can i ask the mormons a question?

Question

thank you in advance for informative, thoughtful answers, and not religion- or science- bashing.

i know the subject of evolution can be touchy, and i have some LDS co-workers i've been talking to lately. i'm also doing research in the field of anthropology (evolution and human nature stuff). i don't want to go off on how i believe evolution can explain nearly all aspects of human behavior around them if they don't believe in the theory.

So can anyone tell me what your church's official stance on evolution is? What is ok? Evolution of humans from a single-celled organism? Evolution of non-human animals? Sexual selection? Natural selection? Genetic mutations? Genetics in general?

I have heard from some mormons that evolution is against their religion but maybe i just met some contentious ones.

Answer 1

I don't know about LDS belief, but the Roman Catholic and most of the major protestant denominations don't have a problem with evolution and their religious beliefs. Most denominations recognize a difference between theological ideas and scientific ones. Now, they do say that at some point in human evolution God introduced the "soul" into humans. Some denominations also say that God played a directive role in evolution (but there is no scientific evidence to support that one). With respect to "soul" that's not a scientific concept any way, so saying God introduced a soul into humans at some point doesn't cause a problem for science.

Answer 2

Evolution is everywhere, and we see it on a daily basis, and I think most would agree, regardless of religion. However, I do not believe that there is enough evidence to sport speciation, and this is where evolutionists and creationists come to argue. I could spend a lot of time talking about what exactly creationists find wrong with evolution, and what evolutionists think are wrong about these arguements. However, as pertaining to your question, Mormons are creationists, and believe the earth and all things are organized by the higher powers.

Answer 3

NOTE:

Im not bashing in any way... Im just stating the truth. I have nothing against either Mormons or Atheists.

Most young Mormons are contentious... It is due to the strictness of their lives... Every teen rebels. These have more to rebel from than others so when they fall, they swan dive!

Maybe you could reach the younger ones where the brainwashing/bleaching hasn't taken root yet?

Contact the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints or set up camp outside Brigham Young University?

Answer 4

Y'know, seeing as this question was directed at the LDS, if you're not among that number, perhaps you should just sit back and let them answer instead of answering for them.