SG>pdd>The theory of evolution started with the
SG>pdd>desire to formulate an alternative explanation to God as creator. It did
SG>pdd>not start solely with the basis of observation. An assumption was made
SG>pdd>that God did not create and the evidence was merely reinterpreted from a
SG>pdd>completely naturalistic and materialistic perspective.
SG>When Darwin went on the voyage he was a firm believer in genesis. What he s
SG>changed his mind - he did not go out with the attitude that God did not crea
SG> Furthermore when he returned from the voyage he did not release his work fo
SG>14 years because he was afraid of what it might do to the faith of the peopl
SG>in Christianity.
Steve,
Darwin was no theistic evolutionist.
I have read Darwin and will categorically state that his basis for
evolution was an attempt to explain origins in the absence of a creator.
I recently posted a quote from a letter he wrote to Dr. Asa Gray
regarding the same.
Darwin rejected Christianity after Beagle and before he published
Origins. His own writings testify to this. True, he did recognize the
effect of his theory on believers. His writings indicate that the delay
was because of his concerns that he may be wrong. He understood the
shortcomings of his theory. Some report that his agony over this led him
to severe illness. There is speculation that after seeing Alfred
Wallace's simultaneous work he may have been prompted to finally
publish.
Evolution did not start solely on the basis of observation. Darwin made
an assumption
that God did not create and the evidence was merely reinterpreted from
his
completely naturalistic and materialistic perspective and bias.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
---"Putting a question correctly is one thing and finding the answer to itis something quite different."Anton Chekhov---------------------------------------------------------------------------Paul Durhampdd@gcc.cc.md.usto: IN:sgooch@sm10.sciatl.comcc: IN:evolution@calvin.edu