Christians, how do you feel about Charles Darwin?

Question

Do you hate/dislike him? Do you respect him as a great scientist? Do you wish he'd never existed?

Answer 1

He was a great scientist who made observations of variations and similarities between various species and formulated a theory of evolution based on those observations.



In the years since he proposed his theory, additional findings, such as genetics, have been incorporated into it to make it more complete. The result is that Darwin's theory of evolution has become the integrating principle of biological science.



As another scientist said,



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_in_Biology_Makes_Sense_Except_in_the_Light_of_Evolution



The theory of evolution has been tested and retested over the years and has always come through with flying colors. There is a massive amount of evidence in support of the theory of evolution, despite the lies to the contrary put out by creationists, as, for example, those that a certain responder to your question habitually puts out in his answers to questions about evolution.



Darwin's theory provides the basis for much biological research and its principles has resulted in many improvements in medicine and agriculture and in other fields.



We owe a lot to Darwin.



Added:

I should admit that I am not a Christian, but I feel that an honest evaluation of Darwin is warranted.

Answer 2

Why would you think that a Christian would hate Darwin? I think that you are presupposing that evolution somehow disproves Christianity? To be honest, I used to think that, and probably did wish that Darwin never existed or some nonsense like that but since then I've looked into the argument myself and I see no direct contradiction between the existence of evolution and Christianity.



Think about this for a second: If God is all-powerful, then would a system like evolution be beyond His creation? In fact, would any method for creating humankind be beyond Him? It's a bit of a silly question really because being "all-powerful" implies He can do anything :D



Hope this helps!



God Bless!

Answer 3

I have read about Darwin's botanical experimental procedures as well as read a few biographies about Darwin plus histories on the Regency through Edwardian period. He is a scientist I admire for the breadth as well as the depth of his work.

In botany, where I have read most, he did work on cross fertilization and self fertilization influencing variation in plants and how various plant species deal with inbreeding. Much of this is basic work done breeding Primula, Ipomea, and other now common garden plants. Darwin’s work on breeding is still used to introduce the concept of plant pollination compatibility systems today.



At the time Darwin wrote earthworms were not recognized as being useful. Some even thought they were possibly pests. Darwin's experimental work on earthworm abilities to turn soil and improve soil structure covered more than 20 years. This 1881 paper alone earns him a place of respect among botanists, agronomists and ecologists.

"The Formation of Vegetable Mould" also published as the edition I read called "Darwin on Earthworms"

http://www.darwin-literature.com/The_Formation_Of_Vegetable_Mould/0.html



"The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication"

"The Effects of Cross & Self-Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom"

"The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species"



The recent work that covers these papers for anyone interested in Darwin's wide contributions in marine biology, geology, botany and the research behind the work he did in support of his doctrine of descent with modification should read:

“Darwin And Modern Science Essays In Commemoration Of The Centenary Of The Birth Of Charles Darwin And Of The Fiftieth Anniversary Of The Publication Of The Origin Of Species (1909)”

http://digital.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=1909



Despite being a molecular biologist and working in cloning homologous gene families I have never read 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection' in full, although it is likely I will someday simply to read the original work.

Answer 4

The 'finite' has helped us to this cutting-edge deadlock we are dealing with as a species as much as any non secular stupidity, have not any doubt approximately that. The blind, remorseless equipment of existence the place guy is separate & on my own in a damaging universe has taught us as much because it am i able to think of. Its time for something new -as nicely the fundamentalist faith of technology that's. "All training is yet a finger pointing to the moon; and people who gaze is fixed upon the pointer will by no skill see previous". eastern proverb

Answer 5

I am an atheist, but my biology teacher was Christian. He saw no reason not to accept evolution and found other Christians who refused to as uneducated or merely thick-headed. All the bible says is that God created all things. That could mean that he created tiny organisms millions of years ago that eventually became all things. Further, the bible is not specific when it says that god created all things in seven days - as the days may be longer than thought of in human terms.



Therefore, I see no reason why the two could not function together.

Answer 6

Darwin was not so wrong see why:



One know through the fossil record that the lower animals appeared millions of years ago, however, as occurred in the deluge, were almost entirely discarded and replaced by more complex organisms. Weren't these cases due to the creation?



Some native species of animals may have survived in the deluge, possibly insects, amphibians and fish (freshwater and saltwater), birds and land animals may have survived by clinging to floating materials. It is understood that these species don't have the capacity to evolve ( micro-evolution), because these species are the same found millions of years ago in the fossil record on Earth. Shark, stingray, bat, seahorse, turtle, are examples of animals that survived.



See full subject ==> http://ww

w.soeverythinghappened.blogspot.com/

Answer 7

Respect him as a ground breaking scientist. Galileo and Einstein too. I really don't think of religion and science as incompatible.

Answer 8

I respect him. Few people actually read Origin of the Species so they don't even know what he said. He admits to a great deal of supposition.

Answer 9

I've never read any book from him. I've heard about his theories. I think he did the best he could with what he knew.

Answer 10

I like him. In his autobiography he seems very dedicated, caring, thorough and sensitive.



I also feel sorry for him in later life for losing his aesthetic sensibility to science.



And I admire his political savvy in releasing his theory with such care for its success.



His scientific writing is a bit hard to read though. Got any tips?



Peace



=D

Answer 11

most christians world wide support evolution its only the wacko americans who are ignorant

Answer 12

Much maligned by believers.



Much misrepresented by un-believers.



I feel he was a sincere man on a journey of discovery, same as me, same as you.

Answer 13

I don't have any feelings towards or about him one way OR the other.



I DO, however, have a few thoughts.



- He was NOT a scientist.

- He did NOT base his theory on facts.

- His theory has a LOT of holes that are EASILY shot down.

- The modern theory of evolution is an unprovable speculation based on prior unprovable speculations, based on yet PRIOR unprovable speculations, going back to the first "domino" that Darwin, himself, set up.



He actually (and this is totally laughable to any body who has taken either microbiology or cellular biology), but he actually thought that the cell was the smallest component of a living thing!



He simply decided one day, while riding on his bicycle, that the cells could change function because of extreme external stimuli. He had no evidence, nor did he seek any out!



He didn't know the first thing about the mitochondria or the Krebs cycle! He didn't know the first thing about proteins or protein synthesis! He hadn't the slightest clue about the nucleus, the DNA, the RNA, etc!



And people who DO study these things HONESTLY debunk the theory of evolution, right down to its roots! (Remember, when you begin with an erroneous premise, the conclusion will likewise be erroneous.)



Some pretend scientists have been so determined to continue to believe in the lie of evolution, that they have actually falsified information and even PLANTED evidence only to be "discovered" later!



If it were up to THESE "scientists", we'd still be living in the dark ages, living in caves, working as bronze-aged goat-herders!



But here in the 21st century, with such things as electron microscopes, and legitimate scientists, the lies of evolution have been exposed, and even the outspoken atheist, Dr. Flew, had to finally renounce evolution!



So, I would like to invite you to leave your cave-man, goat-herder, bronze-aged myths, and join us here in the 21st century, where truth prevails, and the lies of evolution are being exposed for what they really are.

Answer 14

dont hate...

.i think micro evolution is cool....i think it is unfortunate that the scientific method is being replaced by this "we know it all" mentality...



lets focus on the here and now, who cares where we came from...i try to evaluate somthing to see if it makes practical sense in my every day life....evolution has no use in my daily life...i dont plan on physically evolving anytime soon..



so ill try to get my mind right, and help my family stay happy and healthy..



i like to read it all....but i think Christs teachings give the greatest detail on what we need to do to live life

Answer 15

Actually, many know virtually nothing about him or his work.

Answer 16

He noticed slight differences in similar animals which led him to his theory of natural selection. He said nothing about how a creature can obtain an entirely new previously non existent quality. Natural selection refines variations, it does not invent them.

Answer 17

I pity him. I don't wish he never existed, but Jesus said Darwin himself (and those of like kind) will likely be feeling that way.