Evolution Theory Has a “Secret Sex Problem”

During the century and a half since the publication of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, many books have been written on the subject of the origin of life.  Some provide an in-depth technical treatment of evolution but attract a relatively small audience.  Others treat evolution as “strictly science.” In so doing, they ignore or dismiss the fact that evolution has philosophical and moral ramifications that influence how we define our purpose and destiny in life.  Still other writers present religious attacks on science.  They ignore or dismiss the fact that science has a legitimate role in explaining how genetics and natural selection allow populations to adapt to gradual changes in their environment.

Today, if you would like to get your hands on a book that provides a solid critique of evolution while also being understandable and enjoyable to read, let me recommend one for you.  Darwin’sSecret Sex Problem: Exposing Evolution’s Fatal Flaw—The Origin of Sex (Westbow Press, 2018), by F. LaGard Smith*, combines sound scientific logic, a thorough understanding of the biology of sexuality, and the author’s unique blend of humor to uncover what is perhaps the “greatest secret of sexuality”—that Darwinian evolution cannot account for the origin of SEX!

Allow me to entice you into obtaining a copy by mentioning a few reasons why Darwin’s Secret Sex Problem will be excellent reading for researchers, teachers, pastors, laypersons, and anyone else who enjoys curling up to read a witty, engaging page-turner about a topic that is never far from the minds of any of us.  After all, we are all sexual beings and if you have followed what has been published about sexuality in the past fifty years or so, you know how influential views of origins and sexuality are on the formation of our worldview.  Specifically, philosophical naturalism and its offspring, including Darwinism and genetic determinism, have had a major influence on worldview formation with respect to human origins, sexuality, marriage, and personhood.  Professor Smith’s stated reason for authoring Darwin’s Secret Sex Problem is based on his concern over the “wide-ranging ramifications of evolutionary thinking.”

Darwin’s Secret Sex Problem is different from most books about evolution in at least three ways.  First, to his credit, Professor Smith clearly distinguishes the legitimate scientific theories of population genetics and natural selection which attempt to account for micro-evolutionary changes (or, what Smith calls “’little-e’ evolution” or “bounded evolution” within recognized taxonomic classes of organisms) from macro-evolutionary changes (or, what Smith calls “microbe-to-man evolution,” or “Big-E” Evolution).  Many writers fail to make this distinction.  Instead, they build out of the shadows of ambiguity what only appears to be a strong case for “Big-E” Evolution (unverifiable scientifically) on a foundation of “little-e” evolution (verifiable and within narrow limits).  Professor Smith argues that latter cannot account for “microbe-to-man evolution.”

As a second unique and wise approach, Smith has chosen to ignore “…religious assumptions altogether and [introduce] a fresh, powerful argument solely from within the realm of science.”  Instead of using biblical revelation to counter Darwinian claims, Professor Smith uses Darwin’s own logic to challenge Darwinian evolution head-on with a scientifically logical argument. 

You may recall that Darwin offered an “admission” of potential vulnerability in his theory of descent with modification through natural selection (“Big-E Evolution”).  “Darwin’s admission,” as stated in his own words:  If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed, which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down (Darwin, 1859).

Professor Smith’s clear challenge to “Darwin’s admission” is to expose Darwin’s Secret Sex Problem with this daunting question:  How could asexual (non-sexual) replication have evolved by natural selection into fully-gendered sexual reproduction?   In other words, how can asexual replication deliver the genetic variation necessary for natural selection to act upon in order to form the complex mechanisms and behavior necessary for sexual reproduction?

It follows, according to Smith’s direct challenge to Darwin, that if there is indeed an unbridgeable gap between non-gendered asexual replication and male/female sexual reproduction, then that Achilles’ heel is the fatal undoing of microbe-to-man evolution.

A third unique feature of Darwin’s Secret Sex Problem is best captured in the words of Dr. Geoff Barnard, retired reproductive endocrinologist, Cambridge University.  Dr. Barnard describes the book’s author as “a non-specialist whose careful research demonstrates that he understands the crucial issues surrounding evolution’s fatal sex problem, and who has a remarkable ability to communicate complex concepts to a broad audience.” 

I was also impressed immediately at LaGard Smith’s ability to insert wholesome humor, helpful analogies, and illustrations to make the technical science aspects inviting and clear to the reader.  Still, parents may want to provide some age-suitable guidance.  Here’s a sample of how Smith addresses some specifics of how the first sexual forms might have arisen by evolution:

When it comes to having sex, there’s always a first time.  This particular “first time” must be a prototype life form fully capable of “having sex” and thereafter “sexually reproducing.”  We’re not talking here about human sexuality, complete with all the external and internal apparatus we normally take for granted.  We’re talking about the ability to produce a “male” and a “female” (don’t rush past that not-so-minor detail!) who “mate sexually” (don’t take that for granted!) and then reproduce in a radically different (even counter-intuitive) way from any and every form of sexual replication that previously might have been in play.  So, it’s not just one “first time,” but three “first times”—somewhere along the line “all at the same time. And “all in the same place.”  That’s a huge ask!

Even the chapter headings and section titles are inviting.  Here are a few examples:

“When the Dog Doesn’t Bark”
”Extinction of an Unfit Paradigm”
“X and WHY Chromosomes”
“Hox Genes, or Hoax Genes?”
“Not Even the Sexiest Asexual Could Ever Be Sexual”
“When the Church Buried Darwin…A Case Study in Compromise”

Darwin’s Secret Sex Problem has already received strongly favorable reviews on Amazon.com.  For example, “Cookeville Reviewer” submitted this helpful review:

For the honest seeker of truth, whether a skeptic or a believer, this writing by LaGard Smith will make one wrestle with his/her preconceived notions about origins, particularly the origin of sexual reproduction. It is even-handed, yet challenging. It is fair, yet fearless. Thoroughly and vigorously researched, it is an open and well organized discussion of the tenuous assumptions that humans--whether religious, scientific, or both--make regarding Darwin's Grand Theory of Evolution.  It successfully reveals what Darwin himself said would be the undoing of his theory, that sexual reproduction "could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications." Then, if that is not enough, theistic evolution is shown to be, though perhaps entertained by scientist/believers of good intention as an honorable compromise of science and religion, rather an idea that pays homage to flawed science to give support to flawed religion.  If you are an honest reader, this book will not disappoint, and it will illuminate. Its goal is to encourage knowledge of the truth.

Professor Smith provides over 300 reference citations, a helpful index, and a glossary of biological terms, defined at an understandable level for anyone who has had a good secondary level or introductory college biology course. 

Now I’m finished and will dismiss you to go purchase a copy of Darwin’s Secret Sex Problem:  Exposing Evolution’s Fatal Flaw—The Origin of Sex.  And, please pass this review on to your friends who will thank you for the referral.
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* F. LaGard Smith is a retired law professor, having taught for 27 years at Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California; then, 5 years as Scholar in Residence for Christian Studies at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.  Prof. Smith retired after 2 years at Liberty University School of Law and 4 years at Faulkner University's Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Alabama.  He is author of over 30 books.