What were the personal religious beliefs of Charles Darwin (Rated S for Serious)?

Question

If the man was a Christian, and incorporated into his world view Evolution because of the facts about Evolution, what does it say about his "mind".

What does it say about anyones mind, who despite a religious belief about a God or Gods, would incorporate into their world view, based on scientific evidences and facts collected, a different understanding of nature.

I hope for real answers not sphew.

Answer 1

I'll answer your second question, since I don't know what Darwin believed. I'll answer it with a question. Why could not an all-powerful God or Gods choose the methods of evolution? You can drive a car, but you might choose to walk, to enjoy the process.

Answer 2

He was raised a Christian, and even at one point studied to become a pastor in the Anglican church. He took his trip on the Beagle almost on a whim, and it took him years to understand and codify what he found on that trip meant. He later told people (privately) that his research had made him lean towards agnosticism, since what he found contradicted many religious beliefs. His wife, who was VERY religious, tried early in their marriage to get him to attend church and forget his research, but he continued on (and almost never went to churce past the age of about 25).
In a letter he wrote when he was in his 60's, he told a friend that he still believed in god, or at least had hope that there was one, but did not believe in the god of the christian religion.

Answer 3

His religious beliefs? He was Christian but became agnostic at some point in his life. He did not "convert" to Christianity upon his death bed, that fallacy has been vouched for by the relatives present at the time.

Answer 4

I have no clue on Darwin's religous beliefs.
Personally i believe in the theory of evolution, i think there is more evidence in favor of evolution than there is against it. i also believe there is a god, though i'm not a christian.....

Answer 5

I cannot pretend to throw the least light on such abstruse problems. The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble to us; and I for one must be content to remain an Agnostic. ~ Charles Darwin

Answer 6

The problem is that science has EXTREME limitations. Just because something is "science" doesn't make it true.

The key issue in the origins debate is: What is science?

Unfortunately, western culture has adopted this nonsensical notion that science is truth, and that any belief not originating inside scientific methodology is without any merit. This line of reasoning is false and completely hypocritical.

All human belief is based on faith, and all human belief operates within predefined philosophical parameters (yes, including "science").

-Aztec276

Answer 7

Religion, Church of England, though Unitarian family background, Agnostic after 1851.

Answer 8

Actually there's quite a nice section on Darwin in this week's New Yorker magazine, if you really are serious I suggest you read it.

Answer 9

I thought he was an atheist until his death bed ditch effort at afterlife insurance.
But, that is my take on those who seem logical but still keep a cross around their neck. Just afterlife insurance to make them feel better about the inevitable.

Answer 10

He was a Christian for most of his life and then he had a falling out but near death he became a Christian again. at least that's my understanding of it.