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2.1 Explain Charles Darwin's theory of evolution - NSC Religion Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 2
2.1 Explain Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Darwin's theory of evolution gives an alternative explanation for the origin of man. While evolution does not refu... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2.1 Explain Charles Darwin's theory of evolution - NSC Religion Studies - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Explain Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
Answer
Darwin's theory of evolution explains how life has developed from simple forms to more complex organisms over time. It includes several key ideas:
- Variation Among Species: Species exhibit a great variety of differences.
- Survival of the Fittest: In the struggle for survival, individuals with better-adapted variations are favored, leading to gradual changes in species over time.
- Descent with Modification: Species can change gradually, evolving into more complex forms through a process similar to successful variation.
- Common Ancestry: Darwin proposed that humans evolved from ape-like ancestors.
Step 2
Critically evaluate the response of Christianity to Darwin's theory of evolution.
Answer
Christianity's response to Darwin's theory is diverse:
- Biblical Literalism: Some traditional Christians interpret scripture literally, believing in creation as described in Genesis.
- Divine Plan: Many reject Darwin's ideas, asserting that God created man in His image. They see evolution as incompatible with their faith.
- Liberal Christianity: On the other hand, liberal Christians accommodate Darwin's theory, interpreting the Genesis creation narrative symbolically, suggesting that faith and science can coexist.
Step 3
Critically evaluate the response of Hinduism to Darwin's theory of evolution.
Answer
Hinduism presents a more complex understanding of evolution compared to Darwin's theory:
- Spiritual Evolution: Hindus believe in both physical and spiritual evolution, asserting that individuals can influence their spiritual progression
- Morality's Role: Good deeds lead to better life circumstances, while bad deeds lead to lower forms of existence, emphasizing ethical behavior in life's journey.
- Limitations of Darwin's Theory: Hindus argue that Darwin's theory overlooks spiritual dimensions, such as the concept of reincarnation and the eternal journey of the soul.
Step 4
Briefly explain the scientific theory of how the universe came into existence.
Answer
The scientific explanation for the origin of the universe is primarily encapsulated in the Big Bang theory:
- Initial Singularity: The universe began from a singularity, an infinitely small and dense point.
- Expansion: Approximately 13.8 billion years ago, this singularity expanded explosively, leading to the universe's vastness today.
- Formation of Matter: As the universe cooled, subatomic particles formed, eventually leading to the creation of atoms and matter.
- Galaxies and Stars: Over time, gravitational forces led to the formation of galaxies and stars, shaping the universe as we know it.
Step 5
With reference to the teachings of any ONE religion, explain how the universe came into being.
Answer
Using Christianity as a reference, the creation of the universe is described in the Bible:
- Creation by God: Christians believe God created the universe at His command, as narrated in the book of Genesis.
- Six Days of Creation: The account details six days of creation, beginning with light and darkness, followed by the earth, vegetation, celestial bodies, animals, and culminating in the creation of humans.
- Separation of Creator and Creation: The universe is distinct from God, suggesting that the universe operates under its own physical laws while remaining under divine sovereignty.