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 themIn this way a species evolves and changes-developing characteristics for survivalSurvival 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 environmentHave capacity for creativity, awareness and intellectWe have a soulWe 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