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Evolution and Eden: Balancing Original Sin and Contemporary Science
In this fascinating study, Jerry Korsmeyer examines how an evolutionary perspective impacts on a traditional understanding of original sin. He reviews the history of the doctrine as well as the church's interaction with the theory of evolution. Using clues provided by evolution and process thought, the author suggests an interpretation of original sin that incorporates both modern Catholic scholarship and scientific evidence. Ultimately, he moves toward a theology of evolution.
- GenresScience
176 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1998
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February 9, 2015
The Genesis account of creation is not a literally historical, scientific account. The Catholic doctrine of original sin, based on the writings of St. Augustine (354-430), Anselm of Canterbury (1033-110), Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), and the Council of Trent (1545-1563), holds that the earth was once a paradise without death or suffering. By the sin of Adam, the first man, the whole human race was alienated from God; Adam and his human descendents were changed in our nature, and made subject to suffering, physical death, and death of the soul unless redeemed by the grace of God.
What to make of the scientific discoveries of the last 150+ years? The evolution of all creation from the time of the Big Bang, the singularity 13.7 billion years ago, ushering in space, time, matter...formation of the earth 4.5 billion years ago...the beginning of living bacteria 3.5 billion years ago...amphibians 350 million years ago, followed by reptiles...dinosaurs 225 million ya, the first mammal 200 million ya, the first bird 145 million ya...extinctions and renewed life. Hominids (humans and their direct ancestors) 5 to 8 million ya. Over the last 2 million ya, the human species have developed increasing brain size, tool-making, walking upright, language, art, belief in an afterlife, and search for a Creator. Death was not the result of sin, but arrived perhaps a billion ya when unicellular life evolved propogation by sex.
A number of theologians are working to examine the doctrine of original sin in the light of these scientific discoveries. "There is no need to insist that all humans can be traced to Adam and Eve to insure that all require redemption," writes Jerry Korsmeyer in this compelling 1998 book. "The human race is united by its destiny in Jesus Christ, not by direct descent from Adam. All humans require the grace of God because they are human, the product of an evolving, self-seeking universe... The human need for redemption, salvation, or atonement through Jesus Christ is necessary because of what we are, selfish by nature and nurture. The sins of the world flow from our genetic heritage which has evolved in a struggle for survival, from human relationships that seek the security of the local group, and from human institutions designed to stabilize power for the interests of their founders."
The fact of evil in our world is clear. The human need for help beyond our own capabilities -- a redemption, a salvation -- is clear as well. May the kind of careful examination found in Eden and Evolution continue toward reformulation of the ideas of evil, sin, and redemption in ways that enlighten our day.
What to make of the scientific discoveries of the last 150+ years? The evolution of all creation from the time of the Big Bang, the singularity 13.7 billion years ago, ushering in space, time, matter...formation of the earth 4.5 billion years ago...the beginning of living bacteria 3.5 billion years ago...amphibians 350 million years ago, followed by reptiles...dinosaurs 225 million ya, the first mammal 200 million ya, the first bird 145 million ya...extinctions and renewed life. Hominids (humans and their direct ancestors) 5 to 8 million ya. Over the last 2 million ya, the human species have developed increasing brain size, tool-making, walking upright, language, art, belief in an afterlife, and search for a Creator. Death was not the result of sin, but arrived perhaps a billion ya when unicellular life evolved propogation by sex.
A number of theologians are working to examine the doctrine of original sin in the light of these scientific discoveries. "There is no need to insist that all humans can be traced to Adam and Eve to insure that all require redemption," writes Jerry Korsmeyer in this compelling 1998 book. "The human race is united by its destiny in Jesus Christ, not by direct descent from Adam. All humans require the grace of God because they are human, the product of an evolving, self-seeking universe... The human need for redemption, salvation, or atonement through Jesus Christ is necessary because of what we are, selfish by nature and nurture. The sins of the world flow from our genetic heritage which has evolved in a struggle for survival, from human relationships that seek the security of the local group, and from human institutions designed to stabilize power for the interests of their founders."
The fact of evil in our world is clear. The human need for help beyond our own capabilities -- a redemption, a salvation -- is clear as well. May the kind of careful examination found in Eden and Evolution continue toward reformulation of the ideas of evil, sin, and redemption in ways that enlighten our day.
July 2, 2009
1st Recorded Reading: June 2001
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