Understanding Where Intelligent Design Fits

Intelligent Design Theory (IDT) is a theoretical framework for detecting the presence of intelligent agency in the formation of a structure or the occurrence of an event. It is also the postulate that living things and our place in the Universe look designed precisely because they were designed.

Given this, IDT is harmonious with any origins theory that the involves the purposeful creation of the Universe and the life within. Therefore, you will typically find support for ID by both Old and Young Earth Creationists and sometimes by Theistic Evolutionists. This is possible because ID does not dictate the mechanism that intelligent agency interacts with our Universe.

With respect to the intersection between ID and religion, ID does not prescribe any one religion over another any more or less than any other scientific theory. Also ID does little to encroach upon answering philosophical questions concerning issues such as the problem of pain and suffering and the need for salvation.