Christianity: The Origins & Value of Human Life (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Christian Responses to Scientific Explanations & Non-religious Explanations of Life
The Theory of Evolution
The theory of evolution is based on the theories of Charles Darwin that the origin of human life is due to the gradual development of species over millions of years
The theory of evolution suggest that living organisms developed and diversified from earlier forms of life during the history of the earth
Individuals who were better adapted to the environment survived to pass on their genes to the next generation
This is known as the ‘survival of the fittest’
Humans evolved from primates, and have a common ancestor with apes such as chimpanzees
Evidence of evolution can be found in fossils, and by looking at examples of adaptation in birds and animals
Christians have mixed opinions about this theory with some Christians rejecting it completely and some believing that God is responsible for it
Christians’ Responses to the Theory of Evolution
Some Christians believe that the theory of evolution conflicts with the Christian view that God created everything
Fundamentalist Christians do not accept scientific explanations because it contradicts the story in Genesis
‘So God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them’ (Genesis 1: 27)
They believe the Bible is the word of God, and therefore contains the truth
Some Christians accept scientific explanations but believe that God plays a role in the creation
Liberal Christians believe that God created the beginnings of life, or the conditions for life to develop in this way
Many liberal Christians accept the theory of evolution
The Significance of the Responses to Christians Today
Christians' Responses to Discussions on the Origins of Human Life
The Special Agenda IV Diocesan Synod (SOA) is a document which attempts to bring together ideas of evolution and traditional Christian teachings on creation
In 2010, the Church of England agreed that the design of the universe was achieved by God through the process of evolution
Therefore science and Christian thought are compatible
The Genesis account in the Bible is more of a general account, rather than describing an actual event
It is more of a story to communicate an idea
This Christian response could reduce conflict between those who accept and those who reject the biblical account of creation as the literal truth
However, fundamentalist Christians would still reject this document and argue that the theory of evolution and the biblical account of creation are not compatible
Worked Example
Explain two ways in which Christians respond to scientific explanations about the origins of human life
(4 marks)
Answer:
Some Christians known as fundamentalists would reject the scientific explanations because they believe that the bible is the direct word of God and there is no mention of evolution in the bible so it must be false (2 marks)
Other Christians (Liberals) might argue that the bible is just a guide and is not to be taken literally, and that God has created the conditions so that evolution can take place (2 marks)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember that all Christians believe that God is responsible for creating humans but they might just disagree as to how humans became the form they are in today
Fundamentalist Christians - God created mankind in the form they are in today as the Book of Genesis describes
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