The Reception of Darwin

The scientific consensus in favour of evolution generated some challenges for Scottish theology after the publication of The Origin of Species in 1859. Yet, despite some initial attempts to resist Darwinism on both scientific and scriptural grounds, theologians soon came to make their peace with evolutionary theory. Arguments for creation, providence, and human uniqueness were rehearsed alongside acknowledgement of gradual evolution, the descent of species from common origins, and extinction of earlier life forms. The design argument continued to be defended but in ways that suggested a sharper distinction between scientific and religious explanation. This is explored with reference to a body of literature that appeared for the most part in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The work of Rainy, Flint, Drummond, Calderwood, and Iverach is examined. In conclusion, the theological significance of evolutionary approaches to the study of religion itself is noted.