Introduction: Why Do Many Christians Lean Toward Evolution?
We often read Genesis chapter one, verse one: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Yet, even among Christians, many lean more toward evolution than creation. Why is that?
When we look at modern thought, three key figures stand out: Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, and Charles Darwin.
Among them, Charles Darwin has had the greatest impact on how people view the world today. Darwin’s theory of evolution reshaped not only how we see nature but also how we understand humanity itself.
Ernst Mayr, a Harvard professor, outlined six major ways Darwin’s thinking influenced modern science and philosophy:
- Darwin removed all supernatural ideas from biology and natural history.
- He rejected the ancient Greek philosophy that classified everything as fixed and unchanging.
- Darwin’s concept of natural selection replaced any idea that nature had a purpose or design.
- He disagreed with the idea that the universe follows strict mechanical rules.
- Darwin changed how we think about humans.
- He laid a scientific foundation for explaining ethics, rather than relying on traditional moral systems.
Like it says in Ecclesiastes chapter one, verse nine: “There is nothing new under the sun.”
Many of Darwin’s ideas were not entirely new. Earlier thinkers like Lamarck and Patrick Matthew had already discussed concepts similar to natural selection.
Darwin’s famous book, “On the Origin of Species,” was rushed to publication in 1859 because another scientist, Alfred Wallace, was developing a similar theory.
When Darwin’s theory came out, it hit Victorian society like a shockwave. His ideas didn’t just challenge the Christian worldview of “creation, fall, and redemption.”
They completely transformed how people understood the world. No longer were humans seen as made in the image of God.
Instead, we became products of natural evolution. The universe was no longer controlled by a Creator but by random natural processes and selection.
Karl Marx was so inspired by Darwin’s ideas that he wanted to dedicate the second volume of “Das Kapital” to him.
However, Darwin himself was cautious about being associated with materialism and naturalism. Although he leaned toward agnosticism in his later years, Darwin never fully denied the existence of God.
The Ethical Impact of Darwin’s Theory
Some evolutionists argue that Darwin’s theory provides an ethical framework that helps prevent racism. But in reality, history shows the opposite.
By denying the dignity of humans made in God’s image, Darwin’s ideas contributed to ethical disasters. One example is Nazi Germany under Hitler, where ideas of natural selection were used to justify mass genocide.
Darwin’s theory sparked endless debates between religion and science. Some people even tried to justify the mass killing of certain groups by saying it was just natural selection. This led to disagreements even among evolutionists about how to deal with such issues.
As a result, many modern people believe in a clear divide: science deals with objective truth, while religion only deals with personal beliefs.
Some evolutionists, like Stephen Jay Gould, leave room for both religion and science, trying to avoid conflict. But others, like Richard Dawkins, reject the idea of God entirely, viewing evolution as the only truth.
How Has Christianity Responded?
Christianity has responded in different ways. Liberal theologians have reinterpreted the Bible’s creation story to fit with evolution, leading to something called “theistic evolution.”
However, conservative Christians have held firmly to the belief that God created everything through His supernatural power.
The Intelligent Design Movement has recently gained attention, challenging some of Darwin’s ideas while still engaging with science.
As someone who worked as a mold designer for two years, I found that the creative process helped me understand why I couldn’t believe in evolution.
When you design molds for car parts, you have to carefully plan every detail. Watching the molds take shape and create final products gave me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to create the world. It made me realize that design, purpose, and intention are crucial—just like in creation.
Evolution and Ancient Philosophy
Interestingly, evolution isn’t a new idea. Anaximander, a Greek philosopher from the time before Socrates, believed that humans evolved from fish.
Evolution is just one way to explain some of the mysteries of the universe. But Darwin’s theory doesn’t explain everything.
It’s like looking at the night sky and only seeing the visible stars, while Olbers’ Paradox asks us to consider the unseen things too. As it says in Hebrews chapter eleven, verse three: “What is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
Conclusion: The Limitations of Darwin’s Theory
While Darwin’s theory of evolution has influenced modern thought in many ways, it cannot answer all the questions about the universe.
Just like Olbers’ Paradox challenges us to think beyond what we see, we need to remember that there is more to life than what science can explain. The Bible reminds us that what is visible was created from the invisible.
Darwin’s theory may offer one perspective on nature, but it falls short of explaining the deeper questions of purpose, meaning, and God’s role in creation.
As Christians, we are reminded that God is the ultimate Creator, and no scientific theory can fully replace His hand in the world.
