Author: Abu Raef
Secularism (Part 24)
The Effects and Consequences of the Theory of Evolution on Western Society
Darwin’s theory and the belief in it, as well as its application in the practical field, have left very negative effects and consequences on Western society. These developments destroyed the small amount of faith and correct belief that remained in Western society and led this society toward widespread atheism, and perhaps even absolute atheism. Although Western society had long ago experienced deviation and atheism in relation to religion and its teachings, as well as the knowledge of the essence of Allah Almighty, this theory, along with the interpretations presented by its supporters, was the last nail in the coffin of faith and religious belief in Western society.
Among the most important consequences of this theory, the following can be mentioned:
1- The Collapse of Religious Belief:
Atheism and irreligion in Western society had also existed before Darwin’s theory, to such an extent that the French Revolution allowed the freedom of atheism with the slogan “Freedom of Belief.” The theory of Newton’s Mechanics also provided significant support to atheists. However, despite this, atheism remained a limited philosophical issue until 1859, as the Christian faith was preserved by strong institutions such as universities and scientific academies, which were under the supervision of academic boards or led by churchmen.
But after this year, the Western world suffered a significant blow because of Darwin’s theory, the false interpretations associated with it, and the unscrupulous exploitation that biased people made of it. Moreover, this theory received unique support. The church, whose position had already been shaken and whose ideas and views had been challenged by scientific theories, adopted a hesitant and non-urgent stance. With the spread of Darwin’s theory, a renewed battle emerged between the church and the supporters of this theory, resulting in the shaking of religious beliefs and the spread of atheism and skepticism toward religious thought in general.
The reason for this conflict between Darwin’s theory and Christian beliefs was that Christianity was more opposed to Darwin’s theory than all other divine religions due to its particular belief in “direct creation.” Undoubtedly, all divine religions believe in the doctrine of direct creation; however, Christianity has emphasized this belief, asserting that it is foundational to the Christian faith. For instance, “European Christianity” believes that Allah Almighty created Adam and Eve and forbade them to eat from the tree of good and evil. However, the serpent deceived them, leading them to eat from that tree and commit an irrevocable mistake, resulting in the human race continuing to bear the burden of this inherited error. Until Allah had mercy on the world and sent his son (نعوذ بالله من ذلک – We seek refuge in Allah from that) as a prophet, he was crucified to save humanity from this error.
This belief is at the core of the church’s teachings; unless a person subscribes to it, they are not considered a believer in Christianity. In this sense, it becomes evident that Darwin’s theory contradicts Christian beliefs; this is because the theory does not accept the manner of human creation as outlined in Christian teachings. Consequently, the narrative of the “first error” and “atonement”—which forms the foundation of Christian doctrine—would unravel like a flimsy and unstable structure.
Continues…
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