At some point, we all find it necessary to rely on labels when talking about the group of people we disagree with. I have strived to use labels that are as neutral as possible. I typically refer to those who disagree with me as either "˜non-teleologists' or "˜ID critics' (IDC). A non-teleologist is someone who simply does not invoke teleology when accounting for some aspect of Nature. An ID critic is someone who criticizes ID. As far as I can tell, neither label imposes a negative perception on my opponents.

So how should I label someone like myself?

The term "ID proponent" seems accurate, as I do tentatively propose some form of intelligent design is behind some aspect of biotic reality. But the term "˜proponent' is easily misunderstood to convey the impression that I am also a proponent of the socio-political agenda of the ID movement. And I am not. What about the term "˜ID theorist?' Since I don't think there is an ID Theory, that term likewise is not quite accurate. Besides, it makes it sound as if I approach ID as some type of serious professional, when in reality, I approach ID as a hobbyist.

Perhaps I should turn to the critics for help, as they have a plentiful supply of labels I might decide to use. For example, I've been called an "ID enthusiast." In one sense, it does seem to capture the fact that ID is a true hobby of mine. But it also conveys the sense that it is emotion that drives me. I'm sure that is a coincidence. What about the term "IDiot?" Well, I am surely not the brightest bulb in the room, so that's a possibility. What about "IDeologue?" Nah. My ID views are not rooted in ideology, thus that does not work. Okay, how about the granddaddy of labels "“ Intelligent Design Creationist? I've already explained the problems with that label here.

Yet oddly enough, the label "˜Intelligent Design Creationist' turns out to be helpful. If there are ID creationists, it only stands to reason that there should be ID evolutionists. And that works! While I'm reluctant to adopt any label, as it tends to impart a static perception of my thinking, of all the labels, Intelligent Design Evolutionist (IDE) does seem to be the best fit.

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