Buddhist and Christian Views on Evolution - Research Paper Example

Buddhist and Christian View on Evolution Charles Darwin is a credited naturalist known for the formulation of numerous theories, including the theory of evolution, which sought to explore the origin of living beings and establish why things happen as they do. Darwin's work raised concerns among fellow naturalist as his theory was contrary to the popular view of many. This revolutionary theory described the nature of struggles involved in a changing habitat, which affected all species including man. Darwin’s theory illustrates the development of complex organisms through mutations to facilitate changes in the habitat of simple ancestral organisms, which explains evolution. Darwin’s theory of evolution erupted a great deal of debate as it challenged traditional religious explanations of the world and nature (Boeree). His work encouraged further research into the concept of evolution and other unsolved mysteries of life at the time. Therefore, it is important to explore the evolutionary theory from various religious perspectives in order to understand how the theory fits in, and this paper focuses on the Christian and Buddhist view of the evolution theory. It is a popular belief in the world that man and all of nature was created by a sacred deity for whom all mankind ought to be grateful. This is evidenced in Christianity with enormous reference to the story of creation in the Bible. However, the evolution theory serves to upset this belief at the expense of most believers who find it imperative to defend and preserve it. Among Christian scholars and believers, the evolution theory denies the role by God as the sole creator of the world while most scientific research ignore divine activity. This is achieved by the proposition of antitheist theories by renowned naturalists who suggest the existence of the world is due to a less explored scientific phenomenon. As such, Christians have always voiced their concerns on scientific theories that contradict the creation theory. The clergy and the Christian community have always united to call for the rejection of the naturalism theories based on philosophical, theological, and historical grounds. As a result, Christianity and the scientific community have always being at loggerheads with each other. Universally, Christians fail to understand how God’s involvement in creation is recognized in events that lack scientific explanations while His overall role is ignored. This illustrates how meaningful divine action is shelved only do be adopted where gaps in human knowledge prevail and a scientific description is lacking (Miller 8). As such, naturalistic proposals such as the evolution theory serves to belittle divine action thus fuel conflict between science and the Christian faith. For instance, Christians and scientists differ on the role of pain, suffering, and death in the world. Among Christians, it is widely accepted that God exercises His sovereignty, transcendence, and providence with regard to natural evil that creates pain and suffering. On the hand, the scientific community readily accepts the theory of natural selection in which Darwin believed that all species had a common ancestor, but evolved to survive due to the process of natural selection. Organisms that fail to adapt to their habitat do not prevail under the new environmental conditions and hence, cannot survive, which explains natural selection where only the strong and mighty thrive effectively. While the scriptures present the evidence of God’s work, scientific theories, in their capacity cast doubts among believers who find themselves convinced by scientific evidence. It is evident that those who profess Christianity have no problem in adopting various concepts and exploits in science, as seen in the adoration given to the laws of science and physics. For this reason, most Christians tend to believe in some aspects of the evolution theory, leaving a majority of them confused since they fail to integrate scientific concepts to their religious beliefs. The main source of such confusion can be traced to modern education system where fierce debate exists among the proponents and opponents of the evolution theory. Significant contrast with regard to the evolutionary theory is provided by the teachings in Buddhism concerning the creation of the world. Buddhism principles are can be indicated as realistic and based on the reality of life, which can be seen. It focuses on real issues of light and a better society for all, which creates a niche in the world. Buddhism indicates that there is no deity involved in creation of the world nor was there a beginning in the universe (Buddhist Text Translation Society 44). In essence, there only exists a transformation of matter to energy in an endless cycle of coming to being. The concept of beginnings according to Buddhists exists only in the realm of illusion. This perspective is also not inclined to the Darwinian theory of evolution and dismisses it as illogical and failing at it very core. The teachings previews major aspects of the evolutionary theory and pokes serious pores in its formulation and existence where the Buddha questions why evolution stopped. Even as Buddhism seeks independence from the evolutionary theory, there is significant evidence illustrating their similarity and compatibility. The Buddha’s view of transformation of matter to energy in various realms of existence seems in support of the evolutionary theory (Carus 41). This is with respect to the ability of animals to transform into humans having being deceased from the world of radiance. This occurs as a never ending cycle of regeneration and replenishing of the world. In addition, Buddhism is indicated among the world’s religions that are largely compatible and most accepting of the evolution theory. This is attributed to the overlap evidently presented by the coming to being of the world regardless of the few issues that the two disagree on. Notably, Buddhism and science disapprove of the creation theory and suggest an alternative in the transformation of matter as well as common ancestry. In light of this, it is only right to suggest a reconciliation between spiritual values and science. In conclusion, Darwinian Theory of evolution continuous to generate enormous debate by posing significant challenges to traditional explanations provided by the religious faculties concerning the world and nature. It is therefore important to recognise the role of religion and science in modern society while respecting boundaries to each belief held by each of the communities. Work cited Boeree, George, Darwin and Evolution.2000 Web. 14 Oct. 13. Carus Paul. The Gospel of Buddha According to Old Records, Open Court Publishing, 2004. Print. Buddhist Text Translation Society. Buddhist Text Translation Society's Buddhism A to Z, Buddhist Text Translation Society, 2003. Print. Miller, Keith. Perspectives of an Evolving Creation, Wm. Eerdmans Publishing, 2003. Print. Read More