase.

- Homo erectus (1.9 million years ago): Homo erectus had a modern body plan that was almost

   equal to ours. Nonetheless, it had a smaller brain than a modern person. Not to mention a more

   primitive face.

- Homo neanderthalensis (200 000 years - 40 000 years ago): They were a side group to modern

   humans. This species inhabited western Eurasia  before our species left Africa. They were shorter

   and more muscular than modern people. Besides having slightly larger brains.

- Homo sapiens (200 000 years ago - present): Modern humans evolved in Africa from a predecessor

   species known as "Homo heidelbergensis". A small group of Homo sapiens left Africa 60 000

   years ago and settled the rest of the world. They replaced other human species through

   interbreeding.

 

The aforesaid evidence, should be able to preclude the existence of any other theory regarding the origin of humankind. Be that as it may, there is something else that needs to be considered. As if this information was not enough, I would like to add the following explanation. The reason why the "Theory of evolution" is called a "theory" is not due to the fact that it is merely a hypothesis. You see, in science , a theory is an explanation for something that is seen in nature. Thus, there is usually evidence to substantiate a scientific theory. Whereas a law, is typically used for describing some relationship that we witness in nature. Case in point, there is Charle's Law that states that for a gas, as the temperature rises, the volume of that gas rises too. In other words, a theory would be what explains why a law exists. Consequently, we can conclude that what creationists claim about evolution is just a misconception.

Finally, I would also like to mention that the former Pope himself (John Paul the 2nd), stated as follows: "Fresh knowledge leads to the recognition of the theory of evolution as more than just a hypothesis". He said the aforesaid on a letter released to the Pontifical Academy of Science meeting back in October 1996, in Rome. As a result, even some of the most prominent religious authorities have come to accept evolution as a fact. Notwithstanding, the pursuit to fully reconcile science and religion is yet to be fulfilled, as many still refuse to acknowledge the truth. In order to better understand evolution, I will attach a video of highly regarded biology teacher Ceri Evans. On this video he introduces the concept of evolution to a group of high-school students in an exceptionally dynamic manner. According his explanation the process of evolution happens through: Competition for survival, variation through mutation (random), and adaptation to fit their environment.

 

Sources:

- Article by Pallab Ghosh, BBC News, September 10th, 2015.

- Scientific American Magazine, July issue, 2002.

- Article by Randy Frame, December 9th, 1996.