Why Biological Evolution Should Inspire Worship

IF 1.1 0 RELIGION

Scientia et Fides Pub Date : 2024-04-09 DOI:10.12775/setf.2024.009

Graeme Finlay

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The theory of biological evolution has often provoked disagreement, which has frequently been divisive and counterproductive. At other times this scientific paradigm has been discussed with an apologetic intent, to explain why the science of biology and the theology of creation cannot be seen to be mutually exclusive. This paper urges Christians to move decisively to a third type of discourse. The new field of comparative genetics has provided conclusive evidence that biological evolution has given rise to the diversity of living forms, including human beings. Consequently, Christians should, with confidence, gladly accept the evolutionary paradigm and look upon evolution as a divinely ordained historical process that develops through random (stochastic, free) process, but that leads to a divinely purposed consummation. As a result, biological history in its freedom but directedness to God’s final purposes should elicit wonder. People who have come to faith in the God revealed redemptively in Jesus should uninhibitedly offer adoration and praise for evolutionary fruitfulness. Worship should characterise the human response to biological history.[1] [1] In appreciation of Professor Tom McLeish FRS, scientist, teacher, theologian.

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为什么生物进化应激发人们的崇拜？

生物进化论常常引发分歧，而分歧常常造成分裂并适得其反。在另一些时候，对这一科学范式的讨论是出于辩护的目的，以解释为什么生物学科学和创造神学不能被视为相互排斥。本文敦促基督徒果断地转向第三种讨论方式。比较遗传学这一新领域已经提供了确凿的证据，证明生物进化产生了包括人类在内的生物形式的多样性。因此，基督徒应该满怀信心地欣然接受进化论范式，并将进化论视为神所安排的历史进程，它是通过随机（随机的、自由的）过程发展起来的，但却导致了神所安排的最终结果。因此，生物历史的自由性和对上帝最终旨意的指引性应该引起人们的惊叹。相信在耶稣身上得到救赎的上帝的人们，应该无拘无束地对进化的丰硕成果表示崇拜和赞美。崇拜应该成为人类对生物史的反应的特征。[1] [1] 感谢科学家、教师、神学家汤姆-麦克利什教授（Tom McLeish FRS）。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Scientia et Fides RELIGION-

CiteScore

1.80

自引率

10.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： "Scientia et Fides" (SetF) is an open access online journal published twice a year. It is promoted by the Faculty of Theology of Nicolaus Copernicus University, in Torun, in collaboration with the Group of Research “Science, Reason and Faith” (CRYF), at the University of Navarra. The journal is characterised by the interdisciplinary approach, multiplicity of research perspectives and broad reflection on methodology as well as analysis of the latest publications on the relationship between science and faith. The tasks of the journal are perfectly expressed by the motto "Veritas in omnibus quaerenda est" ("to seek the truth in all things") from "De revolutionibus" by Nicolaus Copernicus. SetF aims to present rigorous research works regarding different aspects of the relationship between science and religion. For this reason, SetF articles are not confined to the methodology of a single discipline and may cover a wide range of topics, provided that the interdisciplinary dialogue between science and religion is undertaken. The journal accepts articles written in English, Spanish, Polish, French, Italian and German which will be evaluated by a peer-review process.