I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would want to study our origins apart from a belief in God.
To explain our existence as merely a product of random chance and extremely "lucky" mutations seems so shallow and futile. Why would this planet be so fortunate? And if "evolution" is scientific "fact" then why have we still not seen any evidence to support it, on our planet and planets elsewhere? It just hasn't been seen - ever.
The universe I live in is orderly, makes sense, is governed by laws of physics and morality.
Even Einstein believed in God. I see intelligent design as simply a motivating tool to explore the mind of God.
> I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would want to study our origins apart from a belief in God.
Just keep in mind that your lack of understanding does not define the universe, and you'll do ok.