Too few people realize that the push for Intelligent Design by religious conservatives is part of a larger effort to undermine modern, scientific culture in favor of a regressive, theocratic state. Indeed, it appears that the philosophy of Intelligent Design is a fundamental component of the agenda: without it, the entire program falls apart.

Fred Hutchinson of Renew America admits to what’s going on (via Panda’s Thumb):

The idea that man has an innate nature flows naturally into the idea that there must be a design behind that nature. If man is designed, marriage must also be designed. Homosexuality is contrary to that design. This is an essential point that conservatives must make in the debate about gay marriage.

If we are designed, there must be a Great Designer behind the design. The argument that man has a designed nature is also an argument for a Creator. The argument that man has no innate nature is also an argument against a Creator. At the root of the culture war is a conflict between theism and atheism. [...]

The mission of conservatives at this point in history is to develop a life-style, philosophy, and worldview of intelligent design. Every issue in the culture war hinges upon the question of whether man has an innate nature and whether that nature has a design from the Creator.

Individual lives and families committed to their true nature and destiny is the foundation for the renewal of the community, the culture, and the nation. Communities of design can win the culture war, with God’s help, and steer America towards her glorious destiny as planned in the counsels of eternity.

Renew America is Alan Keyes’ project, but it’s consistent with the beliefs and goals of most prominent religious conservatives who are working for fundamental cultural shifts in America. As Hutchinson makes clear, religious conservatives need Intelligent Design because the rest of their agenda depends upon it.

If people accept it, then they can be brought to accept what some (like Hutchinson) claim is the purpose of some of the designs. If people don’t accept it and have the temerity to think that they are the creators of social institutions, then the lack of any innate appeal behind religious conservatives’ ideas means that they will ultimately fail.

1. Yes. All scientific theories about life should be taught, not just the orthodox beliefs of godless Darwinians.
2. No. Intelligent Design is, at a bare minimum, not scientific - and it's arguably religious. Either way, it doesn't belong in science classes.
3. I don't know / don't care.

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• Evolution vs. Creationism
• What is Intelligent Design?
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