the theory of evolution by natural selection the theory of evolution by natural selection

The Theory of Evolution The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selectionby Natural Selection

The Theory of Evolution The Theory of Evolution is…is…

Arguably, the most important Arguably, the most important scientific development of the last 200 scientific development of the last 200 years.years.

A scientific, i.e. evidence based, A scientific, i.e. evidence based, theory of the origins of human and theory of the origins of human and other life forms.other life forms.

A powerful explanation of the change, A powerful explanation of the change, variation, and diversity we see in the variation, and diversity we see in the natural worldnatural world..

An alternative idea to the belief that An alternative idea to the belief that human life was designed and created human life was designed and created by God.by God.

Evolution in a Nutshell…Evolution in a Nutshell… Life has developed over many millions of

years and began with simple single-celled creatures

By chance, species mutate and develop into more complex life forms

All life forms depend on resources so the survival of new species depends on their relationship with the environment around them

A species unsuited to its environment will die out, but ones that are well-adapted survive

Charles DarwinCharles Darwin The Theory of Evolution by Natural

Selection is most closely associated the great naturalist Charles Darwin (1809 – (1809 – 1882). 1882).

Darwin’s Early LifeDarwin’s Early Life Darwin was the son of a doctor but was put

off medicine by watching operations He had intended to become a minister in

the Church of England but his real interest was natural history

Like most people at the time, the young Darwin accepted the view that God had created different species suited to their environments and that they did not change

The Voyage of the BeagleThe Voyage of the Beagle In 1831 however, he was invited to join a

five-year voyage around the world on HMS Beagle…

The Voyage of the Beagle in The Voyage of the Beagle in ContextContext

Darwin’s ideas reflected the intellectual context of the time and the philosophical challenge to religious authority associated with Philosophers such as Kant and Hume.

Although many people believed the world was about 6000 years old, geologists like Darwin’s friend Charles Lyell were coming to think that the world was a lot older; e.g. fossils.

If the world were a lot older, then over time, lots of little changes might add up to big changes, even new species.

What Darwin FoundWhat Darwin Found

As he travelled, Darwin started thinking about the geographical distribution of wildlife and the fossils he found for animals that no longer existed.

This led him to come up with the idea that life forms were not fixed but mutable – i.e they changed or ‘evolved’ over time.

Darwin’s Finches IDarwin’s Finches I For example, Darwin noticed on the For example, Darwin noticed on the

Galapagos Islands that finches with big Galapagos Islands that finches with big beaks lived on an island with large nuts they beaks lived on an island with large nuts they could eat, while small beaked birds lived on could eat, while small beaked birds lived on an island with lots of small seedsan island with lots of small seeds

Darwin’s Finches IIDarwin’s Finches II Given the fact that the islands were close Given the fact that the islands were close

together, he came to think that the together, he came to think that the distribution of the different Finches was distribution of the different Finches was determined by varying suitability to different determined by varying suitability to different environments.environments.

Finches with the ‘wrong’ shaped beak would Finches with the ‘wrong’ shaped beak would not survive, and therefore, not survive, and therefore, would not have would not have offspringoffspring

‘‘Natural Selection’ INatural Selection’ I What Darwin came to realize was that…What Darwin came to realize was that… within a species some members have within a species some members have

characteristicscharacteristics better adapted to their better adapted to their environmentenvironment than others. than others.

These members will continue to These members will continue to survive and survive and breedbreed whilst others not as suited to their whilst others not as suited to their environment will die out. environment will die out.

Eventually the characteristic Eventually the characteristic becomes the becomes the normnorm for the species. This process is called for the species. This process is called natural selection.natural selection.

‘‘Natural Selection’ IINatural Selection’ II As with most scientific ideas, ‘natural As with most scientific ideas, ‘natural

selection’ makes certain selection’ makes certain assumptionsassumptions…that…that Living things reproduce freely and this results Living things reproduce freely and this results

in in competition for resourcescompetition for resources - food and space. - food and space. Animals Animals preyprey on each other. on each other. Offspring Offspring differdiffer slightly from their parents. slightly from their parents. Many characteristics are Many characteristics are inheritedinherited The The longest-livinglongest-living members of a species are members of a species are

likely to likely to reproducereproduce the most the most These are the characteristics most likely to be

passed on to succeeding generations…

Accidential mutation

Evolution: Task 1Evolution: Task 1Copy and Complete the following:

The Theory of Evolution by N______ S________ was developed by Charles D_____. Challenging the idea that species are f___ and that humans were c____ by God, it claims that life _______ over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By ______, species ______ and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on ________ so the survival of new _______ depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its __________ will die out, but ones that are well-_______ survive.

chance adapted Darwin fixedmutate created Selection evolved

Natural environment resources species


The Theory of Evolution by Natural S________ was developed by Charles D_____. Challenging the idea that species are f___ and that humans were c____ by God, it claims that life _______ over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By ______, species ______ and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on ________ so the survival of new _______ depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its __________ will die out, but ones that are well-_______ survive.

chance adapted Darwin fixedmutate created Selection evolved

environment resources species


The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles D_____. Challenging the idea that species are f___ and that humans were c____ by God, it claims that life _______ over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By ______, species ______ and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on ________ so the survival of new _______ depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its __________ will die out, but ones that are well-_______ survive.

chance adapted Darwin fixedmutate created evolved



The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles Darwin. Challenging the idea that species are f___ and that humans were c____ by God, it claims that life _______ over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By ______, species ______ and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on ________ so the survival of new _______ depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its __________ will die out, but ones that are well-_______ survive.

chance adapted fixedmutate created evolved



The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles Darwin. Challenging the idea that species are fixed and that humans were c____ by God, it claims that life _______ over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By ______, species ______ and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on ________ so the survival of new _______ depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its __________ will die out, but ones that are well-_______ survive.

chance adapted mutate created evolved



The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles Darwin. Challenging the idea that species are fixed and that humans were created by God, it claims that life _______ over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By ____, species ______ and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on ________ so the survival of new _______ depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its __________ will die out, but ones that are well-_______ survive.

chance adapted mutate evolved



The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles Darwin. Challenging the idea that species are fixed and that humans were created by God, it claims that life evolved over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By ____, species ______ and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on ________ so the survival of new _______ depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its _________ will die out, but ones that are well-______ survive.

chance adapted mutate



The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles Darwin. Challenging the idea that species are fixed and that humans were created by God, it claims that life evolved over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By chance, species ______ and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on ________ so the survival of new _______ depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its _________ will die out, but ones that are well-______ survive.

adapted mutate



The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles Darwin. Challenging the idea that species are fixed and that humans were created by God, it claims that life evolved over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By chance, species mutate and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on ________ so the survival of new _______ depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its _________ will die out, but ones that are well-______ survive.

adapted



The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles Darwin. Challenging the idea that species are fixed and that humans were created by God, it claims that life evolved over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By chance, species mutate and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on resources so the survival of new _______ depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its _________ will die out, but ones that are well-______ survive.

adapted

environment species


The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles Darwin. Challenging the idea that species are fixed and that humans were created by God, it claims that life evolved over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By chance, species mutate and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on resources so the survival of new species depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its _________ will die out, but ones that are well-______ survive.

adapted

environment


The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles Darwin. Challenging the idea that species are fixed and that humans were created by God, it claims that life evolved over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By chance, species mutate and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on resources so the survival of new species depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its environment will die out, but ones that are well-______ survive.

adapted


The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was developed by Charles Darwin. Challenging the idea that species are fixed and that humans were created by God, it claims that life evolved over many millions of years and began with simple single-celled creatures. By chance, species mutate and develop into more complex life forms. All life forms depend on resources so the survival of new species depends on their relationship with their surroundings. A species unsuited to its environment will die out, but ones that are well-adapted survive.

‘‘The Origin of Species’The Origin of Species’ Although Darwin wrote out a version of his Although Darwin wrote out a version of his

‘species theory’ in 1842, he did not publish his ‘species theory’ in 1842, he did not publish his ideas for nearly two decades.ideas for nearly two decades.

Q. Why do you think Darwin delayed publishing Q. Why do you think Darwin delayed publishing ideas for so long?ideas for so long?

By 1858, however, Darwin had become aware By 1858, however, Darwin had become aware that another naturalist, Alfred Wallace, working that another naturalist, Alfred Wallace, working in Malaya, had developed very similar ideas. in Malaya, had developed very similar ideas.

The two men presented their ideas to the The two men presented their ideas to the Linnean society in 1858 but attracted little Linnean society in 1858 but attracted little interest.interest.

In 1859, Darwin published ‘On the Origin of In 1859, Darwin published ‘On the Origin of Species’, which set out his ideas in detail. Species’, which set out his ideas in detail.

The Impact of Darwin’s The Impact of Darwin’s IdeasIdeas

The initial response to the The initial response to the Origin of SpeciesOrigin of Species was relatively muted. was relatively muted.

This reflected the fact that many scientists This reflected the fact that many scientists at the time were also religious. at the time were also religious.

The division between science and belief did The division between science and belief did not really exist.not really exist.

Some scientists, even Darwin himself Some scientists, even Darwin himself perhaps, retained a faith in Godperhaps, retained a faith in God

But as the implications of Darwin’s theory But as the implications of Darwin’s theory became appparent, so the controversy grew. became appparent, so the controversy grew.

The Implications of The Implications of Origins Origins II

Darwin’s Christian faith had already begun to Darwin’s Christian faith had already begun to fade before his eldest daughter Annie died at fade before his eldest daughter Annie died at the age of 10 in 1851. the age of 10 in 1851.

But Darwin probably delayed publishing his But Darwin probably delayed publishing his theory because he saw the damaging social theory because he saw the damaging social implications for a still dominant Christianity. implications for a still dominant Christianity.

He might even been wary of blasphemy laws.He might even been wary of blasphemy laws. Why? Why? Because his theory suggested that life on Because his theory suggested that life on

earth developed earth developed randomlyrandomly and and blindlyblindly. . It removed any need for a

designer/creator God!

The Implications of The Implications of Origins Origins IIII

Most disturbingly, for supporters of the Most disturbingly, for supporters of the religious view, Darwin argued that while religious view, Darwin argued that while human beings had ‘noble qualities’ and ‘god-human beings had ‘noble qualities’ and ‘god-like intellect’, we shared a common biological like intellect’, we shared a common biological ancestry with the so-called ‘lower’ species.ancestry with the so-called ‘lower’ species.

Far from a ‘crown of creation’, we were simply Far from a ‘crown of creation’, we were simply a newer, more successful form of primate; i.e. a newer, more successful form of primate; i.e. humans are just well-adapted, humans are just well-adapted, hairless apes.hairless apes.

Task 2Task 2Q.1 Why did Darwin’s theory pose a Q.1 Why did Darwin’s theory pose a

threat to existing religious ideas about threat to existing religious ideas about the origins and status of human life? the origins and status of human life?

Because his theory suggested that life on earth Because his theory suggested that life on earth developed randomly and blindly, it removed the developed randomly and blindly, it removed the need for a creator God!need for a creator God!

While human beings might have ‘noble qualities’ While human beings might have ‘noble qualities’ and ‘god-like intellect’, Darwin argued that we and ‘god-like intellect’, Darwin argued that we share a common ancestry with the so-called ‘lower’ share a common ancestry with the so-called ‘lower’ species: i.e we are simply a newer, more species: i.e we are simply a newer, more successful form of primate; well-adapted, successful form of primate; well-adapted, hairless hairless apes.apes.

Problems in Darwin’s Problems in Darwin’s TheoryTheory

Another reason, Darwin might have held back Another reason, Darwin might have held back on his theory may have been the fact that on his theory may have been the fact that there were some unresolved issues with it.there were some unresolved issues with it.

Crucially, he could not Crucially, he could not demonstratedemonstrate the the process of evolution, only process of evolution, only infer infer it from the it from the evidence available to him.evidence available to him.

It was based on circumstantial evidence - e.g. It was based on circumstantial evidence - e.g. fossils, the variety and location of species - fossils, the variety and location of species - rather than empirically verified experiments.rather than empirically verified experiments.

He also recognise that he had not identified He also recognise that he had not identified the mechanism of evolution itself.the mechanism of evolution itself.

How were traits developed and passed on?How were traits developed and passed on?

DNA – The Building Blocks of DNA – The Building Blocks of LifeLife

This issue was addressed nearly a century This issue was addressed nearly a century after the publication of after the publication of OriginsOrigins with the with the discovery of DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid.discovery of DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid.

Hitherto, people saw it as self-evident that Hitherto, people saw it as self-evident that we inherited some qualities from our we inherited some qualities from our parents.parents.

But other qualities were not.But other qualities were not. The discovery of DNA by Crick and Watson The discovery of DNA by Crick and Watson

in the 1950s enabled scientists to explain in the 1950s enabled scientists to explain exactly how this happened .exactly how this happened .

MutationsMutations Some qualities are developed over a lifetime Some qualities are developed over a lifetime

and are not passed down over time – e.g. and are not passed down over time – e.g. skills like playing an instrument have to be skills like playing an instrument have to be learntlearnt

But the physical But the physical potentialpotential of of allall living things living things is determined by genes passed on in DNA.is determined by genes passed on in DNA.

Every now and then a Every now and then a mutationmutation occurs. occurs. If that mutation gives an advantage in If that mutation gives an advantage in

passing on DNA then the mutation survives passing on DNA then the mutation survives and becomes the normand becomes the norm

Task 3 Task 3 Q. What were some of the issues Q. What were some of the issues

with Darwin’s theories initially? with Darwin’s theories initially? Darwin could not Darwin could not demonstratedemonstrate the process of the process of evolution through experiments, only evolution through experiments, only infer infer it from it from the circumstantial evidence available to him, the circumstantial evidence available to him, e.g. fossils along with the variety and e.g. fossils along with the variety and distribution of species. Neither had he identified distribution of species. Neither had he identified the mechanism of evolution itself; how traits the mechanism of evolution itself; how traits were developed and passed on.were developed and passed on.

Task 4 Task 4 Q. How did other scientists develop Q. How did other scientists develop the Theory of Evolution to address the Theory of Evolution to address these issues?these issues? Although people saw it as self-evident that we Although people saw it as self-evident that we inherited some qualities from our parents, it was inherited some qualities from our parents, it was only after the the discovery of DNA – only after the the discovery of DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid – by Crick and Watson, that deoxyribonucleic acid – by Crick and Watson, that scientists could explain how it happened. The scientists could explain how it happened. The physical physical potentialpotential of of allall living things is determined living things is determined by genes passed on in DNA. Every now and then a by genes passed on in DNA. Every now and then a mutationmutation occurs. If that mutation gives an occurs. If that mutation gives an advantage in passing on DNA then the mutation advantage in passing on DNA then the mutation survives and becomes the normsurvives and becomes the norm

Evolutionary Theory Now Evolutionary Theory Now Modern Darwinians argue that life on Earth Modern Darwinians argue that life on Earth

began in a ‘primordial soup’ where inorganic began in a ‘primordial soup’ where inorganic elements, subjected to ultraviolet light or elements, subjected to ultraviolet light or electrical storms, underwent a chemical electrical storms, underwent a chemical change to organic molecules. change to organic molecules.

Eventually these organic molecules came Eventually these organic molecules came together to form simple, single-celled together to form simple, single-celled organisms able to replicate or reproduce organisms able to replicate or reproduce themselves. themselves.

Over time, these mutated into ever more Over time, these mutated into ever more complex forms.complex forms.

The Darwinian View of The Darwinian View of Humans Humans

Most importantly, proponents of the Most importantly, proponents of the Darwinian view such as Richard Dawkins Darwinian view such as Richard Dawkins argue that the process of evolution is random argue that the process of evolution is random or or blind.blind.

All that is needed is lots of time.All that is needed is lots of time. Other than passing on our genetic Other than passing on our genetic

inheritance they say there is no inheritance they say there is no

purpose to it; purpose to it; no guiding hand, no design, no no guiding hand, no design, no God!God!

This contradicts the religious view that This contradicts the religious view that humans have a special place and purpose in humans have a special place and purpose in the universethe universe

The Darwinian View of The Darwinian View of Humans Humans

Dawkins et al would argue that humans Dawkins et al would argue that humans are not ‘special’ but a successful are not ‘special’ but a successful accident or mutation.accident or mutation.

In the future, however, (man-made?) In the future, however, (man-made?) changes in the environment and a changes in the environment and a failure to adapt could lead humans to failure to adapt could lead humans to die out like the dinosaurs, and be die out like the dinosaurs, and be superseded by another form of life.superseded by another form of life.

Evolution: Task 5Evolution: Task 5If the Theory of Evolution is correct, the development If the Theory of Evolution is correct, the development and location of the various species on Earth has and location of the various species on Earth has been shaped by the way new ‘mutations’ help or been shaped by the way new ‘mutations’ help or hinder survival and the ability to generate offspring. hinder survival and the ability to generate offspring.

For example…For example… ……the shape of a bird’s beak will determine what food the shape of a bird’s beak will determine what food

they can eat. They can only survive in environments they can eat. They can only survive in environments where the right kind of food is available where the right kind of food is available

……the ability some animals have to run very quickly the ability some animals have to run very quickly enables them to hunt and/or evade predators.enables them to hunt and/or evade predators.

……Polar Bears’ fur provides camouflage and warmth Polar Bears’ fur provides camouflage and warmth in icy areas where other animals cannot survive.in icy areas where other animals cannot survive.

Evolution: Task 5Evolution: Task 5Pick 3Pick 3 of the following qualities and write a of the following qualities and write a short short paragraphparagraph discussing how they might give discussing how they might give humans an evolutionary advantage:humans an evolutionary advantage:

Skin colourSkin colour StrengthStrength CourageCourage BeautyBeauty WealthWealth LanguageLanguage IntelligenceIntelligence Men Driving Too FastMen Driving Too Fast

The Theory of Evolution by The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection - StrengthsNatural Selection - Strengths

It is based on and supported by a massive body It is based on and supported by a massive body of scientific research and evidence which links a of scientific research and evidence which links a range of scientific disciplines – biology, range of scientific disciplines – biology, chemistry, physics, geology etc. chemistry, physics, geology etc.

It provides a convincing working explanation of It provides a convincing working explanation of observable realities such as…observable realities such as…- The astonishing biodiversity of our planet.- The astonishing biodiversity of our planet.

- Similarities and differences between species.- Similarities and differences between species.

- Mass extinctions and other major changes in the - Mass extinctions and other major changes in the natural history of our world.natural history of our world.

- The development of human beings.- The development of human beings.

The Theory of Evolution by The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection – Strengths Natural Selection – Strengths

IIII Recent developments in Science e.g. the Recent developments in Science e.g. the

discovery of DNA and the development discovery of DNA and the development of genetics support Darwin’s insight.of genetics support Darwin’s insight.

Our awareness of how important DNA is Our awareness of how important DNA is has already brought medical benefits.has already brought medical benefits.

The idea that the process is blind The idea that the process is blind removes the need to explain the origins removes the need to explain the origins of a supernatural creator God. of a supernatural creator God.

It puts humans in charge their own It puts humans in charge their own destiny!destiny!

The Theory of Evolution by The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection – LimitationsNatural Selection – Limitations Much of evolutionary theory is based on Much of evolutionary theory is based on

circumstantial evidence and inference.circumstantial evidence and inference. Evidence could be interpreted in other ways.Evidence could be interpreted in other ways. There are ‘gaps’ in the theory and the There are ‘gaps’ in the theory and the

evidence supporting it…evidence supporting it…

- E.g. incomplete fossil record which does - E.g. incomplete fossil record which does not show intermediate species or ‘missing not show intermediate species or ‘missing links’.links’.

Some complex life forms exist as parts of Some complex life forms exist as parts of complete systems in which an intermediate complete systems in which an intermediate form would not work.form would not work.

The Theory of Evolution by The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection – LimitationsNatural Selection – Limitations

Critics say it does not answer questions about Critics say it does not answer questions about the meaning and purpose of human life.the meaning and purpose of human life.

The best that Darwinians such as Richard The best that Darwinians such as Richard Dawkins can offer is the idea of the ‘selfish Dawkins can offer is the idea of the ‘selfish gene’gene’

i.e. that life forms exist only to pass on their i.e. that life forms exist only to pass on their genetic information, their DNA.genetic information, their DNA.

It seems to undermine the power and authority It seems to undermine the power and authority of religion without offering any moral guidance of religion without offering any moral guidance as to how we should try to live.as to how we should try to live.

The Origins of Human Life: Are The Origins of Human Life: Are Science and Religion Science and Religion

Compatible?Compatible?

The Bible sets out a special, God-given role and The Bible sets out a special, God-given role and purpose for humans. purpose for humans.

For Christians, our lives are made meaningful by For Christians, our lives are made meaningful by our relationship with God. our relationship with God.

If the Theory of Evolution is true it calls these If the Theory of Evolution is true it calls these things into question. things into question.

How might we think about the relationship How might we think about the relationship between science and belief in the light of between science and belief in the light of Darwinian ideas?Darwinian ideas?

Evolution v RevelationEvolution v Revelation

There are three basic positions or There are three basic positions or possible responses to this issue.possible responses to this issue.

1.1. Evolution contradicts revelation – the Evolution contradicts revelation – the science must be rejected.science must be rejected.

2.2. Revelation contradicts evolution – Revelation contradicts evolution – Christianity must be rejected.Christianity must be rejected.

3.3. Revelation and Evolution both Revelation and Evolution both contribute to a full understanding of contribute to a full understanding of the origins of human life.the origins of human life.

1. Rejecting Evolution - 1. Rejecting Evolution - CreationismCreationism

As with the debate regarding the creation of As with the debate regarding the creation of the Universe, Creationists refuse to the Universe, Creationists refuse to acknowledge the truth of anything that acknowledge the truth of anything that contradicts scripture.contradicts scripture.

Accepting the Bible as fact is an act of Accepting the Bible as fact is an act of faithfaith. . If it is not in the Bible it cannot be true.If it is not in the Bible it cannot be true. Evidence and argument are irrelevant.Evidence and argument are irrelevant. But not all Christians are comfortable with But not all Christians are comfortable with

the circular argument that the truth of the the circular argument that the truth of the Bible proves the truth of the Bible…Bible proves the truth of the Bible…

Rejecting Evolution – Rejecting Evolution – Intelligent DesignIntelligent Design

Some Christians, use science as a means to Some Christians, use science as a means to reject evolution, and propose an alternative – reject evolution, and propose an alternative – INTELLIGENT DESIGN!INTELLIGENT DESIGN!

Using the Teleological argument (cf. Paley) they Using the Teleological argument (cf. Paley) they highlight the weaknesses in evolutionary highlight the weaknesses in evolutionary theory. theory.

In particular, they reject the idea that the In particular, they reject the idea that the development and survival of species is down to development and survival of species is down to the the mechanism of chancemechanism of chance..

They also highlight what they see as gaps and They also highlight what they see as gaps and flaws in the evidence used to support flaws in the evidence used to support evolutionary theory.evolutionary theory.

Rejecting Evolution – Rejecting Evolution – Intelligent Design IIIntelligent Design II

For example, they point out the For example, they point out the ‘irreducible complexity’‘irreducible complexity’ of some of some organisms.organisms.

They argue that the step by step They argue that the step by step process does not add up. process does not add up.

E.g. a partly evolved wing is E.g. a partly evolved wing is impossible to conceive without all the impossible to conceive without all the other parts being present.other parts being present.

Or, they argue that many mutations Or, they argue that many mutations are harmful and do not necessarily are harmful and do not necessarily lead to whole new species.lead to whole new species.

Intelligent Design - StrengthsIntelligent Design - Strengths

Uses evidence-based science, to argue Uses evidence-based science, to argue against the chance mechanism.against the chance mechanism.

Addresses possible flaws and gaps in Addresses possible flaws and gaps in evolutionary theory. evolutionary theory.

Avoids the extremes of literalist Avoids the extremes of literalist understandings of the Bible.understandings of the Bible.

Ties in with liberal Christian approaches to Ties in with liberal Christian approaches to the interpretation of the Bible – God still the interpretation of the Bible – God still the designer!the designer!

Intelligent Design - Intelligent Design - LimitationsLimitations

Scientific argument is complicated and Scientific argument is complicated and beyond the reach of ordinary people.beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Implies Biblical creation stories are not Implies Biblical creation stories are not enough. enough.

As an alternative to Darwinian ideas, it As an alternative to Darwinian ideas, it is really an attempt to defend faith in is really an attempt to defend faith in God.God.

It does not really overturn evolutionary It does not really overturn evolutionary theory or prove the existence of Godtheory or prove the existence of God

2. Rejecting Christian Belief – 2. Rejecting Christian Belief – Scientific MaterialismScientific Materialism

Many scientific materialists see evolution as fact Many scientific materialists see evolution as fact rather than theory because of the weight of the rather than theory because of the weight of the supporting evidence, incomplete as it may be.supporting evidence, incomplete as it may be.

It contradicts the Bible, therefore the Bible is It contradicts the Bible, therefore the Bible is wrong – there are other explanations for what wrong – there are other explanations for what was written – scripture is obsolete.was written – scripture is obsolete.

Evolution is the best explanation we have for Evolution is the best explanation we have for the origin and development of life on Earth.the origin and development of life on Earth.

Intelligent design is not a scientific theory but a Intelligent design is not a scientific theory but a religious one – it is an argument religious one – it is an argument forfor the the existence of God which is faith-based rather existence of God which is faith-based rather than fact-based, i.e. bad science. than fact-based, i.e. bad science.

Belief and Science: Either Belief and Science: Either Or?Or?

On the face of it, the relationship On the face of it, the relationship between Christian Revelation based between Christian Revelation based in the scriptural authority of the Bible in the scriptural authority of the Bible and the modern scientific Theory of and the modern scientific Theory of Evolution is irreconcilable.Evolution is irreconcilable.

Yet there are many scientists who are Yet there are many scientists who are Christians able to accept both Christians able to accept both Christian teachings and the findings Christian teachings and the findings of Darwinian evolutionary theory… of Darwinian evolutionary theory…

3. Revelation and Evolution 3. Revelation and Evolution both contribute to a Full both contribute to a Full

Understanding of the Origins Understanding of the Origins of Human Lifeof Human Life

Some scientists reject the aggressive Some scientists reject the aggressive atheism of scientists such as Richard atheism of scientists such as Richard Dawkins. Dawkins.

They argue that science has its They argue that science has its limitations, and that human origins limitations, and that human origins can only be understood fully by can only be understood fully by utilising science in conjunction with utilising science in conjunction with Philosophy and Religion. Philosophy and Religion.

Revelation and Evolution as Revelation and Evolution as ComplementaryComplementary

Scientists such as Joel de Rosnay, point Scientists such as Joel de Rosnay, point out the reductionist tendencies of science.out the reductionist tendencies of science.

Highlighting the limits of science as a way Highlighting the limits of science as a way of understanding ‘life’, they suggest that of understanding ‘life’, they suggest that religion and science should be seen as religion and science should be seen as complementary rather than conflicting complementary rather than conflicting explanations for the origins and explanations for the origins and development of life.development of life.

They understand evolution as the They understand evolution as the mechanism through which God created life mechanism through which God created life on Earth according to the laws of nature, on Earth according to the laws of nature, also established by Him.also established by Him.

Revelation and Evolution as Revelation and Evolution as complementarycomplementary

They understand Genesis as a ‘myth’, as They understand Genesis as a ‘myth’, as a symbolic account of creation.a symbolic account of creation.

It is not intended as science but as a It is not intended as science but as a way of ‘revealing’ the nature of our way of ‘revealing’ the nature of our relationship with God.relationship with God.

They would say that our genetic They would say that our genetic similarity to other primates does not similarity to other primates does not negate our ‘specialness’ but reminds us negate our ‘specialness’ but reminds us of our responsibilities to look after the of our responsibilities to look after the natural world created by God.natural world created by God.

Evolution is just another form of God Evolution is just another form of God revealing Himself to us!revealing Himself to us!

Revelation and Evolution as Revelation and Evolution as complementarycomplementary

For such Christians, Evolution is about the For such Christians, Evolution is about the physicalphysical dimension of life on Earth. dimension of life on Earth.

For them, the Theory of Evolution has little For them, the Theory of Evolution has little to say about the to say about the spiritual spiritual aspects of living.aspects of living.

That is the role of religion, to develop our That is the role of religion, to develop our spiritual relationship with the universe.spiritual relationship with the universe.

If we are ‘special’, and created in the image If we are ‘special’, and created in the image of God, then the curiosity and intelligence of God, then the curiosity and intelligence that has led to the development of that has led to the development of evolutionary theory is part of God’s plan for evolutionary theory is part of God’s plan for us…us…

……to become more fully human.to become more fully human.

the theory of evolution by natural selection the theory of evolution by natural selection

Documents

life forms

human life

theory of evolution

darwins early life darwin

complex life

nutshell life

hms beagle slide

darwins finches