Are Evolution and "Intelligent Design" necessarily contradictory?

In response to article by Nick Cohen: Creationism is catching on in Britain

Is there necessarily a contradiction between Darwin's theory of evolution and the idea of "intelligent design"? After all, life could only evolve because matter (molecules, atoms, subatomic particles, strings or whatever) has pretty much the properties it does. Is it really so irrational or unreasonable to wonder whether perhaps these properties of matter are in some way the product of "intelligent design", rather than "chance" having produced one universe (at least) amongst billions with just the right properties of matter for evolution to produce life on Earth - and us?

And if I concede such a possibility, does that mean I have to sign up to one of the three Abrahamic religions and express a believe in their God and holy scriptures?

Links:

An Atheist's and Agnostic's Guide to God

To: Sunday Observer: Comment Re: Are Evolution and "Intelligent Design" necessarily contradictory? Date: Sunday 1 October 06

In response to article by Nick Cohen: Creationism is catching on in Britain Is there necessarily a contradiction between Darwin's theory of evolution and the idea of "intelligent design"? After all, life could only evolve because matter (molecules, atoms, subatomic particles, strings or whatever) has pretty much the properties it does. Is it really so irrational or unreasonable to wonder whether perhaps these properties of matter are in some way the product of "intelligent design", rather than "chance" having produced one universe (at least) amongst billions with just the right properties of matter for evolution to produce life on Earth - and us? And if I concede such a possibility, does that mean I have to sign up to one of the three Abrahamic religions and express a believe in their God and holy scriptures? Links: An Atheist's and Agnostic's Guide to God www.spaceship-earth.org