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Darwin v’s Bible – Survival of the fittest? |
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Written by Howard Mellor
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Tuesday, 17 February 2009 |
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Page 3 of 3 Moreover it could be that God may express his purposes through the changes we know as theory of the evolution. In which case Darwin's discoveries do nothing to diminish the fervour of the believer. His son Francis noted that the American botanist Asa Gray, an evangelical and friend of Darwin, observed that if the beautifully illustrated orchid book ‘had appeared before the Origin, the author would have been canonised rather than anathematised by the natural theologians.’
For me the Bible is the Word of God, but one that needs interpretation and exploration. It is not good enough of our opponents to contrast Genesis One and Darwin’s theories to pillory Christian faith as ridiculous. Nor is it a solution to retreat into a creationism, typified by groups in the United States, which demonise scientists whose whole desire is to explore the amazing world. Curiously so many scientists, botanists and cosmologists are themselves committed Christians. This then is not science (or Darwin) versus Christianity, but the one learning from and informed by the other.
Of course there are the secularists who seek to sweep away Christian faith as hopeful notions of deluded people. One such attempt is made this month by adverts on London busses – ‘Don’t worry, there probably isn’t a God’. Frankly I am not worried, there is a God and any seeker can come any Sunday morning to United to find him in the joyful peace and exuberant grace of our worship! In this battle thoughtful Christians will always have the last laugh!
Howard
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