Was Charles Darwin an Unevolved Christian?

There have been many scholarly and unimpeachable arguments written in opposition to the theory of evolution. Still, people will believe what they want to believe. Evolution theory has been pounded into the heads of children for many decades and it is very difficult to dislodge wrong thinking when so many teach that it is right.

In spite of this theory being promoted in almost every major theme of study (i.e. mathematics, social studies, history, psychology, etc.), the adoption of evolutionary beliefs by both science and academe has done nothing to better our society. No drunkard has repented; no harlot has left her profession; no thief has returned his booty because they were told their ancestors were apes.

Bad people have not turned good. The need for law enforcement has not decreased. Society has not realized a renaissance as result of some scientist shaking old bones at a news camera. The only way to impact positively on society and to change the individual is through the gospel of Jesus Christ the creator.

Recently, I came across comments made by Charles Darwin that would surprise evolutionists and creationists alike. What he said may not cause ardent evolutionists to abandon their erroneous beliefs, but it certainly will give them pause. One cannot deny the truth in Mr. Darwin's words.

He once wrote to a minister in the town where he lived and offered these words…"Your services have done more for our village in a few months than all our (speaking of scientists involved in evolutionary research) effort for many years. We have never been able to reclaim a single drunkard, but through your services I do not know that there is a drunkard left in the village."

Later, while visiting Tierra del Fuego, an island off the coast of South America, Darwin noted that the people were given to savagery and conduct not fit to be written about here. He said it was a "horrifying" place and he departed from that island in complete disgust. But, upon his return to this island after a missionary had worked with the people for many months, he was amazed at the cultural change that had taken place. He acknowledged that the gospel transforms lives. In fact, he was so moved by the work of the mission there that he personally and regularly contributed money to the work until the time of his death.

Perhaps this would explain why in his book on origins he used words like "maybe", "could be", "possibly" and "I think" more than 1600 times. Perhaps his admission of non-social relevance in his work and the obvious positive impact of religion caused him to doubt his own hypothesis. In any event, he doubtlessly had concerns about the usefulness of his theory for society. It is likely that the father of evolutionary theory would himself be saddened to know that it was his useless ideas that took the place of prayer and Bible study in our public schools.

To quote a very famous American "and now you know the rest of the story."

If evolutionists won't believe the evidence of the Bible, perhaps the words of the one they hold in highest esteem will resonate with them. Darwin said that evolutionary theory brings no benefit to mankind; only the gospel does.

Gary Kurz