Has anyone else seen the article by Kendrick Frazier in the November/December
issue of Skeptical Inquirer about the book Rare Earth by paleontologist
Peter D. Ward and astronomer Donald Brownlee.
It says that astronomer David Darling makes a point by point critique of Rare Earth in his own book Life Everywhere: The Maverick Science of Astrobiology.
In his own book Darling also reveals that the two Rare Earth authors were
significantly influenced by a University of Washington astronomer named
Guillermo Gonzalez.
This is important because according to Darling Gonzalez is pro Intelligent Design and regularly authors articles supporting ID for religious publications. It goes on to say that Gonzalez's mainstream scientific articles make no mention of his belief in divine intervention.
When asked Peter D. Ward says that he was unaware of this, (Gonzalez's theistic approach to science.)
Gonzalez responded to Ward saying, (as quoted in Darling's book and printed
in the SI article) *... I will not apologize for admitting that my theistic
theological views motivate my science and vise-versa.*
Can anyone say secret agenda?
I can't comment on Darling's book because I haven't read it yet.
But it looks like there might be a better chance for life out there after all.