Questions Categorized "Basics"

The Basic Questions address topics that are central to the BioLogos mission. We recommend these questions to anyone who is exploring the subject for the first time.

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 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.

Can scientific and scriptural truth be reconciled?

Truth is an increasingly complex notion. Post-modern epistemology challenges the very possibility of even obtaining truth, with some philosophers going so far as to say that there is no such thing as truth to be obtained. Very few scientists, however, accept this pessimistic view.