What if Theologians Took Evolution Seriously

Abstract

A noted theologian who has been engaged in the dialogue between theology and science invites readers to reflect on how a serious consideration of evolution could impact our lives, particularly our understanding of suffering. An evolutionary lens can change a view of suffering perceived as rooted in past human offenses and the need for expiation to one open to eschatological hope for all life in our world. I f theologians took evolution more seriously than they have in the past, I believe it would lead to constructive shifts in our thoughts about God, the meaning of our lives, our sense of human destiny and the meaning of suffering and redemption. By evolution I mean the conventional Darwinian—and now neo-Darwinian— understanding of the journey of life on earth. It would be salutary for theology to steep itself fully in the best and most up-to-date versions of evolutionary biology. Like all science, Darwin’s portrait of life is subject to constant revision. However, what will remain, no matter how much science shifts in the future, is the disclosure of life’s long struggle. And taking into account the pre-human chapters of evolution can allow theology to give voice to the silent striving of an entire universe, and not just human life, for the redemption promised by God. I shall focus my comments on the suffering in evolution. However, it is necessary first to look at the question of whether evolution admits of any plausible theological interpretation whatsoever. After all, many Darwinians subscribe to a