Replies

1. If something is not yet explained by natural causes, why is ID the only possible explanation?

The point isn't that it's the only possible explanation, the point is that it's the best explanation for what is known. Conversely why should fidelity to Darwinism -- given it's unknowns -- be demanded to be taken seriously in science?

2. If something can be explained without the necessity of a designer, why is ID a better explanation?

Because it is the better explanation.

3. If the intelligent designer designed everything, then what are the distinguishing characteristics of design?

Complexity and specificity.

4. Is there any possible observation that could falsify ID?

Sure. Mix up a soup of chemicals and watch the flagellum come together.

5. If an intelligent designer is responsible for the variety of life on earth, then why are over 90% of all species now extinct?

They were designed to have a limited time like biodegradable plastic? That's an answer, not saying it is the right one. Here's one: What is the purpose of our existence if the result of all matter is heat death?

6. If complex organisms demand an ID explanation, why doesn't the designer (obviously a complex entity) require an even more intelligent designer who created it, and so on, ad infinitum?

Because there is a limit to human mind. What came before the Big Bang according to materialism? Prove your answer.

"The point isn't that it's the only possible explanation, the point is that it's the best explanation for what is known."

It's no explanation at all. It's "I don't know, so God did it".

"Because it is the better explanation."

You ignored the question. If something can be explained without invoking a designer, invoking an unknowable designer is not the best explanation.

"Complexity and specificity."

Indistinguishable from a universe with a designer but with laws of nature.

"Sure. Mix up a soup of chemicals and watch the flagellum come together."

An ID'er would just have to say that that is how the designer designed it. How could someone dispute them?

"They were designed to have a limited time like biodegradable plastic?"

You don't have an answer.

"Because there is a limit to human mind."

That doesn't explain why the *Designer* doesn't require an even more powerful designer. It's just a cop out.

"What came before the Big Bang according to materialism?"

I don't know about according to materialism. But according to science, the question makes no sense. There was no *before* the Big Bang.