In On the Origin of Species, published in 1859, Charles Darwin proposed a simple model – natural selection – to explain the diversity of the natural world and its capacity for survival. It was in direct opposition with the habitual representation of a permanent, stable, unchanging world created par God. Darwin’s concept of man’s animal origins seemed to contradict the Bible.
The book was an overwhelming success: the entire first edition of 1,250 copies sold out in one day! The scientific community quickly lined up behind Darwin, to the Church’s utmost annoyance.
What role was left for God? If the world evolved through competition, didn’t that make it profoundly unfair and immoral? How could Darwinian materialism co-exist with spiritual and religious traditions? The misunderstanding was absolute.
Nowadays, the Church has evolved on this issue. Benedict XVI has stated that Rome was no longer hostile to Darwin’s theories. Yet Creationists, essentially in the USA, maintain a staunch opposition to teaching it in schools preferring instead a literary reading of the Bible.
In this fascinating, easy-to-read book, scientist and theologian François Euvé takes a look at the current state of the debate. How should we understand Darwin? What about the excesses of those for or against? What freedom exists for humankind in an ever-evolving world? What is the relationship between science and faith?