The concept of evolution: its reception in philosophy and theology

Abstract

Ever since Darwin wrote his ‘Origin of Species’ there has been an almost continuous contest between scientists and theologians about the (in)compatibility of the concepts of creation and evolution. On the one hand, many scientists are convinced that the very concept of evolution excludes creation. For evolution means a gradual change, and creation, in the understanding of Darwin and of many scientists of today, is an instantaneous coming into existence. On the other hand, fundamentalist creationists, who tend to take the Bible as a scientific textbook, and who interpret the ‘story’ of creation (Gen. 1) literally, are convinced that Christian faith excludes evolution. The solution can be found in three steps:

• Science has nothing epistemological to say about creation because it is not a scientific concept.

• A new philosophical analysis of creation shows that one has to distinguish between creatio directa at the beginning of the world and creatio continua which is a continuous keeping in existence. This creatio continua is necessary because organisms are contingent beings. Living beings are able to evolve because God keeps them in existence.

• This ‘creation in evolution’ is the teaching of the Catholic Church and of most other Christian Churches. Thus there is no contradiction between the two concepts of evolution and creation.