LW Humanist Association to discuss evolution

The Leisure World Humanist Association will meet on Sunday, Feb. 2, in Clubhouse 3, Room 1, at 10:30 a.m.

Charles Darwin’s landmark book, “The Origin of Species,” was published in 1859. The club meeting will feature a video of Richard Dawkins discussing the importance of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.

Richard Dawkins wrote “The Blind Watchmaker,” in 1986, where he illustrates how simple organisms slowly change over time to create a world of complexity, diversity and beauty. The title refers to William Paley’s argument for a creator that contends, “If you are walking along and find a watch, you have to conclude that there must be a watchmaker.” Despite the overwhelming evidence for evolution, many Americans don’t believe in it. After the video, there will be a discussion of how Darwin’s ideas have changed the way people view the world we live in and their views of religion.

“Darwin’s Dangerous Idea” by Daniel Dennett, a book on evolution, will be raffled off during the meeting.