The Questions
The Questions section provides brief but detailed responses to many of the most interesting topics in science and faith. The responses below were originally drafted by Dr. Francis Collins, with the help of several student research assistants, before he was sworn in as Director of the National Institutes of Health on August 17, 2009. Each response has been reviewed by one or more scholars in an appropriate subject area, whose names are listed at the bottom of each response.
How is BioLogos different from Theistic Evolution, Intelligent Design and Creationism?
BioLogos is most similar to Theistic Evolution. Theism is the belief in a God who cares for and interacts with the creation. Theistic Evolution, therefore, is the belief that evolution is the way by which God created life.
What is evolution?
Simply put, the term evolution means a change over time. For example, one might say that laptop computers have evolved over the past decade. But when biologists use the term, they refer to the entire history of life on Earth.
How is BioLogos different from Darwinism or Social Darwinism?
Darwinism is the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection. BioLogos accepts that evolution is true, and sees God as the author of this process. Social Darwinism is a misguided set of beliefs that applies evolutionary concepts to the social realm. BioLogos does not support Social Darwinism.
What is the proper relationship between science and religion?
Science and religion are sometimes thought to offer entirely separate bodies of knowledge. However, science is not the only source of factual statements, and religion does reach beyond the realm of values and morals.
How was the Genesis creation story interpreted before Darwin?
Given the stark difference between evolution and six-day creation, many people assume that Darwin’s theory shook the foundations of the Christian faith. In truth, the literalist six-day interpretation of Genesis 1-2 was not the only perspective held by Christians prior to The Origin of Species.
What were the Christian responses to Darwin?
Many believe that before Darwin published The Origin of Species in 1859, Christians as a whole maintained an entirely literalist interpretation of Genesis. While the majority of Christians accepted the idea of a young Earth around the turn of the 19th century, many examples reveal this was not a strict, unanimous consensus.
What factors should be considered in determining how to approach a passage of scripture?
Applying a method of interpretation to scripture passages can be a daunting task. C.S. Lewis advises us to, “Look. Listen. Receive.” One must carefully study and seek to interpret the author’s intended meaning without projecting meaning onto the text.
If God created the universe, what created God?
There are many popular arguments for the existence of God. However, it is not surprising that the following response is often heard: “If God created the world, what created God?” This is a reply that requires serious consideration.
On what grounds can one claim that the Christian God is the creator?
The creation story of BioLogos is compatible with many faith traditions, and there is no way to give a scientific proof for one monotheistic faith over another. Therefore, this response will simply show the compatibility of Christianity with BioLogos.
How does the evil and suffering in the world align with the idea of a loving God?
The most ancient and persistent objection to God’s existence is the problem of evil. How can a loving, powerful God allow so much evil and suffering in the world? The problem of evil has no simple answer, but many philosophers, theologians and others have developed helpful insights.
