Evolution or Creation 1859 Darwins Origin of Species

Evolution … or Creation?

1859: Darwin’s “Origin of Species” challenged religious orthodoxy It conflicted with the Bible – and what people had believed for over 3800 years!

The process of evolution • Darwin’s Theory of evolution said that man had evolved rather than was created. • He said that this happened through natural selection – survival of the fittest. Weakest die out. Remaining species heading toward perfection.

Most people believed that a world this beautiful was created rather than an accident.

The Creation story in Genesis (the 1 st book of the Bible) was written 5000 years ago.

It says that God made the world in seven days!

And that God made man in his own image.

Comparing Both Accounts Science • A Big Bang • Universe and atmosphere • Planet earth cools, seas form, a crust on the planet becomes land then plants appear. • Life began in the oceans. Dinosaurs eventually evolved from birds. • More complex life – reptiles and mammals. • Human beings. Religion • God created light. • God created the heavens. • God created sea, land plants. • God created the sun and moon. • God created fish and birds. • God created a range of animals and finally humans.

So can they Co-exist? Catholics we do not oppose science but rejoices in its ability to show God created the world. It is important to understand that although we are thought to evolve and inherit (take on) characteristics of our families our souls are unique and created only for us by God.