Thoughts on origins continue to evolve 200 years after Darwin
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Bicentennial celebration of scientist's birth, what his work means to Christian faith |
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British scientist Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England, February 12, 1809. The bicentennial celebration of his birth celebrates his contributions to science and learning. [photo: BUC]
For some Christians, this year's bicentennial celebration of the birth of Charles Darwin honors his contributions to science and education. For others, the anniversary might seem a reminder that his theories apparently threaten the Biblical account of creation.
The famous British scientist and author of "The Origin of Species," Darwin is credited with pioneering the theory of evolution through natural selection.
Born February 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury, England, Darwin initially studied theology before taking his famous voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle. During the 5-year journey, Darwin's observations and data started the train of thought that eventually resulted in "The Origin of Species."
The concepts of the origin of life that grew out of Darwin's writings suggested that science is at odds with religion, said Kwebena Donkor, 
associate director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Biblical Research Institute.
"Sometimes people think evolutionism is all science and creationism is all faith, but there is no such thing," Donkor said. "Evolutionism is not a physical science where you ... observe data and you come up with a hypothesis to explain what you have observed."
In fact, says Donkor, evolutionism is no more a physical science than theological science.
"What you're really involved with is a historical science," Donkor said. "You are conjecturing and making assumptions, hoping that your explanation of the artifact you are looking at might be the right one."
Earl Aagaard, biology professor at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, United States, also feels the source of contention lies in historical speculation.
"Christians generally, and Adventists in particular, have very little difficulty with the empirical findings of science," Aagard said. "The disputes between theists and non-theists, as well as among the non-theists, break out in the historical side of things -- in archaeology, paleontology, geology, etc. -- where the procedure is to collect data and then tell a story to explain it."
Despite igniting turmoil between creationists and evolutionists, Darwin's contributions to the advancement of science are considerable, Aagard said.
"The concept of micro-evolution grew out of Darwin's writings and has eliminated the formerly widespread -- and almost surely mistaken -- Christian view that species were fixed all the way back to Creation," he said.
And, whatever his intentions, Darwin's discoveries have helped affirm the Christian's faith in God's ability to care for his creation, Aagard said.
"Natural selection, combined with the later discoveries in the field of genetics, has made it plain how God designed the various populations of plant and animal life to change over time as conditions on this earth changed," Aagard said. "If populations were unable to 'evolve' in response to the climate becoming dryer, or colder, or any other of the changes that have occurred, then total extinction would be the probable outcome."
The Adventist Church in Britain is airing "Darwin Revisited," a program featuring four scientists discussing their Christian faith and how it relates to science, reason and the theory of evolution. For show times, visit Hope Channel UK. The British church Web site also features more information about Christian perspectives on origins.
Ultimately in the creation versus evolution debate, a Christian must accept that it's not possible to have all the answers, Donkor said.
"I have come to the conclusion that I do not have to be able to explain everything to be a Christian. I feel I'm in a better camp with inspiration than just following human conjectures."
Leonard Brand, biology professor at Loma Linda University, added that it's not logical to think science can explain every facet of creation.
"God didn't promise us proof, but only adequate evidence to support our faith," Brand said. "That faith can keep us strong until we get to heaven and have the time and opportunity to find the answers that were not available here on earth."
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