Evolution Versus Religion

Over the past few weeks we have been learning about evolution in my PDBIO 120 class. I had always thought that evolution was a concept created by scientists to replace religion in their lives. I never recognized the value of evolution or the way that it is the fundamental basis of much of our scientific knowledge. I had previously read Elder Bruce R. McConkie's entry under evolution in Mormon Doctrine, and had found that in his views evolution is an impossiblity, a farce, a lie. However, my biology professor (he actually calls himself an evolutionary biologist) encouraged us to open our minds to the concept of biology. We read through the BYU approved Evolution Packet, and my findings were surprising. Contrary to what Elder McConkie had declared, the statements made by the First Presidency did not seem to condemn the concept of evolution.

Now, some may ask, how can we truly believe in evolution and believe in divine design. Well I would suggest that perhaps evolution IS divinely designed. Now I am not saying that humans are evolved from apes that were evolved from fish--no, the First Presidency statement was definitely opposed to that. Men are from Adam, and Adam from God. We know that. However, they said that what can be proved with science we will embrace with joy. I think that many people in our latter-day saint communities have discounted a viable explanation for the diversity of living organisms.

I personally believe that God has created each living and nonliving thing upon this earth. However, I am very open to the idea that He has caused them to change and vary over time--that evolution is indeed a part of God's mighty plan. For, evolution is not a myth. No, evolution is fact. We have studied different strains of viruses and bacteria evolve quickly to different environments. Rather, the application of this evolution is what contains all the controversy. I say that religion and evolution are not in opposition to one another. I say that they are both essential parts of a brilliant truth. We just must decide for ourselves how to accept and apply each into our own lives, according to the Spirit within us.