1. The Challenges of Darwinism. Dear Mr Darwin….. Imagine you are a 19 th century Christian who believes Darwin has it all wrong. Write a letter to him in which you explain his errors. Imagine you are a 19 th century Christian who believes Darwin has it all wrong. Write a letter to him in which you explain his errors. Use the headings below ( p69 of textbook will help). Use the headings below ( p69 of textbook will help). No Design? No Design? The Bible is wrong? The Bible is wrong? No need for God? No need for God? Pointless existence? Pointless existence? Two versions of time? Two versions of time? A cruel God? A cruel God? What about morality? What about morality? Human uniqueness? Human uniqueness? Misusing the theory? Misusing the theory?

2. Christian Responses to Darwinism (1) Criticise for lack of evidence. There are missing parts to the fossil record which should show transition from species to species. Criticise for lack of evidence. There are missing parts to the fossil record which should show transition from species to species. Stress that it is a theory and like all theories may be superseded and/or discarded in the future. Stress that it is a theory and like all theories may be superseded and/or discarded in the future. Point to the extent to which scientists who accept evolution still disagree about details and sometimes fundamental issues – exactly how life started for example. Point to the extent to which scientists who accept evolution still disagree about details and sometimes fundamental issues – exactly how life started for example. Point to the fact that some scientists reject evolutionary theory in favour of a biblical account – so evolution not universally accepted by scientists. Point to the fact that some scientists reject evolutionary theory in favour of a biblical account – so evolution not universally accepted by scientists. Creationist Christians would insist that the Bible creation story is the word of God and is to be understood literally. Creationist Christians would insist that the Bible creation story is the word of God and is to be understood literally. The literal word of God has greater authority than science. The literal word of God has greater authority than science.

3. Christian Responses (1), cont…. Christian Responses (1), cont…. The theory can only explain how but not why life exists and evolves. Evolutionary theory carries no sense of meaning, value and purpose but a Christian view does. The theory can only explain how but not why life exists and evolves. Evolutionary theory carries no sense of meaning, value and purpose but a Christian view does. Stress the fact that science is always only offering a provisional position whereas the Bible offers eternal truth. Stress the fact that science is always only offering a provisional position whereas the Bible offers eternal truth. Point to a feature such as the human brain which seems to have developed beyond what it’s environment would demand - isn’t this evidence of God’s direct design? Point to a feature such as the human brain which seems to have developed beyond what it’s environment would demand - isn’t this evidence of God’s direct design? Point to aspects of human culture like music and art which seem to be irrelevant to our survival needs – why do we have them then? Point to aspects of human culture like music and art which seem to be irrelevant to our survival needs – why do we have them then? Some Christians insist that compromises are to be rejected – either the Bible story is true or evolution is – God does not work through evolution. Some Christians insist that compromises are to be rejected – either the Bible story is true or evolution is – God does not work through evolution.

4. Christian Responses (2) Accept the theory in it’s broad outlines. Accept the theory in it’s broad outlines. Accept that science is best equipped to understand and describe the processes of the development of life. Accept that science is best equipped to understand and describe the processes of the development of life. Interpret Genesis in a non literal way. Interpret Genesis in a non literal way. Genesis supplies us with fundamental insights about life – we are created – the world is good – there is a good God – there is a purpose to life – life has meaning, value and purpose – life is not an accident but is deliberate and has design – humanity has been given a position of responsible stewardship of earth and creatures. Genesis supplies us with fundamental insights about life – we are created – the world is good – there is a good God – there is a purpose to life – life has meaning, value and purpose – life is not an accident but is deliberate and has design – humanity has been given a position of responsible stewardship of earth and creatures. In addition to these points, God working through evolution can provide religiously important insights – God’s creative power is immense – God is ever present in creativity rather than at one single moment of creation. In addition to these points, God working through evolution can provide religiously important insights – God’s creative power is immense – God is ever present in creativity rather than at one single moment of creation.

5. Christian Responses (2). Cont We are part of a great “tree of life” and linked to all other creatures rather than being altogether unique. This creates a sense of brotherhood with the rest of creation which many find religiously enriching. We are part of a great “tree of life” and linked to all other creatures rather than being altogether unique. This creates a sense of brotherhood with the rest of creation which many find religiously enriching. Understanding of the varied gifts of other creatures restores a sense of humility among humans – restores an important religious insight – we are important and special but not the only part of creation loved by God. Understanding of the varied gifts of other creatures restores a sense of humility among humans – restores an important religious insight – we are important and special but not the only part of creation loved by God. Talk about “Theistic Evolution” – argue that God is always involved and that three great mysteries point to God:- Talk about “Theistic Evolution” – argue that God is always involved and that three great mysteries point to God:- The origin of the cosmos from nothing. The origin of the cosmos from nothing. The origin of life itself. The origin of life itself. The origin of thought from matter The origin of thought from matter Accept that our concept of God, too, is subject to evolutionary development and that our texts and ideas do not imprison God. Accept that our concept of God, too, is subject to evolutionary development and that our texts and ideas do not imprison God.