Validity of malaria models : need for a less circular, more secular, argument

Reading the authoritative review by Stephens et al. [1], on how study of Plasmodium chabaudi has furthered our knowledge of the many facets of malaria infection, brought to mind how secular societies endeavour to separate religion from politics. In my opinion, an analogy may be drawn between acceptance of malaria models and religious belief in that both have a basis in fact but lack the empirical evidence required for unequivocal substantiation. Therefore, recognition of either demands a leap of faith due to the paradoxes that exist. I shall explain.