Rethinking Evolution
Having been raised as an atheist by scientist parents, and spent most of my life in and around scientific research institutes, I’ve always taken the theory of evolution for granted, although I’ve never read Darwin’s book The Origin of Species. Mark Twain rightly defines classic as “something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read”. However, the recent widespread debate on the relationship between religion and science has compelled me to rethink evolution.
There are three perspectives from which one can examine the idea of evolution: First, the scientific perspective. Many disciplines, such as physics, cosmology, biology, geology and palaeontology, converge and contribute to our study of the origin and history of the universe, of life forms on earth and of mankind; Second, the philosophical perspective. Diverse schools of thought stimulate our understanding of the nature of mind and matter, time and space, being and existence, potentiality and actuality, cause and effect, freedom and necessity; Third, the Christian theological perspective. People, both communally and individually, wrestle with the problem of evil and suffering, the nature of love and justice, the meaning of Incarnation and Sacrifice, the relationship between man and God, and the ultimate purpose of the creation.
Needless to say, every one of these subjects is immensely vast and deep, and beyond the depth of any individual. I’m overwhelmed by a sense of my own ignorance and smallness when I ponder these things. What do I know? Who am I to speak?
The Evolution Series
Like quite a few prominent Christians who have spoken out in public, I’ve been troubled by the emotional and militant stance taken by many atheists against religion. Some of my atheist friends, ironically, have taken a page from Christianity — they love the religious, but hate the religion. They do not acknowledge the possibility of being wrong, and assert that logic and reason are on their side. I used to have such an attitude, but now I see it as nothing but pride arising from ignorance. The fact is logical and rational arguments can be and have been made to support the other side equally well, if not better.
With much fear and trembling, therefore, I’m planning to publish a series of posts on evolution. I have three purposes in mind: First, for my own education. I gain clarity and insights by formulating and articulating my thoughts. Second, for constructive dialogue. Having lived half of my life as an atheist and the other half as a theist, I can relate to both sides, and believe dialogue is possible. “Come, let us reason together”. Third, for mutual benefit. I hope to learn from others who are willing to evaluate and criticize ideas in a civic and rational manner, and also help those who are struggling with these issues.
I often wonder why we are so polarized nowadays ….. politics, religion, it seems to be everywhere. G.K. Chesterton and George Bernard Shaw had vehemently different views with regard to religion (and disagreed publicly), yet they also respected each other and were good friends.
I’ll look forward to your posts. I’m not certain how much I’ll be able to contribute, but from you I know I can expect something insightful, thoughtful and honest, which I really appreciate. 🙂
Chesterton: I see there has been a famine in the land.
Shaw: And I see the cause of it.
Who needs enemies when you have friends like these? 🙂
Sounds interesting, Nemo. I have no scientific background so probably won’t provide much conversational stimulation, but will definitely look forward to reading your posts on this subject.
I think I can count on you to ask stimulating questions. 🙂
I don’t believe evolution poses a threat to the existence of a god or gods. It does, however, threaten the existence of the Old Testament God. I look forward to reading your critique.
I don’t think the existence of any god worthy of the title is threatened by evolution. 🙂 I look forward to your comment as well.
I am curious in what way you think it threatens the existence of the OT God.
One of the acts of the Old Testament God is the creation of Man, not the creation of primitive life forms that evolved into Man. If the theory of evolution is correct – if Man evolved from simpler organisms – then the Old Testament God (i.e. a being which created Man) does not exist.
A God like the Old Testament God might exist, but not one who created Man.