Buddhist and Christian Views on Evolution - Research Paper Example

?Xiujuan Bai Christ and his world Carpenter 10/13 Buddhist and Christian View on Evolution Charles Darwin is a credited naturalist known for theformulation 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. Eventually, evolution of organisms over time leads to presence of a stronger and a more complex species. Darwin’s theory of evolution erupted a great deal of debate as it challenged traditional religious explanations of the world and nature (Boeree 26). 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. this leads to extensive knowledge on the various impact evolution has on world religions and what the reactions are. As such, 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. Everything in the world was created by God and is still under control of God. 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 ignores 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. To them, it is a violation of what is divine and contrary to the widespread belief of a powerful God who is capable of doing anything including creating. 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 serve 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. Their insights eliminate and supernatural power having an impact on existence of living things. 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. The confusion is seen by the religious leaders in Christianity as not appropriate for the firmness of the Christian doctrine. As such, they engage in strong debates to dismiss the insights of the evolution theory in an effort to avoid the shaking of Christian faith in the concept of God’s creation. Criticism of the Christian belief of the creation account rages in many quarters. The Christian perspective is attributed with rigidity and failure to accept presentable facts. As far as evolution goes, critics of the creation account argue that there is vivid evidence over time to support Darwin’s theory of evolution. However, the Christianity section does not relent in justifying that there is a supernatural being to whom everything on this earth is attributed. However, there are those open minded individuals who are willing to listen to insights aired by both accounts and evaluate them independently based of evidences. 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 teaching previews major aspects of the evolutionary theory and poke 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. Buddhism fully accepts this account of transformation in a sequence and also associated with karma. Even though Buddha did not have a lot to say in relation to the origin of the universe an the origin of life, it is observable that dharma was quite open minded about evolution. According to evolution, the humans evolved from other existing life forms . This implies that humans are new models that develop from old models. Due to that assertion, modern humans and the previous moderns must have identical DNA and genes. This composition is close to 96% of the genetic material found in chimpanzees. This serves to affirm the Buddhist faith that humans are irrecoverably interlinked and dependent on the life of other forms. This implies that humans are diverse branches found on a larger tree. This signifies the evolution sentient earth life. The circumrotating idea comes back to affirm that Buddhism actually has an element of evolution entrenched in its faith. The belief of rebirth practiced by Buddhists is a type of evolution faith. Both rebirth and evolution are based on cause and effect. It is a common belief in Buddhism that the consequences of human actions and certain activities will remain as part of the “spiritual DNA” (Smith 47). This is the basis of determination for what a person will evolve into after the prevailing state that Buddhists find themselves in. In validation, the principles of physics affirm that matter can neither be created nor destroyed. The only way to deal with matter is through transformation from one form to another. This principle supports the Buddhist evolutionary teaching about rebirth. However, the issue of rebirth is very sensitive as it cannot be fully linked to all the insights of evolution. It employs the basic ones. Another Buddhist belief that bases its existence and shows insights of evolution entails blending back of bodies into a larger plane. The plane entails existence and living in other life forms such as flowers, food or trees through decomposition of our bodies which are rich in nutrients in the fertile soil of the earth. This creates a chance for other forms of life to proceed with evolution and retain the beauty of the earth (Smith 55). This means that human lives are catalysts for evolution according to Buddhism. This Buddhism perspective of human life and evolution can be liken to running a relay marathon where one person hands over the baton to another runner who continues with the race. This belief serves to fend off opposers who assert that Buddhism is contrary to evolution. In fact, it integrates it to the system of beliefs and practice therefore serving as an element in the doctrine. The insights are direct and traceable to many Buddhist practices. The Buddhist idea of impermanence embodies the idea of evolution. In impermanence, Buddhism affirms that there is absolutely nothing that is bound to exist forever on this earth. At one point or another, they will cease to exist and become extinct. Almost 90-99% of earthly things will cease to exist (Smith 88). When a certain species exist, Buddhism incorporates the insights of evolution by emphasizing that other forms of life will emerge and subdue the initial species. It will not be in a position to cope thus the emerging species will eventually be in a position to takes and fill the void left by the extinct species. This is in line with Darwin’s concept of species developing to maintain ac competitive advantage. Though Buddhism asserts that humans have the best chance at emancipation from suffering, there is still a link to that long chain of evolution of species 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 reconciliation between spiritual values and science. A counterpoint suggest that it is not appropriate to harmonize evolutions and Buddhism completely even though Buddhism does not seem to have major problems with Darwinism as exhibited by monotheist religions. It is arguable that for a fact Buddhism talks about evolution to great extent but not reaching to the level of populations. The notions of evolution in Buddhism refer to the journey of a person through a karmic stream in which he assumes differentiated forms and passing through different environments as per the regular laws of conditioning and cause. In the context of Buddhism, there is no stipulation of whether the transformation entails a process of simple to complex or lower to higher as stipulated by Darwin in his evolution theory. According to Darwin, the transformation leads to formation of advanced and complex individuals that ere well adapted to the prevalent environment. The support for this idea comes from rebirth according to Buddhist beliefs. Therefore, the lack of clarification in the Buddhist element of evolution leaves room to think that Buddhism does not agree to all insights that evolution puts forth (Smith 124). However, it is important to assess the sensitivity and attention to details that Buddhism has in relation to matters of evolution. In conclusion, Darwinian Theory of evolution continues to generate enormous debate. It poses significant challenges to traditional explanations provided by the religious faculties concerning the world and nature. There is a lot of room to argue based on the beliefs of different people and religions. 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. There ought to be careful considerations of individual elements put forth by the evolution theory while trying to analyse its relation to religious beliefs. Despite the conclusions made, there is no assertion that fails to have counter points. The interesting tale of evolution can only continue to bring further debates now and in the future. The Christian faction is particularly very vocal on the issue of evolution as they seek to avoid corruption of the mind of its followers. It is understandable, as well as efforts by other contrary factions as there exists freedom of choice and expression. 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. Smith, Kaelyn. A guide to Buddhism: beliefs, practices, history, terms and more. Billings, MT: Websters Digital Services, 2011. Print. Read More