Adam Nagele
Professor Tim Sougstad
ENGL 1113.047
November 29, 2004
Creation and Evolution: An Eternal Debate
Many people have tried to reconcile the differences between creationism and Darwinism but few have succeeded. Any religious debate is seen as a very sensitive subject and the discussion about the foundations of certain religions generally becomes difficult. Darwinism, in relation to religious beliefs can become controversial; some say they can coexist and some say they cannot. Darwinism was not intended to be anti-religious, but religious activist have criticized the belief since On The Origin of Species was published in 1859. Common ground between the two subjects is a very rough place, but it can be achieved. Reconciliation between the subjects has been achieved but few are standing by it because even the compromise is controversial.
The beliefs of Charles Robert Darwin, as shown in his book On the Origin of Species, are controversial religiously and have been debated since its' publication. Darwin writes "I see no good reason why the views given in this volume should shock the religious feelings of any one" (Darwin 329). This was not how religious activists saw the book; they attacked Darwin's beliefs and stated it is in opposition of some religious beliefs.
Darwinism is based on the basic belief of ?natural selection' and ?survival of the fittest'. These are not separate thoughts when it comes right down to it. According to Darwin, the idea of ?natural selection' states that animals adapt slowly in accordance to their environment, and their DNA adjusts throughout generations. At first glance, this seems like a logical, non-cont ...