[Hunble]

Try this exercise - what is the probability of the human genome (3 billion base-pairs) randomly assembling exactly the right way? How long would you expect it to take?

OUTSTANDING!

You have just demonstrated why some form of a selection criteria was involved in the development of life on Earth.

If things are purely random, then it would take an impossible amount of time. Once a selection criteria is introduced, the time required is dramatically reduced.

I have no problem with any theories (to include ID) on how the selection process has operated, as long as those theories can be supported with factual evidence.

[bluejay]

If things are purely random, then it would take an impossible amount of time. Once a selection criteria is introduced, the time required is dramatically reduced.

I don't understand. How does natural selection reduce the time required for random mutations to occur and to be incorporated into the genome? Assuming it does reduce the time, how much time is required? One of the problems I have with evolution as a doctrine is a surprising lack of calculations that demonstrate that given the rate of mutation, the impact of natural selection, and the amount of time available the odds of life developing is X.