Theistic Evolution and the Problem of Death

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 5 views

Theistic Evolution and the Problem of Death in Creation

The debate between Young Earth Creationism (YEC) and theistic evolution has been a longstanding issue in the Christian community. One of the primary concerns of YEC proponents is the idea that evolution, particularly theistic evolution, implies that God is responsible for the suffering and death of countless creatures throughout the history of the earth. This raises a question about the character of God, as it seems to suggest that He is the author of evil and suffering. In this article, we will explore how Christians who hold to some form of evolution, particularly theistic evolution, respond to this criticism.

The Bible describes creation as a beautiful and perfect world, with God declaring it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). However, the process of evolution, as described by scientists, involves the struggle for survival and the death of countless creatures. This raises a problem for Christians who believe in evolution, as it seems to contradict the idea of a perfect and loving God. YEC proponents argue that this is a blemish on God's character, as it implies that He is responsible for the suffering and death of His creatures.

Theistic Evolution and the Problem of Death

Theistic evolution, a view that combines the scientific theory of evolution with a Christian understanding of God's role in creation, offers a possible solution to this problem. Theistic evolutionists argue that God created the universe and its laws, including the process of evolution, but that He did not directly cause the suffering and death of creatures. Instead, they suggest that God's creation of the universe and its laws allowed for the emergence of complex life forms through the process of evolution.

C.S. Lewis, a renowned Christian philosopher and author, offered a solution to this problem in his book "The Problem of Pain." Lewis argued that the suffering and death of creatures are not a direct result of God's will, but rather a consequence of the fall of humanity and the resulting corruption of the natural world. According to Lewis, God's creation of the universe and its laws allowed for the emergence of complex life forms, but the fall of humanity introduced sin and suffering into the world.

Theistic evolutionists also appeal to the concept of "natural evil," which refers to the suffering and death that occur as a result of the natural world, rather than as a direct result of God's will. This concept is often used to distinguish between the suffering and death that occur as a result of natural processes, such as evolution, and the suffering and death that occur as a result of human sin.

Theistic evolutionists also emphasize the role of human sin in introducing suffering and death into the world. According to this view, the fall of humanity introduced sin and suffering into the world, which in turn corrupted the natural world and led to the suffering and death of creatures. This view suggests that God's creation of the universe and its laws allowed for the emergence of complex life forms, but the introduction of sin by humanity introduced suffering and death into the world.

Theistic evolutionists also appeal to the concept of "redemptive suffering," which refers to the idea that suffering and death can have a redemptive purpose. According to this view, the suffering and death of creatures can be seen as a means of redemption, as they allow for the emergence of new life forms and the development of complex ecosystems.

In conclusion, theistic evolution offers a possible solution to the problem of death in creation. By emphasizing the role of human sin in introducing suffering and death into the world, theistic evolutionists can argue that God's creation of the universe and its laws allowed for the emergence of complex life forms, but the introduction of sin by humanity introduced suffering and death into the world. The concept of "natural evil" and "redemptive suffering" also offer a way to understand the suffering and death that occur as a result of the natural world, rather than as a direct result of God's will.

C.S. Lewis, "The Problem of Pain"
John Haught, "God After Darwin: A Theology of Evolution"
Denis Lamoureux, "Evolutionary Creation: A Christian Approach to Evolution"
Nancey Murphy, "Did God Use Evil? Reconciling God with the Reality of Evil"

Theistic evolution: a Christian perspective on evolution
The problem of death in creation: a theological response
The role of human sin in introducing suffering and death into the world
The concept of "natural evil" and "redemptive suffering" in theistic evolution

Q: Is theistic evolution compatible with the Bible? A: Yes, theistic evolution is compatible with the Bible, as it emphasizes the role of God's creation of the universe and its laws in allowing for the emergence of complex life forms.
Q: Does theistic evolution imply that God is responsible for the suffering and death of creatures? A: No, theistic evolution does not imply that God is responsible for the suffering and death of creatures. Instead, it suggests that God's creation of the universe and its laws allowed for the emergence of complex life forms, but the introduction of sin by humanity introduced suffering and death into the world.
Q: What is the concept of "natural evil" in theistic evolution? A: The concept of "natural evil" refers to the suffering and death that occur as a result of the natural world, rather than as a direct result of God's will.
Theistic Evolution Q&A =====================

Q: What is theistic evolution?

A: Theistic evolution is a view that combines the scientific theory of evolution with a Christian understanding of God's role in creation. It suggests that God created the universe and its laws, including the process of evolution, but that He did not directly cause the suffering and death of creatures.

Q: Is theistic evolution compatible with the Bible?

A: Yes, theistic evolution is compatible with the Bible. It emphasizes the role of God's creation of the universe and its laws in allowing for the emergence of complex life forms. Theistic evolutionists argue that the Bible describes creation as a beautiful and perfect world, but that the process of evolution, as described by scientists, involves the struggle for survival and the death of countless creatures.

Q: Does theistic evolution imply that God is responsible for the suffering and death of creatures?

A: No, theistic evolution does not imply that God is responsible for the suffering and death of creatures. Instead, it suggests that God's creation of the universe and its laws allowed for the emergence of complex life forms, but the introduction of sin by humanity introduced suffering and death into the world.

Q: What is the concept of "natural evil" in theistic evolution?

A: The concept of "natural evil" refers to the suffering and death that occur as a result of the natural world, rather than as a direct result of God's will. This concept is often used to distinguish between the suffering and death that occur as a result of natural processes, such as evolution, and the suffering and death that occur as a result of human sin.

Q: How does theistic evolution explain the problem of death in creation?

A: Theistic evolutionists argue that the problem of death in creation is a result of the fall of humanity and the resulting corruption of the natural world. According to this view, God's creation of the universe and its laws allowed for the emergence of complex life forms, but the introduction of sin by humanity introduced suffering and death into the world.

Q: Is theistic evolution a form of "old earth" creationism?

A: Yes, theistic evolution is often associated with "old earth" creationism, which suggests that the earth is billions of years old and that the process of evolution occurred over a long period of time. However, theistic evolution is not necessarily tied to a specific view of the age of the earth or the timing of the creation events.

Q: Can theistic evolution be reconciled with the concept of a "young earth"?

A: Yes, theistic evolution can be reconciled with the concept of a "young earth." While theistic evolutionists often associate with "old earth" creationism, there is no inherent conflict between theistic evolution and a "young earth" view. Theistic evolution is primarily concerned with the process of evolution and the role of God in creation, rather than with the timing of the creation events.

Q: What are some of the key benefits of theistic evolution?

A: Some of the key benefits of theistic evolution include:

A more nuanced understanding of the relationship between science and faith
A more comprehensive understanding of the process of evolution
A more robust understanding of the role of God in creation
A more inclusive understanding of the diversity of life on earth

Q: What are some of the key challenges of theistic evolution?

A: Some of the key challenges of theistic evolution include:

The need to reconcile the scientific theory of evolution with a Christian understanding of God's role in creation
The need to address the problem of death in creation and the concept of "natural evil"
The need to navigate the complex relationships between science, faith, and culture

Q: How can I learn more about theistic evolution?

A: There are many resources available for learning more about theistic evolution, including books, articles, and online courses. Some recommended resources include:

John Haught, "God After Darwin: A Theology of Evolution"
Denis Lamoureux, "Evolutionary Creation: A Christian Approach to Evolution"
Nancey Murphy, "Did God Use Evil? Reconciling God with the Reality of Evil"
Theistic Evolution: A Christian Perspective on Evolution (online course)

Q: How can I get involved in theistic evolution community?

A: There are many ways to get involved in the theistic evolution community, including:

Joining online forums and discussion groups
Attending conferences and workshops
Participating in local church groups and Bible studies
Reading and engaging with theistic evolution literature and resources

Q: What are some of the key implications of theistic evolution for Christian theology and practice?

A: Some of the key implications of theistic evolution for Christian theology and practice include:

A more nuanced understanding of the relationship between science and faith
A more comprehensive understanding of the process of evolution
A more robust understanding of the role of God in creation
A more inclusive understanding of the diversity of life on earth

Q: How can theistic evolution be used to promote a more positive and inclusive understanding of creation?

A: Theistic evolution can be used to promote a more positive and inclusive understanding of creation by:

Emphasizing the beauty and wonder of the natural world
Highlighting the diversity and complexity of life on earth
Celebrating the role of God in creation and the emergence of complex life forms
Encouraging a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the relationship between science and faith.