the sacred cosmos: christian faith and the challenge of naturalism 3. evolution: the journey into...

The Sacred Cosmos:The Sacred Cosmos:Christian Faith and the Christian Faith and the

Challenge of NaturalismChallenge of Naturalism

3. Evolution: The Journey Into God3. Evolution: The Journey Into God

Sunday, January 24, 201010 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor

Presenter: David Monyak

Primary Primary ReferenceReference

The Sacred The Sacred Cosmos: Christian Cosmos: Christian Faith and the Faith and the Challenge of Challenge of NaturalismNaturalism,, Terrence L. Nichols, Terrence L. Nichols, Brazos Press, 2003. Brazos Press, 2003. (Reissued Jan 2009 (Reissued Jan 2009 by Wipf and Stock)by Wipf and Stock)

Dr. Terrence Nichols is Professor of Theology at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul

Academic HistoryPh.D. - Marquette UniversityB.A. - University of Minnesota

The Sacred CosmosThe Sacred CosmosChristian Faith and the Challenge of Christian Faith and the Challenge of

NaturalismNaturalism

Jan 3.Jan 3. God and Nature God and Nature Jan 10:Jan 10: Origins: Creation and Big Bang Origins: Creation and Big Bang

Jan 24:Jan 24: Evolution: The Journey Evolution: The Journey into Godinto God

Jan 31:Jan 31: Human Nature: Embodied Self and Human Nature: Embodied Self and Transcendent Soul, Part 1Transcendent Soul, Part 1

Feb 7:Feb 7: Human Nature: Embodied Self and Human Nature: Embodied Self and Transcendent Soul, Part 2. Conclusion: A Sacred Transcendent Soul, Part 2. Conclusion: A Sacred CosmosCosmos

We give you thanks, most gracious God, We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the songs of birds and the rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honor and glory of your creation, to the honor and glory of your Name, now and for ever..Name, now and for ever..

For the Beauty of the Earth, Book of Common Prayer, p. 840For the Beauty of the Earth, Book of Common Prayer, p. 840

This Week:This Week:3. Evolution: The 3. Evolution: The Journey Into GodJourney Into God

IntroductionIntroduction

IntroductionIntroductionThe Challenge of NaturalismThe Challenge of Naturalism

““The cosmos is all that ever The cosmos is all that ever waswas, , isis, or , or shall beshall be.”.”

With these words, Carl Sagan in the popular With these words, Carl Sagan in the popular Cosmos Cosmos television series, proclaimed television series, proclaimed naturalismnaturalism: the view that the natural world is : the view that the natural world is all that exists, echoing the “opposing” all that exists, echoing the “opposing” Christian doxology:Christian doxology:““Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy

Spirit, as it Spirit, as it waswas, , isis, and ever , and ever shall beshall be, , world without end ...”world without end ...”


Naturalism is the philosophical theory about Naturalism is the philosophical theory about reality that declares:reality that declares: nature is all that exists, nature is all that exists, there is no reality that is greater than and there is no reality that is greater than and

independent of nature,independent of nature, there cannot be any hope of an afterlife, nor any there cannot be any hope of an afterlife, nor any

means to really transcend our natural condition.means to really transcend our natural condition.


Nichols believesNichols believes Naturalism Naturalism is probably the is probably the most serious challenge facing Western most serious challenge facing Western Christianity.Christianity.

A recent survey in A recent survey in Scientific American Scientific American revealed: revealed: 90 percent of the members of the National 90 percent of the members of the National

Academy of Sciences consider themselves Academy of Sciences consider themselves agnostics or atheists.agnostics or atheists.

Among biologists: 95 percent.Among biologists: 95 percent.

IntroductionIntroductionCan Naturalism Explain the World?Can Naturalism Explain the World?

How well can How well can NaturalismNaturalism actually explain the world actually explain the world and humanity?and humanity?

We have been considering naturalistic versus We have been considering naturalistic versus Christian explanations for:Christian explanations for: the origin of the universe (Jan 10)the origin of the universe (Jan 10) evolution (today)evolution (today) human nature (next week, Jan 31).human nature (next week, Jan 31).

Religion and Religion and Evolution: ChallengesEvolution: Challenges

Religion and EvolutionReligion and EvolutionChallengesChallenges

God created man pretty much in his present form

within the last 10,000 years

Man has developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God guided this process, including man’s creation

Man has developed over millions of years from less

advanced forms of life. God had no part in this process


The five main reasons people cited who did not The five main reasons people cited who did not believe in evolution:believe in evolution: Their belief in Jesus ChristTheir belief in Jesus Christ Their belief in GodTheir belief in God Their religion or faithTheir religion or faith Insufficient evidenceInsufficient evidence Their belief in the BibleTheir belief in the Bible

Why is there such a perceived conflict between Why is there such a perceived conflict between religion and the theory of evolution?religion and the theory of evolution?


Reasons are complex.Reasons are complex. Both our culture and biologists can be faulted.Both our culture and biologists can be faulted. One challenge: it is a fundamental Christian belief that One challenge: it is a fundamental Christian belief that

there is a purpose, a goal, a “final cause” to creation:there is a purpose, a goal, a “final cause” to creation: The cosmos and its creatures come from God in creation, The cosmos and its creatures come from God in creation, And are being called back to God, to a final reconciliation of And are being called back to God, to a final reconciliation of

humanity and the cosmos with their Creator in a New humanity and the cosmos with their Creator in a New Heaven and New Earth.Heaven and New Earth.

The method of science however is to focus only on The method of science however is to focus only on efficient and material causes.efficient and material causes. Science does not look for “final causes,” purposes or goals.Science does not look for “final causes,” purposes or goals.


This This methodologymethodology of science however has frequently of science however has frequently been extended to a been extended to a metaphysicsmetaphysics in dogmatic in dogmatic proclamations by some biologists:proclamations by some biologists: Futuyma, Futuyma, EvolutionEvolution, Chapter 10 “Genetic Drift: Evolution at , Chapter 10 “Genetic Drift: Evolution at

Random, p. 225, 2005: Random, p. 225, 2005: “… “… In fact, scientists consider purposes or goals In fact, scientists consider purposes or goals to be unique to human thought, and they do not to be unique to human thought, and they do not view any natural phenomena as purposeful.”view any natural phenomena as purposeful.”

Richard Dawkins: Richard Dawkins: ““The universe we observe has precisely the The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference.”nothing but blind, pitiless indifference.”


A second challenge: while the A second challenge: while the factfact of evolution of evolution is almost universally accepted by biologists, the is almost universally accepted by biologists, the mechanism mechanism of evolution — what causes of evolution — what causes evolution to occur — is disputed.evolution to occur — is disputed.

The full theory of evolution is thus immature, The full theory of evolution is thus immature, likely to change in the futurelikely to change in the future

This has made it risky for theology to respond This has made it risky for theology to respond to issues arising from the theories of evolution to issues arising from the theories of evolution – especially issues related to the – especially issues related to the mechanismmechanism of of evolutionevolution

Religion and EvolutionReligion and EvolutionOutlineOutline

Define “evolution”Define “evolution” Looks at the various proposed mechanisms for Looks at the various proposed mechanisms for

evolution (mechanisms through which God might act evolution (mechanisms through which God might act seen or unseen)seen or unseen)

Briefly look at theories of “Directed Evolution”Briefly look at theories of “Directed Evolution” Make the case that the modern Christian can view Make the case that the modern Christian can view

evolution as a journey into God:evolution as a journey into God: A journey in which nature has been granted a degree of A journey in which nature has been granted a degree of

freedom to evolve and “make itself” by its Creator, butfreedom to evolve and “make itself” by its Creator, but A journey still guided and sustained by the Creator.A journey still guided and sustained by the Creator.

What is Evolution?What is Evolution?

What is Evolution?What is Evolution?DefinitionDefinition

Charles Darwin in his Charles Darwin in his Origin of SpeciesOrigin of Species (1859): (1859): “descent with “descent with modification.”modification.” Living species had Living species had

developed from a few developed from a few simple ancestral species simple ancestral species over vast stretches of time, over vast stretches of time, by a variety of mechanisms, by a variety of mechanisms, the main one being the main one being natural natural selection.selection.Charles Darwin,

1809-1882

What is Evolution?What is Evolution?Darwin’s ObservationsDarwin’s Observations

Darwin observed:Darwin observed: 1. In any species of 1. In any species of

plants or animals plants or animals there was there was considerable considerable variation.variation.

Plant and animal Plant and animal breeders exploit this breeders exploit this variation for their variation for their own purposes own purposes (“(“artificial artificial selectionselection”)”)Drawing by Charles Darwin of the variety of

domesticated pigeons produced by “artificial selection”

What is Evolution?What is Evolution?Darwin’s ObservationsDarwin’s Observations

Darwin observed:Darwin observed: 2. Every species of plant or animal 2. Every species of plant or animal

leaves vastly more progeny than can leaves vastly more progeny than can possibly survive in the environment.possibly survive in the environment.

Thomas Malthus, in his Thomas Malthus, in his An Essay on An Essay on Population Population had earlier noted that food had earlier noted that food production increases arithmetically, production increases arithmetically, whereas population increases whereas population increases exponentiallyexponentially

Result: the human population will Result: the human population will always outstrip its resources, and always outstrip its resources, and poverty and famine will be inevitablepoverty and famine will be inevitable

The only way to avoid this is to limit The only way to avoid this is to limit births births

Thomas Malthus 1766-1834

What is Evolution?What is Evolution?Natural SelectionNatural Selection

There is therefore Darwin There is therefore Darwin wrote, “a struggle for wrote, “a struggle for existence.”existence.”

Those individuals best Those individuals best adapted to the environment adapted to the environment will be more likely to will be more likely to survive and leave progeny, survive and leave progeny, while those individuals less while those individuals less well adapted, or less “fit,” well adapted, or less “fit,” will not survive and leave will not survive and leave progeny. progeny. This Darwin called “This Darwin called “natural natural

selectionselection.”.” Gradual adaptation over Gradual adaptation over

long periods of time causes long periods of time causes the evolution of life.the evolution of life.

What is Evolution?What is Evolution?Natural SelectionNatural Selection

The idea of The idea of “natural “natural selection”selection” is simple and easy is simple and easy to understandto understand

Too simple, according to Too simple, according to some critics.some critics.

What is Evolution?What is Evolution?Modern DefinitionModern Definition

Modern biologists would usually refine Darwin’s Modern biologists would usually refine Darwin’s definition by saying evolution involves the emergence of definition by saying evolution involves the emergence of more complexmore complex forms from forms from simpler simpler forms. forms.

Life develops:Life develops: from single-celled organisms without nuclei (prokaryotes), from single-celled organisms without nuclei (prokaryotes), to single-celled organisms with nuclei (eukaryotes), to single-celled organisms with nuclei (eukaryotes), to multi-celled organisms, to multi-celled organisms, to creatures that can fly, swim, burrow, and run, to creatures that can fly, swim, burrow, and run, to intelligent creatures like primates and human beings. to intelligent creatures like primates and human beings.

Each of these transitions involves an increase in the order Each of these transitions involves an increase in the order of of complexitycomplexity

What is Evolution?What is Evolution?Modern Definition: ComplexityModern Definition: Complexity

ComplexityComplexity: : A “complex” system is one in which many diverse parts are A “complex” system is one in which many diverse parts are

interrelated into a functioning whole.interrelated into a functioning whole. Measures of “complexity” might include:Measures of “complexity” might include:

measure of the number of significant interconnections between the parts measure of the number of significant interconnections between the parts of a system.of a system.

amount of “amount of “informationinformation” necessary to describe that system (how long ” necessary to describe that system (how long would a computer program be to describe the system?)would a computer program be to describe the system?)

Example: a functioning watch Example: a functioning watch versusversus an undifferentiated lump an undifferentiated lump of molten metal and glass (a melted watch)of molten metal and glass (a melted watch)

Melted watch: simple to describe (51 percent iron, 5 percent chromium, 5 Melted watch: simple to describe (51 percent iron, 5 percent chromium, 5 percent silicon dioxide …) percent silicon dioxide …)

Functioning watch: Functioning watch: much much longer description requiredlonger description required

What is Evolution?What is Evolution?Evolution and Modern GeneticsEvolution and Modern Genetics

Darwin wrote his theory before the discovery of modern Darwin wrote his theory before the discovery of modern genetics.genetics.

He did not know the He did not know the sourcesource of variations in a population, of variations in a population, or or howhow the variations were the variations were passed on.passed on.

Darwin’s critics claimed any advantageous variation Darwin’s critics claimed any advantageous variation would soon be “washed out” by interbreeding:would soon be “washed out” by interbreeding:


We now know heritable variations are We now know heritable variations are passed onpassed on by by genesgenes, discrete units which retain their distinctiveness , discrete units which retain their distinctiveness even if they are not expressed even if they are not expressed

Human Chromosomes, containing the genetic information of a cell encoded as “genes” in a double stranded DNA molecule


The The sourcesource of variations are changes that can occur (from of variations are changes that can occur (from multiple causes) in the DNA molecule which encodes the multiple causes) in the DNA molecule which encodes the genetic information.genetic information.

Errors may occur in the copying of DNA, or

damage done to DNA by

ionizing radiation like

x-rays or cosmic rays

What is Evolution?What is Evolution?Neo-DarwinismNeo-Darwinism

Darwin’s original theory of evolutionDarwin’s original theory of evolution

+ +

modern genetics modern genetics

= =

Neo-DarwinismNeo-Darwinism

The Mechanism of The Mechanism of EvolutionEvolution

The Mechanism of EvolutionThe Mechanism of EvolutionPossible MechanismsPossible Mechanisms

The The factfact of evolution is almost universally accepted by biologists, of evolution is almost universally accepted by biologists, but the primary but the primary mechanisms mechanisms of evolution — what factors cause of evolution — what factors cause

evolution to occur — are still under debate.evolution to occur — are still under debate. Some options currently in play:Some options currently in play:

Random Mutations (random permanent changes in DNA of germ cells)Random Mutations (random permanent changes in DNA of germ cells) Natural Selection (survival of the fitness in the natural environment)Natural Selection (survival of the fitness in the natural environment)

At the level of the gene versus at multiple levelsAt the level of the gene versus at multiple levels Chance (meteor strikes, global and local natural disasters)Chance (meteor strikes, global and local natural disasters) Life’s ability to change its environment (rather than simply Life’s ability to change its environment (rather than simply adapting toadapting to its its

environment)environment) Processes and “laws” of “self-organization” in complex systems that may Processes and “laws” of “self-organization” in complex systems that may

channel the trajectories of evolving organisms.channel the trajectories of evolving organisms.

The Mechanism of EvolutionThe Mechanism of EvolutionOrthodox Neo-DarwinismOrthodox Neo-Darwinism

Orthodox Neo-DarwinismOrthodox Neo-Darwinism: primary mechanism : primary mechanism is: is: random mutationrandom mutation (random permanent change in (random permanent change in

DNA of the germ cells) coupled with DNA of the germ cells) coupled with natural selectionnatural selection the majority of mutations are harmful, some lethalthe majority of mutations are harmful, some lethal A few mutations are beneficial, helping an organism adapt to A few mutations are beneficial, helping an organism adapt to

the environment, survive, and leave more progeny (natural the environment, survive, and leave more progeny (natural selection)selection)

Mutations can only change organisms by tiny Mutations can only change organisms by tiny degrees, degrees, nevernever by by saltationsaltation (= jumps or leaps) (= jumps or leaps)


A compelling and A compelling and triumphalist account of triumphalist account of Orthodox Neo-DarwinismOrthodox Neo-Darwinism can be found in the writings can be found in the writings of Richard Dawkins, British of Richard Dawkins, British biologist and widely biologist and widely publicized atheists (author publicized atheists (author of of The God DelusionThe God Delusion))

Richard Dawkins 1941-


Dawkins writes: Dawkins writes: Natural selection, the blind, unconscious, Natural selection, the blind, unconscious,

automatic process which Darwin discovered, automatic process which Darwin discovered, and which we now know is the explanation for and which we now know is the explanation for the existence and apparently purposeful form the existence and apparently purposeful form of life, has no purpose in mind. It has no mind of life, has no purpose in mind. It has no mind and no mind's eye. It does not plan for the and no mind's eye. It does not plan for the future. It has no vision, no foresight, no sight future. It has no vision, no foresight, no sight at all.at all.

We are survival machines, robot vehicles We are survival machines, robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes.molecules known as genes.

The Mechanism of EvolutionThe Mechanism of EvolutionStephen Gould and Punctuated EquilibriumStephen Gould and Punctuated Equilibrium

The Harvard University The Harvard University paleontologist paleontologist Stephen Jay GouldStephen Jay Gould (along with Niles Eldredge) (along with Niles Eldredge) developed a rival theory of developed a rival theory of evolution known as evolution known as “Punctuated “Punctuated Equilibrium”Equilibrium”

The fossil record reveals less often The fossil record reveals less often the gradual development expected the gradual development expected in Orthodox Neo-Darwinism, and in Orthodox Neo-Darwinism, and more often long periods of stasis more often long periods of stasis ((equilibriumequilibrium), ), punctuatedpunctuated by by sudden extinctions, or the sudden extinctions, or the apparently sudden emergence of apparently sudden emergence of new species. new species.

1941 to 2002

The Mechanism of EvolutionThe Mechanism of EvolutionStephen Gould and Punctuated EquilibriumStephen Gould and Punctuated Equilibrium

For example, around the beginning of the For example, around the beginning of the Cambrian epoch (about 600 million years Cambrian epoch (about 600 million years ago), all the basic animal phyla, each ago), all the basic animal phyla, each exhibiting a different body plan, suddenly exhibiting a different body plan, suddenly appear in the fossil record. appear in the fossil record. Gould called this the Gould called this the “Cambrian explosion.”“Cambrian explosion.” It was followed by massive extinctions of many It was followed by massive extinctions of many

of the phyla, of the phyla, followed still later by diversification within the followed still later by diversification within the

remaining phyla.remaining phyla.Biological

Classification of Life

The Mechanism of EvolutionThe Mechanism of EvolutionStephen Jay GouldStephen Jay Gould

Gould also disagreed with Gould also disagreed with Orthodox Neo-DarwinismOrthodox Neo-Darwinism by: by: Insisting that organisms shape Insisting that organisms shape

their own environments, and are their own environments, and are not simply passively shaped by not simply passively shaped by natural selectionnatural selection

Natural selectionNatural selection, Gould writes, , Gould writes, is is “a necessary but by no “a necessary but by no means sufficient, principle means sufficient, principle for explaining the full for explaining the full history of life.”history of life.”

Stephen Jay Gould 1941-2002

The Mechanism of EvolutionThe Mechanism of EvolutionStephen Jay GouldStephen Jay Gould

Gould also emphasized the role of Gould also emphasized the role of chancechance in in evolutionevolution

He argued that massive extinctions play a major He argued that massive extinctions play a major role in shaping the direction of evolution, and that role in shaping the direction of evolution, and that the survival of species through these events is the survival of species through these events is truly random, not the result of natural selection:truly random, not the result of natural selection: ““The history of life is a story of massive The history of life is a story of massive

removal followed by differentiation within a removal followed by differentiation within a few surviving stocks, not the conventional tale few surviving stocks, not the conventional tale of steadily increasing excellence, complexity, of steadily increasing excellence, complexity, and diversity.”and diversity.”

The Mechanism of EvolutionThe Mechanism of EvolutionEvolution and Complexity TheoryEvolution and Complexity Theory

Complexity TheoryComplexity Theory is a relatively new science that is a relatively new science that studies:studies: how relationships between parts give rise to collective behaviors how relationships between parts give rise to collective behaviors

of a complex system (so called “emergent” phenomena or of a complex system (so called “emergent” phenomena or behaviors, including self-organizing behaviors)behaviors, including self-organizing behaviors)

how such emergent phenomena interact and form relationships how such emergent phenomena interact and form relationships with its environment.with its environment.

The older The older Chaos theoryChaos theory (the “butterfly effect”, the study (the “butterfly effect”, the study of systems with extreme sensitivity to initial conditions) of systems with extreme sensitivity to initial conditions) can be considered a subset of Complexity Theory.can be considered a subset of Complexity Theory.


Complex systemsComplex systems, from , from computer-modeled computer-modeled networks to biological networks to biological systems, exhibit a systems, exhibit a surprising degree of surprising degree of spontaneously generated, spontaneously generated, “emergent” order.“emergent” order. Examples: cellular Examples: cellular

automata, the strange automata, the strange attractors of attractors of Chaos Chaos TheoryTheoryLorentz Strange Attractor


Some have suggested that there are emergent Some have suggested that there are emergent phenomenon of complex systems that are truly novel phenomenon of complex systems that are truly novel entities, governed by their own natural laws:entities, governed by their own natural laws: ““more is different” more is different” Such novel entities may have the power to influence or change Such novel entities may have the power to influence or change

the parts that compose them.the parts that compose them. Such Such top-down causalitytop-down causality is a radical reversal of the is a radical reversal of the bottom-up bottom-up

causalitycausality of most of science. of most of science. The application of The application of Complexity TheoryComplexity Theory to evolution is to evolution is

just beginning to be explored, and is potentially just beginning to be explored, and is potentially enormously relevant.enormously relevant.


A sampling of some early explorations:A sampling of some early explorations: Stuart Kauffman* of the Santa Fe Institute:Stuart Kauffman* of the Santa Fe Institute:

I propose that much of the order in organisms I propose that much of the order in organisms may not be the result of selection at all, but of may not be the result of selection at all, but of the spontaneous order of self-organized the spontaneous order of self-organized systems. . . . The order of organisms is systems. . . . The order of organisms is natural, not merely the unexpected triumph of natural, not merely the unexpected triumph of natural selection. …natural selection. …

* In January 2009 Kauffman became a Finland Distinguished Professor (FiDiPro) at Tampere University of Technology, Finland


British biologist Steven Rose, an acerbic critic of British biologist Steven Rose, an acerbic critic of Dawkins and of genetic reductionism, emphasizes the Dawkins and of genetic reductionism, emphasizes the importance of considering organisms in evolution as importance of considering organisms in evolution as novel complex systems (“more is different”): novel complex systems (“more is different”):

So at each level different organizing relations So at each level different organizing relations appear, and different types of description and appear, and different types of description and explanation are required. Hence each level explanation are required. Hence each level appears as a holon—integrating levels below it, appears as a holon—integrating levels below it, but merely a subset of the levels above. but merely a subset of the levels above. In this In this sense, levels are fundamentally irreduciblesense, levels are fundamentally irreducible; ; ecology cannot be reduced to genetics, nor ecology cannot be reduced to genetics, nor biochemistry to chemistrybiochemistry to chemistry

Directed EvolutionDirected Evolution

Directed EvolutionDirected EvolutionDefinitionDefinition

““Directed Evolution:” the scientific evidence is Directed Evolution:” the scientific evidence is best explained by concluding evolution is directed best explained by concluding evolution is directed by a super-intelligent being.by a super-intelligent being.

Such theories “by definition” are outside the realm Such theories “by definition” are outside the realm of mainstream science, whose of mainstream science, whose methodmethod is to look is to look only for natural causes and explanations.only for natural causes and explanations.

They often identify a problem or inconsistency (a They often identify a problem or inconsistency (a “gap” in knowledge) not easily explained by “gap” in knowledge) not easily explained by standard theory, and then explain the gap or standard theory, and then explain the gap or problem by evoking God.problem by evoking God.

Directed EvolutionDirected EvolutionIntelligent DesignIntelligent Design

The most famous of The most famous of these is these is “Intelligent “Intelligent Design,”Design,” which claims: which claims: Some features of the Some features of the

natural world exhibit natural world exhibit features of design.features of design.

In particular, there are In particular, there are designs which are designs which are irreducibly complexirreducibly complex such as the cilium of a such as the cilium of a swimming cell or the swimming cell or the flagellum of a flagellum of a bacterium.bacterium.

Flagellum of a bacteriumFlagellum of a bacterium

Directed EvolutionDirected EvolutionIntelligent DesignIntelligent Design

Like a mousetrap or a watch, Like a mousetrap or a watch, such structures only work if such structures only work if allall the parts are present and the parts are present and arranged in a specific order. arranged in a specific order. Move or remove one part, Move or remove one part, and the trap or the watch and the trap or the watch does not work.does not work.

How could such a structure How could such a structure been been graduallygradually built up in a built up in a stepwise fashion through stepwise fashion through random mutations and random mutations and natural selection?natural selection?

Conclusion: God must have Conclusion: God must have reached into the reached into the evolutionary process at evolutionary process at some point and inserted a some point and inserted a designed organism or designed organism or biological structure.biological structure.Flagellum of a bacteriumFlagellum of a bacterium

Directed EvolutionDirected EvolutionProblem of Gene PleiotropyProblem of Gene Pleiotropy

Other problems or gaps that have been used to support a theory of Other problems or gaps that have been used to support a theory of Directed Evolution (= evolution is directed by a super-intelligent Directed Evolution (= evolution is directed by a super-intelligent being):being):

The Problem of Gene PleiotropyThe Problem of Gene Pleiotropy Most genes are pleiotropic: they effect not just one structure, but many.Most genes are pleiotropic: they effect not just one structure, but many. Thus, if one gene changes, many different systems, each already well Thus, if one gene changes, many different systems, each already well

adapted, change. adapted, change. Even if the change is beneficial for one system, it will almost certainly not be Even if the change is beneficial for one system, it will almost certainly not be

beneficial for the other systems.beneficial for the other systems. Result: poorer adaptation and fitness overall. Result: poorer adaptation and fitness overall. To significantly change an organism, it would be necessary to change many To significantly change an organism, it would be necessary to change many

genes simultaneously in very specific ways. genes simultaneously in very specific ways. But the chances of this, in an undirected, random process would be simply But the chances of this, in an undirected, random process would be simply

astronomical.astronomical.

Directed EvolutionDirected EvolutionProblem of Gene RedundancyProblem of Gene Redundancy

Other problems or gaps that have been used to support a Other problems or gaps that have been used to support a theory of Directed Evolution (= evolution is directed by a theory of Directed Evolution (= evolution is directed by a super-intelligent being):super-intelligent being):

The Problem of Gene RedundancyThe Problem of Gene Redundancy many structures are controlled by two separate genetic many structures are controlled by two separate genetic

programs,programs, either either one of which would be sufficient to produce one of which would be sufficient to produce the structure or process by itselfthe structure or process by itself

For an advantageous genetic change to occur in such a structure, For an advantageous genetic change to occur in such a structure, it would require simultaneous changes in both blueprints, a it would require simultaneous changes in both blueprints, a change in many genes at the same time, a holistic change.change in many genes at the same time, a holistic change.

the chances of this, in an undirected, random process, to achieve the chances of this, in an undirected, random process, to achieve a better fit to the environment, would be again be astronomicala better fit to the environment, would be again be astronomical

Directed EvolutionDirected EvolutionThe Problem of “Directed Mutation”The Problem of “Directed Mutation”


The Problem of “Directed Mutations”The Problem of “Directed Mutations” Some experiments suggest that under starvation conditions (i.e., Some experiments suggest that under starvation conditions (i.e.,

selective conditions) bacteria seem to be able, in some sense, to selective conditions) bacteria seem to be able, in some sense, to “choose” or “direct” their mutations so as to be able to survive.“choose” or “direct” their mutations so as to be able to survive.

This violates one of the basic tenets of neo-Darwinism:This violates one of the basic tenets of neo-Darwinism: that mutations are undirected and random, that mutations are undirected and random, that is, they have no relation to the welfare of the organism.that is, they have no relation to the welfare of the organism.

Directed EvolutionDirected EvolutionThe Problems of Information BuildupThe Problems of Information Buildup


The Problems of Information BuildupThe Problems of Information Buildup There has been a continual increase in information and There has been a continual increase in information and

complexity over the span of evolution. complexity over the span of evolution. Why should this be the case? Why should this be the case? Why should evolution produce more and more complex beings over Why should evolution produce more and more complex beings over

time? time? The Jewish physicist Lee Spetner has used The Jewish physicist Lee Spetner has used Information TheoryInformation Theory

to question whether random mutation and natural selection by to question whether random mutation and natural selection by themselves can account for the buildup of information necessary themselves can account for the buildup of information necessary for complex systems such as cells.for complex systems such as cells.

Directed EvolutionDirected EvolutionSigns of God, or Signs of God of the Gaps?Signs of God, or Signs of God of the Gaps?

Such problems or inconsistencies may be signs of Such problems or inconsistencies may be signs of places where God is acting in the history of places where God is acting in the history of evolution.evolution.

Or they may be gaps in knowledge that science Or they may be gaps in knowledge that science will later fill as the still young theory of evolution will later fill as the still young theory of evolution matures.matures.

Evolution as a Journey Evolution as a Journey Into GodInto God

Journey Into GodJourney Into GodThe Goal and Purpose of CreationThe Goal and Purpose of Creation

It is a fundamental Christian belief that there is a It is a fundamental Christian belief that there is a purpose, a goal, a “final cause” to creation:purpose, a goal, a “final cause” to creation: The cosmos and its creatures come from God in The cosmos and its creatures come from God in

creation, creation, And are being called back to God, to a final And are being called back to God, to a final

reconciliation of humanity and the cosmos with their reconciliation of humanity and the cosmos with their Creator in a New Heaven and New Earth.Creator in a New Heaven and New Earth.


Evolutionary biology cannot find such goals or Evolutionary biology cannot find such goals or purpose because:purpose because: 1. Science focuses on efficient and material causes and 1. Science focuses on efficient and material causes and

does not consider “final causes” or purposes.does not consider “final causes” or purposes. Jacques Monod: the rejection of final cause is constitutive of Jacques Monod: the rejection of final cause is constitutive of

modern science.modern science. 2. We cannot really know the whole of a process, 2. We cannot really know the whole of a process,

including its aim or purpose (if there is any), until the including its aim or purpose (if there is any), until the process is complete (Wolfhart Pannenberg)process is complete (Wolfhart Pannenberg)


Christianity however knows what the end of the Christianity however knows what the end of the process of evolution will be, via revelation:process of evolution will be, via revelation: Ephesians 1:9-10: Ephesians 1:9-10:

[God] has made known to us the mystery of [God] has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earthheaven and things on earth


The author of the whole universe and all life is God:The author of the whole universe and all life is God: John 1:1,3:John 1:1,3: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with

God, and the Word was God … Through him all things God, and the Word was God … Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made that has were made, without him nothing was made that has been made.been made.

The direction of evolution towardsThe direction of evolution towards increasing complexity, increasing complexity, the emergence of conscious, intelligent, moral beings the emergence of conscious, intelligent, moral beings

is not happenstance, but is not happenstance, but providentially ordered by God.providentially ordered by God.

Journey Into GodJourney Into GodReality Structured as JourneyReality Structured as Journey

Christianity sees reality structured as a journey:Christianity sees reality structured as a journey: The cosmos and its creatures come from God in The cosmos and its creatures come from God in

creation, creation, and are called back to fellowship with God in the and are called back to fellowship with God in the

eschaton, the end times.eschaton, the end times. In the Gospel of John:In the Gospel of John:

the Logos or Word descends into the world in the the Logos or Word descends into the world in the incarnation, incarnation,

and returns to God in the resurrection.and returns to God in the resurrection.


It would thus be natural for Christianity to view It would thus be natural for Christianity to view evolution also as a journey, in which:evolution also as a journey, in which: The culmination of human history is the gathering of The culmination of human history is the gathering of

all the blessed into fellowship with God.all the blessed into fellowship with God. The culmination of the whole cosmos is being set free The culmination of the whole cosmos is being set free

“from its bondage to decay … [to] obtain the “from its bondage to decay … [to] obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God”freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:21). (Romans 8:21).


This view of This view of Evolution as a Journey Into GodEvolution as a Journey Into God does not does not mean the sole aim of evolution is to produce human mean the sole aim of evolution is to produce human beings or intelligent life.beings or intelligent life.

Genesis 1 affirms Genesis 1 affirms allall of creation is good. of creation is good. Thomas Aquinas argued that God created so many and Thomas Aquinas argued that God created so many and

diverse kinds of creatures because only the whole panoply diverse kinds of creatures because only the whole panoply of creation would adequately express God’s goodness.of creation would adequately express God’s goodness.

Traditional Christian doctrine affirms that in the eschaton Traditional Christian doctrine affirms that in the eschaton (the end time), nothing that is good will be lost.(the end time), nothing that is good will be lost.

Journey Into GodJourney Into GodA Journey Fraught with TragedyA Journey Fraught with Tragedy

How do we deal with the fact that the evolutionary How do we deal with the fact that the evolutionary journey is one fraught with tragedy?journey is one fraught with tragedy?

In nature, the price of life is the death of another, In nature, the price of life is the death of another, both to make room for new life and to provide both to make room for new life and to provide resources for new life. resources for new life. True not only for individuals, but for species. True not only for individuals, but for species. Most species in the course of evolution have become Most species in the course of evolution have become

extinct, their death opening up econiches filled by new, extinct, their death opening up econiches filled by new, creative forms of life.creative forms of life.

Journey Into GodJourney Into GodA Journey Fraught with TragedyA Journey Fraught with Tragedy

Nichols suggests the tragedy, death, and subsequent Nichols suggests the tragedy, death, and subsequent creative transcendence of evolutionary history: creative transcendence of evolutionary history: is the same pattern manifested in the life and death of Jesus: The is the same pattern manifested in the life and death of Jesus: The

cross, death, and resurrection. cross, death, and resurrection. The cross and death seem to be the necessary prelude to The cross and death seem to be the necessary prelude to

the transcendence of the resurrection, the transcendence of the resurrection, Similarly, in Christian spirituality:Similarly, in Christian spirituality:

one cannot ascend spiritually without first undergoing a dying to one cannot ascend spiritually without first undergoing a dying to self. self.

So too in organic evolution, we can see this pattern of So too in organic evolution, we can see this pattern of cross, death, and subsequent transcendence. cross, death, and subsequent transcendence.

Journey Into GodJourney Into GodHow Does God Act in Evolution?How Does God Act in Evolution?

So how does God act providentially in the process of So how does God act providentially in the process of evolution? evolution?

Christianity rejects the “Deist” view that God designed Christianity rejects the “Deist” view that God designed the universe to produce life, wound it up like a watch and the universe to produce life, wound it up like a watch and has simply let it run on its own.has simply let it run on its own. God’s Spirit remains active as a creative principle in creation. God’s Spirit remains active as a creative principle in creation. As the psalmist declares in Psalm 104:24, 30: As the psalmist declares in Psalm 104:24, 30:

How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures … made them all; the earth is full of your creatures … When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. renew the face of the earth. (NIV)(NIV)

Journey Into GodJourney Into GodHow Does God Act in Evolution?How Does God Act in Evolution?

We can speculate that God acts providentially and We can speculate that God acts providentially and unseen in evolution through some of the unseen in evolution through some of the mechanisms of evolution. God might:mechanisms of evolution. God might: Act on the quantum level to affect some of the genetic Act on the quantum level to affect some of the genetic

mutations that in turn affect the development of species mutations that in turn affect the development of species and the course of evolution,and the course of evolution,

Act through emergent complex systems (“more is Act through emergent complex systems (“more is different”) to influence their self-organizing behaviors different”) to influence their self-organizing behaviors and their effects on their parts (top-down causality)and their effects on their parts (top-down causality)

Journey Into GodJourney Into GodA Creation with Freedom to “Make Itself”A Creation with Freedom to “Make Itself”

While we believe God does guide evolution, God has also While we believe God does guide evolution, God has also allowed the Creation a great deal of freedom to “make allowed the Creation a great deal of freedom to “make itself”itself”

God’s ultimate purpose is to bring forth free creatures God’s ultimate purpose is to bring forth free creatures who can know him and return to him in love, not who can know him and return to him in love, not “puppets” programmed to do what he wants.“puppets” programmed to do what he wants.

Analogy with parent and child:Analogy with parent and child: The parent brings the child into being.The parent brings the child into being. A parent does not coerce the child as it grows, but out of love A parent does not coerce the child as it grows, but out of love

lets the child develop on its own, providing guidance and lets the child develop on its own, providing guidance and direction.direction.

Next Time (Jan 31):Next Time (Jan 31):4. Human Nature: 4. Human Nature:

Embodied Self and Embodied Self and Transcendent Soul, Transcendent Soul,

Part 1Part 1

Sources of Graphics Used in Sources of Graphics Used in This SeriesThis Series

Dark Energy Dark Matter: The Dark Side of the UniverseDark Energy Dark Matter: The Dark Side of the Universe, Sean Carroll, , Sean Carroll, The Teaching CompanyThe Teaching Company

Cosmology: The History and Nature of Our UniverseCosmology: The History and Nature of Our Universe, Mark Whittle, , Mark Whittle, The Teaching CompanyThe Teaching Company

Understanding the Universe: An Introduction to AstronomyUnderstanding the Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy, 2nd Edition, Alex , 2nd Edition, Alex Filippenko, Filippenko, The Teaching CompanyThe Teaching Company

Human Prehistory and the First CivilizationsHuman Prehistory and the First Civilizations, Brian M. Fagan, , Brian M. Fagan, The Teaching CompanyThe Teaching Company

Biology: The Science of LifeBiology: The Science of Life, Stephen Nowicki, , Stephen Nowicki, The Teaching CompanyThe Teaching Company Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and Their Real-World ApplicationsUnderstanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and Their Real-World Applications, David , David Sadava, Sadava, The Teaching CompanyThe Teaching Company

EvolutionEvolution, Douglas J Futuyma, Sinauer Associates, Douglas J Futuyma, Sinauer Associates History of Christian TheologyHistory of Christian Theology, Phillip Cary, , Phillip Cary, The Teaching CompanyThe Teaching Company WikipediaWikipedia Astronomy Picture of the DayAstronomy Picture of the Day HubbleSiteHubbleSite Millennium Simulation ProjectMillennium Simulation Project The Equations, Icons of KnowledgeThe Equations, Icons of Knowledge, Sander Bais, Harvard University Press, 2005, Sander Bais, Harvard University Press, 2005

http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursedesclong2.aspx?cid=1272

http://www.teach12.com/teach12.aspx











http://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Second-Douglas-Futuyma/dp/0878932232/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

http://hubblesite.org/

http://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/galform/virgo/millennium/

http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog/BAIEQU.html

the sacred cosmos: christian faith and the challenge of naturalism 3. evolution: the journey into...

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