Keystone Ep. 8: Yale professor: How evolution supports the plan of salvation
Jul 8, 2024
Yale professor Dr. Samuel T. Wilkinson discusses how evolution can enhance spirituality by highlighting the patterns and guidance seen in evolution. They explore misconceptions about evolution, convergence in evolution, the role of natural selection, evolutionary perspectives on human nature, altruism, and the benefits of marriage over cohabitation. The conversation delves into aligning evolutionary principles with religious beliefs and making controversial topics more approachable.
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Evolution Is Not Purely Random
- Evolution is often misunderstood as purely random, but scientific evidence shows it follows patterns and constraints.
- These patterns suggest higher order principles guide evolutionary outcomes, aligning with purposeful design.
Shipwrecks Illustrate Altruism Advantage
- Two 1860s shipwreck groups illustrate survival of the fittest beyond selfishness: cooperation led to full survival in one group, selfishness led to many deaths in the other.
- This shows survival can mean group success, not just individual.
Evolution Supports Life as a Test
- Evolution supports the idea of life as a test with free will to choose good or evil.
- Our bodies are designed with dual capacities, reflecting the spiritual purpose of mortality.