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In the middle of the 19th century, biologist Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in The Origin of Species - NSC Religion Studies - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 5
In the middle of the 19th century, biologist Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in The Origin of Species. This was the first non-religious explanation ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In the middle of the 19th century, biologist Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in The Origin of Species - NSC Religion Studies - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
To what extent has the attitude of religion towards evolution changed since the 19th century? Give examples from at least TWO religions to support your answer.
Answer
In the 19th century, the response to Darwin's theory of evolution was primarily one of rejection from the Church, viewing it as blasphemous. However, over time, the attitude has evolved, particularly among liberal believers in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, who see common ground between religion and science.
Liberal theologians argue that scriptural teachings can be interpreted allegorically, allowing for the accommodation of evolutionary theory. For instance, some Christians now believe that the Genesis account of creation need not be taken literally. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of how faith can coexist with scientific explanations.
Contrastingly, orthodox believers from these Abrahamic faiths remain more resistant to evolution, upholding the notion that divine plans are immutable. In other religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, acceptance of evolutionary concepts has always been present, with Hindu texts showcasing a more integrated approach to creation through the idea of spiritual evolution. Thus, the views on evolution within religious contexts have diversified significantly since the 19th century.
Step 2
Discuss the relationship between the Big Bang theory and any ONE religious teaching on creation.
Answer
The Big Bang theory posits that the universe originated from a singular state approximately 13.8 billion years ago, a perspective that can harmonize with various religious teachings. Taking Hinduism as an example, it offers an intriguing parallel. In Hindu belief, the universe is cyclic, undergoing cycles of creation and destruction, akin to the ongoing expansion of the universe described by the Big Bang.
Hinduism teaches that initially, the universe was in a passive state before the Creator became active. Thus, the Big Bang can be viewed as the moment of cosmic creation within this framework. Contrary to some interpretations, the idea of a Creator in Hinduism does not contradict scientific explanations; rather, it complements them by providing a narrative that emphasizes the divine’s role in creation and the ongoing evolution of existence.