Episode 139: Brief History of Charles Darwin

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En provenance du cours de University of Alberta

Science & Religion 101

28 notes

University of Alberta

Science & Religion 101

28 notes

This course examines the nature of both science and religion and attempts to explore the possible relationships between them. The primary purpose is to dispel the popular myth that science and religion are entrenched in a never-ending conflict. As a result, this course argues that if the limits of both science and religion are respected, then their relationship can be complementary. Topics include: Science and Religion Categories and Foundational Principles, Definitions of Science and Religion, Science-Religion Models and Relationships, Intelligent Design and Natural Revelation, the Galileo Affair, Geology and Noah’s Flood, Evolution and Darwin’s Religious Beliefs, the Modern “Evolution” vs. “Creation” Debate, the Problem of Evil, and Interpretations of the Biblical Accounts of Origins in Genesis 1-11. The course employs a Constructive Teaching Style in order that students can develop their personal views on the relationship between science and religion and on each of the topics listed above. St. Joseph's College is a Catholic, undergraduate, liberal arts college on the University of Alberta campus. It is an independent institution that is affiliated with the University of Alberta.

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Evolution & Darwin’s Religious Beliefs

This week we deal with the fascinating topic of the religious beliefs of Charles Darwin. To be sure, the theory of biological evolution has significant implications for religion. Evidence is drawn from Darwin’s notebooks, diaries, letters, and books, including his most famous book outlining the theory of evolution, On the Origin of Species (1859). To the surprise of most people, the belief in Intelligent Design was a concept that consumed Darwin throughout his life. In addition, we will also discover that only a few years before his death, he firmly stated, “It seems to me absurd to doubt that a man [or woman] may be an ardent theist & an evolutionist.” In other words, Charles Darwin thought it was perfectly logical to be both a religious person and also one who accepts biological evolution. Finally, this section considers the well-known proclamation of Richard Dawkins that “Darwin made it possible to be an intellectually fulfilled atheist.”

Episode 138: Key Thoughts. Richard Dawkins Thesis & Lamoureux Anti-Thesis4:46

Episode 139: Brief History of Charles Darwin3:36

Episode 140: Cambridge University (1828-1831) & Paley’s 3 Premises of Nature4:08

Episode 141: Cambridge University (Continued). Conclusion3:37

Episode 142: HMS Beagle Voyage (1831-1836)4:39

Episode 143: Conclusion: HMS Beagle Voyage4:02

Episode 144: 1st Period of Religious Reflection & Formulation of Theory of Evolution (1837-1838)3:43

Episode 145: Darwin’s Arguments against Divine Action & Christianity4:34

Episode 146: Formulation of a Teleological Theory of Evolution4:39

Episode 147: Formulation of a Teleological Theory of Evolution (Conclusion)4:44

Episode 148: Origin of Species (1859)4:00

Episode 149: Origin of Species (1859) Conclusion5:21

Episode 150: 2nd Period of Religious Reflection (1860-1861)3:40

Episode 151: Letter to Asa Gray (May 1860)5:04

Episode 152: Letter to Asa Gray (May 1860 & November 1860)5:05

Episode 153: Descent of Man (1871)5:46

Episode 154: Descent of Man (1871) Continued. Autobiography of Charles Darwin (1876)4:55

Episode 155: Autobiography of Charles Darwin (1876) Continued4:20

Episode 156: Autobiography of Charles Darwin (1876) Conclusion5:05

Episode 157: The Final Years (1879-882) Conversation with the Duke of Argyll5:37

Episode 158: Conclusion: Evolution & Darwin’s Religious Beliefs5:31

Episode 159: Conclusion (Continued)3:08

Hermeneutics 13C: The Heavens & Ancient Astronomy (Part II). The Heavenly Sea4:28

Hermeneutics 13D: The Heavens & Ancient Astronomy (Part III). The Upper & Lower Heavens14:24

Excursus: Water Canopy Theory3:45

Excursus II: Water Vapour Theory3:38

Rencontrer les enseignants

Denis Lamoureux
Associate Professor
St. Joseph's College

Episode 139.

To begin our exploration of Charles Darwin,

let me offer a brief history of his life.

Charles Darwin was born in 1809 on the 12th of February at Shrewsbury, England.

He was raised in a family with a wide variety of beliefs.

His grandfather, Erasmus, was a famous theistic evolutionist.

Darwin's father, Robert, and brother,

Erasmus, were religious skeptics.

His mother, Suzannah, who dies when Charles was only eight years old, was a Unitarian.

Unitarians do not believe that Jesus was God,

but only a man.

Darwin's sisters were religious.

And after the death of their mother,

they brought Charles to an Anglican church where he was taught conservative Christianity.

Darwin was also educated in an Anglican day school.

In 1826, Darwin studies medicine at Edinburgh University but he drops out.

Between 1828 and 1831,

Darwin studies theology at Christ College in Cambridge University.

But upon completion of his degree,

he decides not to be ordained as an Anglican minister.

On December 27, 1831,

Darwin begins a five-year voyage around the world on HMS Beagle.

It's during this trip that he collects scientific evidence that

will eventually lead him to formulate the theory of evolution.

Darwin returns to England on October 2,1836.

During 1837 and 1838,

Charles Darwin has his first period of religious reflection.

He rejects Christianity but not God.

It's also during this time that he outlines his theory of evolution in

his notebooks on transmutation or evolution of species.

In 1838, Darwin's health begins to break down,

and he can only work four to five hours a day for the rest of his life.

In 1839, Darwin marries his cousin Emma Wedgwood.

They have ten children and regrettably, three children die.

In November 1859,

Charles Darwin's most famous book 'On the Origin of Species' is published.

It presents the theory of evolution by the mechanism of natural selection.

Following the publication of his book,

Darwin enters a second period of religious reflection in 1860 and 1861.

During this time, he struggles intensely with the notion of intelligent design.

In 1871, Darwin's book 'Descent of Man' is released and it offers

his first public presentation of human evolution.

The autobiography of Charles Darwin is published in 1876.

And in it, Darwin reveals his mature views on

religion in a section entitled 'religious beliefs'.

In 1882, Charles Darwin dies on the 19th of April at Downe, England.

He is buried in Westminster Abbey.

End of episode.

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