Friday, February 06, 2009

150 Years of OoS

Charles Darwin published his book, Origin of Species 150 years ago. You'll probably see lots of press about this, and watch for another round of related stories (such as self-replicating RNA molecules that might be the beginning of life).

I recommend Christians take care before slamming all aspects of evolution. As Marvin Olasky points out, we have no fundamental arguments against microevolution, genetic change within a species. It is good to engage with Darwinists about the meaning of life, because they work very hard to add that context to their worldview.

Keep in mind, too, that Charles Darwin was himself a complicated individual, with many influences in his life. Most of the people I have met who pontificate about evolution have never actually read Origin of Species, and don't realize how much has been added to evolutionary thought that is not in Darwin's book at all. Darwin based his ideas on natural selection of superior individuals in populations, and how this would change the gene pool for that population over time. He did extrapolate with some major leaps of insight to suggest this could account for speciation (developing new kinds of animals).

1 comment:

Elizabeth said...

Glen, I know what you mean about people's arguments against evolution as a whole in any degree (not realizing there is such a thing as micro-evolution). My biggest issue is not with non-believers who believe in evolution - why wouldn't they if they believe there is no God? I struggle so much with Christians who negate the truth of the Bible by believing in evolution's claims and then try to find ways to change what Genesis says to make it fit "science's" current beliefs. I think it's a major downfall of the modern church. No longer is it just non-Christians trying to say the Bible is false; we now have people who claim to be believers helping them!