Dr I John Mohan Razu
Professor of Social Ethics
Evolution versus Creation narratives have pushed serious question leading to pointed contestations dates back to several centuries, Biologists and Biblical scholars have entered into serious debates centring around scientific and faith domains. Biologists point to several millions, whereas biblical scholars do not exactly pitch that everything from void to creation dynamic. The theory of evolution explains how living things change over generations. It states that all species share a common ancestor which is diverse in life forms developed through natural selection.
Whereas a creation narrative enjoins cultural or religious explanation how the universe and host of others—living and other species came into existence. These narratives use symbolism and supernatural elements to answer fundamental human questions about origins, our place in the cosmos, and the foundations of societal values. The theory of evolution was founded by the English naturalist Charles Darwin based on the concept of evolution by natural selection in his 1859 book, on the origin of species.
Another scientific explanation that influenced scientists is the Big Bang theory that explains the origin of the universe. It proposes that the cosmos began as an infinitely hot, dense singularity about 13.8 billion years ago. From that point scientific queries expanded and stretched into the vast expanse we know today and continues to grow. On the contrary, biblical scholars generally agree that the Genesis creation accounts (Genesis 1 and 2) primarily emphasise theological truth—such as God as the sovereign Creator, the inherent goodness of the world and humanity’s purpose—rather than serving as a literal scientific textbook.
What we see is the contestation between science and faith, leading to extremely opposite tangents. On this Narayanl Ganesh in his brief reflection in “The Speaking Tree” entitled Biological & Spiritual Convergent Evolution in The Times of India “says“ Convergent evolution occurs not just in biology; it is evident in the spiritual domain as well. Some species who have never been in physical proximity or in communication, have shown startling similarities in the way they evolved. This is also true of the various schools of philosophies and beliefs across cultures.”
Substantiating further, he says that “This is also true of the various schools of philosophies and belief across cultures. Are similarities in evolution of species and belief y systems, despite their geographical distance from each other, simply coincidental, or is there a deeper mechanism at work here?”As said evolution biologists and biblical scholars when it comes to creation narratives and scientific queries there are a few areas converge. What are those at work that prompts convergence? It is interesting to dive into these queries that provide responses.
Narayan Ganesh brings in “Joh Volght, studying the blue octopus – so small that it fits in the palm of your hand – found near Darwin Island in the Galapagos in 2015, calls it Microeledone galapagensis.
She identified it as a member of the Microeledone genus, which only has one other species. Microeledone m the two species were oblivious of one another, but their ancestor may be from somewhere between these two locations.” At the same time, Volght notes that “this is an example of convergent adaptation, or the independent development of similar traits as they took separate paths into the deep sea. Like this there are 300 species of octopuses of varying size, shape, and colour”!
The author adds that “In the bio-world there are estimated 8.7 mm species, point out scientists, most of which we have not discovered yet. The range and diversity is as wonderful and is complicated, but these are all about life getting created and beings living on the same planet, evolving in same or different geographical locations, and staying alive as long as they can, living and letting others live.” How to reckon with the fact that there are millions of species evolve in multiple locations letting others to live too.
According to Naryanl Ganesh that “There are approximately 4,000 to 5,000 religions, faiths and belief systems—all coming under the larger genre of spirituality/religion. Convergence-despite absence of proximity and no to communication – has been at work here, with similar affirmations, goals and methods to achieve satori or enlightenment, or to simply live a sustainable life of non-violence.” What he is saying that evolutionary biologists keep discovering new set of species that keeps going the body of knowledge that concerns evolution.
He continues by saying that “World religions have more similarities than difference. Perhaps dissimilarities are evident in methods adopted or rituals performed, but at their core, goals and beliefs are more or less the same. Similarities include the effort for the little self to merge with the higher Self., while acknowledging oneness of all beings, and realising the truth of interconnectedness and the need for peaceful inter-being. Values and virtues upheld are those of non-violence, compassion, kindness, humility and selflessness.” The problem is thinking of us as high-selves thereby reducing other species as lesser creature in value and estimation.
Rajarshi Royopines that “We have to lose ourselves to find ourselves, die to come to life, and give, so as to receive. In every major spiritual tradition, we are taught that we cannot experience joy, delight, and happiness by actively pursuing them.”I’m remind of Jesus Christ who explains the concept that appears in John 12:24 that “Very truly I tell, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
At this juncture, I want to bring-in Dietrich Bonhieffer who said while responding to the hangman who asked him his last wish before dying for which Bonhoeffer responded that “Death is not the end, but a continuum” and calmly climbed up where the rope was and faced the death daringly because for him death meant something else. So, creation and evolution though embark on opposite premises basing their arguments belief and proof, they converge on some which we need to take note of. Contestation continues, but offering clarity and cogency are important.
