Intelligent Design the Future Nancy Pearcey Explains the Surprising Early History of Darwinism
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Jan 31, 2025 Nancy Pearcey, a professor at Houston Baptist University and author of several influential books, delves into the misconceptions surrounding Darwinism. She reveals that many of Darwin’s early supporters were skeptical about natural selection, often believing in divine guidance instead. Pearcey discusses the rift between naturalistic evolution and theistic views, highlighting Darwin's rejection of intelligent design. The conversation also explores the distinction between microevolution and macroevolution, shedding light on misconceptions prevalent in public discourse.
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Darwin's Theory Didn't Immediately Convince
- Darwin's theory initially convinced many evolution had occurred, but not that natural selection was the mechanism.
- Early supporters often believed God or a vital force guided evolution instead.
Origins of Theistic Evolution
- Many 19th-century scientists sought to merge Darwin's ideas with theistic beliefs, starting theistic evolution.
- Asa Gray exemplifies this, trying to reconcile Darwin with God-guided evolution.
Darwin's Rejection of Providence in Evolution
- Darwin rejected theistic evolution, seeing divine guidance as unnecessary if natural selection sufficed.
- He argued divine intelligence as cause removes the theory from the realm of science.
