How to Believe in God and Evolution

Many people find it challenging to believe in God and evolution. Some scientists think that the thoroughness of evolutionary evidence makes creation stories irrelevant. Some religious believers think that evolutionary explanations invalidate their belief in the infallibility of inspired scriptures. However, both of these views are flawed because they ignore the central significance of both scientific and creation narratives.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Approach this question as a hypothetical: is it possible for both evolution and the creation of the universe by God to be true?
2. Examine evolutionary evidence. It states that species evolved over time through natural selection. Could evolution be the means of God's creation? If so, evolution answers the how of creation.
3. Read the creation stories. Is there anything about evolution that disputes their claim that God created the world? Creation stories answer the who and why questions which are left unanswered by evolution.
4. Think about the main point of creation stories. Review them and consider the theological and moral significance of the details. For example, does your faith gain anything from knowing how long God took to make the world? The most important point of creation stories in the scriptures is that God created the world, not how He did it.
5. Clear your mind of any prejudices. Spend extra time examining the side that you are inclined to disbelieve.
6. Talk to other people about what they believe. Their explanations can help you understand.

Tips & Warnings

• Some religious denominations believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God's creation of the world. Members of the clergy may be able to help you understand their point of view.
• Evolution does not necessarily mean that humans evolved randomly.
• Information isn't the only thing that matters. Once you are informed, you will have to make a decision about what to believe.