Darwin’s Evolutionary Theory and 19th-Century Natural Theology -- By: John C. Hutchison
Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 152:607 (Jul 1995)
Article: Darwin’s Evolutionary Theory and 19th-Century Natural Theology
Author: John C. Hutchison
BSac 152:607 (Jul 95) p. 334
Darwin’s Evolutionary Theory and 19th-Century Natural Theology
[John C. Hutchison is Department Chairman and Associate Professor of Bible Exposition, Talbot School of Theology, La Mirada, California.]
Few factors have influenced Western thinking during the past two centuries more than the writings of Charles Darwin, which sparked a virtual revolution in the thought processes of science and society. While the ensuing drift of secularization has often been related only to scientific thought, a study of this period reveals the deeper theological and philosophical moorings of Darwin, his supporters, and his critics. To understand the development of Darwinian thinking in 19th-century Britain one must explore the cultural milieu that produced it, including the personal factors influencing Darwin himself. Though Darwin was a pioneer of ideas, his story clearly illustrates the intellectual struggles of his day concerning science and religion.
The pervasive teaching of natural theology in the scientific community of early 19th-century Britain had a profound effect on young Darwin, producing within him a reaction that would significantly shape his life’s work. This article seeks to explore major factors that influenced Darwin’s writings, especially his reaction to the natural theologians of his day, many of whom were fellow scientists. His story epitomizes the radical shift that took place in the “rules” of scientific interpretation in that century, moving from a science that promoted the glory of the Creator to a scientific community that (philosophically or methodologically) excluded God completely.
In light of the claims of 19th-century British natural theologians, the origin of Darwin’s frustrations is not difficult to understand. The teaching of mainstream natural theology had
BSac 152:607 (Jul 95) p. 335
become excessive in some areas, including manipulative and coercive agendas that had no scriptural support. Both natural theologians and those, like Darwin, who opposed religious influence in science had reasons for their viewpoints. As might be expected, the pendulum reaction of naturalistic science has left little room today for a more balanced integration of Christian belief and scientific study. Lessons learned from Darwin’s debate with natural theology can provide insight for contemporary scientists and theologians who seek to unify the study of the physical and the metaphysical, of God and science.
The Perspective of Natural Theology in Britain
Science and God in the 17th and 18th centuries.
During the period leading to Darwin’s publication of The Origin of Species in 1859, a new approach to science was being...
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