As a sciene student from Liskeard, I have been following the evolution/creation debate on the Cornish Times letters page over the previous weeks with great interest, and wish to make a few further points with respect to the arguments of Mr Bennett et al:

Firstly, the extensive study of the HIV virus by biologists over the past few decades has revealed its evolution over a large number of generations from very few strains to many, each tailored to different sexual habits (as detailed in Steven Jones' recent 'update' to Darwin's book, 'Almost Like a Whale'). Thus there is direct evidence for evolution - we've seen it! It is not arrogant for us to assume that nature (or God) does not apply a similar genetic ballet to other (less simple) organisms?

Secondly, we are not in a position to evaluate our own complexity - thus the argument that a complicated machine such as the human body must have a creator holds no ground. Evolution (and its element of uncertainty) certainly explains the deeply imperfect nature of animal species (including us).

Most importantly, regarding the creationist viewpoint, let us not become confused between the Christian mythology and the Christian faith. Genesis is a blissfully surreal work which, like the Book of Revelation, was surely never intended to be taken literally! Nevertheless, a belief in the Bible's moral code, and in a conscious God that created the universe (albeit not as directly as one might think) is not incompatible with the theory of evolution whatsoever.

It is a far more ingenious and perfect God that created the universe from a few simple laws, than the God that needs to create every creature from scratch!

CHRIS WHITE

Cambridge