Meaning: The quote by Phillip Johnson, an American criminal law professor and author, addresses the issue of the perceived dominance of evolutionary naturalists in the scientific community and their influence on the discourse surrounding evolution and creationism. Johnson is a prominent figure in the intelligent design movement, which challenges the theory of evolution and advocates for the inclusion of intelligent design concepts in the teaching of biology and other scientific subjects.

The quote suggests that evolutionary naturalists, who adhere to the theory of evolution and natural selection, have been remarkably successful in monopolizing the scientific narrative on the origins of life. Johnson contends that they have essentially "held science hostage" by promoting and defending their evolutionary worldview while marginalizing alternative perspectives, particularly those related to creationism and intelligent design.

It is important to note that Johnson's viewpoint is rooted in his skepticism of the theory of evolution and his advocacy for the inclusion of intelligent design in science education. As such, his characterization of evolutionary naturalists as holding science hostage should be considered within the context of his broader ideological stance.

The notion of "holding science hostage" in this context implies that evolutionary naturalists have wielded significant influence and power within the scientific community, shaping the discourse on the origins of life in a way that marginalizes alternative viewpoints. Johnson contends that this dominance has been achieved not through scientific rigor or empirical evidence, but rather through the effective promotion and defense of evolutionary theory.

The quote also implies that evolutionary naturalists have been "infinitely more effective" than scientific creationists in advancing their agenda within the scientific community. This suggests that while both groups have sought to influence the interpretation of scientific evidence, evolutionary naturalists have been more successful in achieving widespread acceptance and adherence to their perspective.

Johnson's characterization of the situation reflects his belief that the scientific community has been largely resistant to considering alternative explanations for the complexity and diversity of life, particularly those that align with religious or supernatural beliefs. From his perspective, evolutionary naturalists have been able to maintain their dominance by presenting their viewpoint as the only legitimate scientific interpretation, thereby marginalizing dissenting voices and limiting the scope of scientific inquiry.

In the broader context of the debate between evolution and creationism, Johnson's quote encapsulates the frustration felt by proponents of intelligent design and creationism who believe that their perspectives have been unfairly excluded from mainstream scientific discourse. They argue that the scientific establishment has been unwilling to entertain alternative explanations for the origins of life, leading to a perceived bias in favor of evolutionary naturalism.

In conclusion, Phillip Johnson's quote encapsulates his perspective on the influence and dominance of evolutionary naturalists in shaping the discourse on the origins of life. While his viewpoint reflects his advocacy for intelligent design and skepticism toward evolution, it also highlights broader tensions within the scientific community regarding the inclusion of diverse perspectives and the boundaries of scientific inquiry. Johnson's characterization of evolutionary naturalists as "holding science hostage" serves as a reflection of the ongoing debate between proponents of evolution and creationism within the scientific community.