The Bible and evolution: Opinions amongst southern African clergy and theologians from the Reformed church tradition

Peet J Van Dyk

doi:10.4102/ve.v34i1.776

Abstract

The main objectives of the present study were to determine the opinions of southern African clergy and theologians (from the Reformed church tradition) about evolution and faith and to assess their degree of knowledge regarding the biological theory of evolution. A total of 1720 structured electronic questionnaires were sent out via email to all clergy belonging to the �Nederduitse Gereformeerde� and �Hervormde� churches, of which 89 were received back. The SPSS 20 statistical program was used to conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of these data. Most participants were positive about the theory of biological evolution, but expressed the belief that evolution should be seen as a process guided by God. However, most participants failed to appreciate the fact that this view was contrary to the non-teleological nature of the biological theory of evolution and failed to distinguish between what should be accepted in faith and what can be demonstrated or �proved� (e.g. as is common in intelligent design circles). Many participants were not clear about the finer aspects of evolutionary theory and therefore often believed common misconceptions about it. In conclusion, one could say that participants were positive about evolution and, at least nominally, agreed with non-fundamentalist views of the Bible.

Highlights

Since Charles Darwin ([1859] 1968:130–172) suggested natural selection as a plausible mechanism for biological evolution, his theory has been controversial
In southern Africa, such creationist tendencies are inter alia evident from the regularity with which southern African theologians and clergy are confronted by questions from ordinary or lay people regarding the age of the earth and biological evolution
Most of the respondents (71.0%) resided in cities or big towns, whilst 18.0% stayed in Discipline New Testament Old Testament

Summary

Introduction

Since Charles Darwin ([1859] 1968:130–172) suggested natural selection as a plausible mechanism for biological evolution, his theory has been controversial. It was, for example, perceived as a major threat to faith and the authority of the Bible by the Anglican bishop of Oxford, Samuel Wilberforce (University of Cambridge 2012:n.p.). Radical creationist views have remained problematic to many Christian theologians and clergy and are by no means limited to the USA, but are prevalent in other regions of the world (cf Dawkins 2009:4, 431). In southern Africa, such creationist tendencies are inter alia evident from the regularity with which southern African theologians and clergy are confronted by questions from ordinary or lay people regarding the age of the earth and biological evolution. What is even more disconcerting is the fact that such enquirers often assume that theologians and clergy, as a matter would agree with the radical views of prominent American creationists (personal observations)

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Discussion

Conclusion