Ep 74: The Problem of Evil (Part 13)- Frankenstein, Dinosaurs, & Darwin in the 19th Century

Oct 14, 2020

This discussion explores the 19th-century clash of science and faith, focusing on the implications of Darwin's theories on the concept of evil. It raises questions about whether natural disasters can be attributed to human actions or if they existed long before humanity. The podcast delves into Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' as a symbol of the quest for meaning amid scientific exploration. Listeners encounter the troubling nature of real parasites and the roots of young-earth creationism, all while pondering a new perspective on a God who might be more mysterious than moral.

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ANECDOTE

Frankenstein as Theological Allegory

Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein at just 20 years old, embedding deep theological struggles over evil and suffering.
The creature's existential pain reflects humanity's quest for meaning and abandonment from its maker.

INSIGHT

Anthropocentric View of Evil

Pre-Enlightenment Christian theology often blamed natural evil on humanity's fall, viewing disasters as God's judgment.
This anthropocentric view linked hurricanes, famines, and plagues directly or indirectly to Adam and Eve's sin.

INSIGHT

Enlightenment's Impact on God's Role

Enlightenment science revealed a less personal, law-governed universe reducing God's direct intervention role.
This shrinking God of the gaps challenged the idea of a human-centered cosmos and direct divine causation of natural evils.

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The 19th century marked a time of significant discovery in geology and biology, but with these scientific discoveries came a picture of a much older, more violent, and less human-centric world than people previously imagined. In many ways, it was this era that marked the beginning of the "science vs. faith" debates in Western civilization that continue on to this day.
Can we really blame Adam and Eve's fall for the existence of disease, famine, and natural disasters when it becomes clear that these things were around for millions of years before humans?
Was there an atheistic conspiracy to use this new science to do away with Christianity, or were people like Charles Darwin thrust into a crisis of faith after their scientific discoveries?
Does evolution make God a moral monster, or does it make God's world filled with more mystery and wonder? Is it all just a matter of perspective?

Plus:
-Frankenstein's monster as a theological symbol of this era's quest for meaning,

-the discovery of dinosaurs

-the horrific details of real parasites in creation that act like Xenomorphs in the Alien movies,

-the historical roots of the young-earth creationism apologetics and a priest who said Darwin was right and Christians better start dealing with it.

and so much more!

If you haven't gone through the previous episodes in this extensive series, check them out at :
https://deeptalkstheologypodcast.podbean.com/p/the-problem-of-evil-1572355242/

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