Responding to Theistic Evolution

A set of views called theistic evolution (TE), or evolutionary creationism (EC), is gaining momentum among Christians today—in universities, seminaries, and churches.

RTB takes a contrasting perspective on the origin and development of life and is generating resources to help believers participate in productive dialogue on the topic. Recently scholars Hugh, Fuz, Ken, and Jeff sat down in the recording studio with podcast host Joe Aguirre to identify some of our differences in perspective and the reasons behind them.

The result was a multi-part podcast series that addresses and defines various positions within theistic evolution, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

As the scholars explain, theistic evolution may not provide the simple resolution to science-faith controversies many seem to think it offers. “At one point I was a theistic evolutionist… But as I began to think more critically about the evidence for biological evolution and…began to search it out myself, I realized there was a whole host of problems,” Fuz comments.

Here are a few of the problems we see, both scientific and theological:

• Explosive and rapid diversification of life-forms, as seen in the fossil record

• Repetition of biological features in unrelated life-forms (e.g., echolocation in bats and dolphins)

• Genesis’ fit within the history genre rather than in poetry or any other genre

• The historicity of Adam and Eve in relation to such doctrines as original sin

• Biblical correlation between God’s Creator role and Redeemer role

• Creation content in passages outside of Genesis 1–2

Hugh points out, “Theistic evolution seems to be driven by people in the biological sciences. And there again there’s a need for constructive integration… You also have to take into account mathematics, physics, astronomy, geology, anthropology, genetics.”

New Testament miracles, most significantly Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead, must also be part of our ongoing discussion. If Christians were to hold only views deemed credible by the scientific community, as TE and EC proponents advocate, how should we treat any biblical claim that represents a clear departure from naturalism? Let’s keep this conversation going.

By Maureen Moser

Perspectives on Theistic Evolution is available for listening at reasons.org/perspectives-on-theistic-evolution. We hope it will be a valuable resource.