Evolution Natural Selection- the way evolution takes place The characteristics of a particular species are passed on through the genes to the next generation Until all members of the species have these Characteristics

Natural Selection If members of the species have characteristics that don’t allow them to survive these characteristics die with them In this way a species evolves and changes-developing characteristics for survival Survival of the fittest

Common Origin Species can be traced back to other species In this way the theory links human beings to ape-like creatures Darwin provides an alternative to the design theory-no need for God Threat 2 from science to Christianity

Creationists -Literal Interpretation of Genesis Reject the theory of evolution Creation is a miracle Ushers young earth creation occurred through God 6,000yrs ago Science estimates billions of years They believe in the creation of human life as being the Adam and Eve story

Symbolic Interpretations Evolutionary theory does not contradict a belief in God The uniqueness of human beings is retained in this belief system The are different from other animals in several ways

Humans Can develop their own environment Have capacity for creativity, awareness and intellect We have a soul We are more than physical beings (spiritual) We have self control, conscious power to think, chose and act…we are cool!

Dawkins-The Blind watchmaker For Dawkins the world is a blind unconscious and automatic process It is not created We like the idea of a God …so we make one up! Selfish gene-we are selfish robots programmed to survive Reject the soul-but believes in human dignity