Evolution and Faith: What Is at Stake?

Abstract

Darwinian theory seems to challenge religious trust in a providential God who purposefully creates, influences and eternally cares for the world. Traditional Christian thought had no knowledge of biological evolution, although theologians were certainly aware of the suffering of humans and other living beings. Evolutionary science vastly extends the story of life and life's suffering (and creativity as well) beyond those of traditional theological awareness. After Darwin can we come to an understanding of God that is both consistent with biblical faith and at the same time fully open to the findings of evolutionary biology?