“We come from monkeys, don’t you see the resemblance?!”

I can shamefully recall using this line on countless occasions during heated arguments about evolution. I usually used it right at the point in the debate when I was supposed to explain Darwin’s theory, but since I didn’t understand the concept myself I threw the “monkey” line out instead; usually the dispute ended at a stalemate.

Since I took my first biology course just last year, I only have really known what evolution actually is for about six months now. Nonetheless, for the past three years or so, I have been having semi-intelligent arguments with people about how evolution is obviously how humans came to be and the religiously motivated creationism is not. Do the math; that means I had no idea what I was talking about for over three years! Sure this phenomenon is due to my overly confident personality and my slight tendency to be a smart aleck, but as I reflect on this tendency, I realize something different.

I didn’t accept evolution because of the scientific facts, the archeological evidence, and the finches from the Galapagos. I never sat down and looked at creationism and evolution side by side and compared notes. Creationism has simply always been wrong in my book, for what I now see as no good reason. I was holding evolution as the answer because I was told it is the correct answer, nothing more.

I was essentially doing exactly what I thought I was avoiding by accepting evolution and not creationism. I had accepted a story based not on merit, but on the approval of those around me. There is no difference between thinking humans come from monkeys and God creating the world in seven days if you don’t understand the ideas behind these theories.

My biology course last year didn’t change my opinion on evolution; I simply began to comprehend what evolution is – empowering me to share my new ideas with my friends and family. I was astonished to see how complex and intricate evolution is, something I had perceived to be so simple.

I’m happy to say that I no longer think humans came from monkeys. But, if I had a captive audience I can easily explain how founder’s effect, missense gene mutations, and three legged elephants interplay in the world of evolution, and stand as our everyday testament to its process.

Laz’s biology course taught me much more than just evolution; I learned that as a teen passionate about his views on the world, what ever those views are, I must understand where my views originate. Before I share my ideas to the world I need to not only believe in them, but also understand them.

I’m not trying to say that you need to accept evolution. What I am saying is that the choice is yours, but whatever you accept, recognize why it is your belief. Don’t become a mere mouthpiece for your family’s ideologies. Create your own set of belief and then go out preaching your ideas to the world.