Can evolution be consider a religion?

Question

Well can it?? I am not too sure but what i am sure of someone is going to tell me very soon!! I hope.

What i meant by religion is a set of rule by which you live you life.

Answer 1

It is A belief.

Strictly speaking, a religion has either a supernatural power at its centre or is a faith with a system of beliefs that are spiritual. Those are the two most common meanings when we use that word

If you were trying to define yourself by the kinds of things you hold to (live by, as you said), you would probably be part of a more common category, like atheist or humanist. Which is what you would put down in the 'Religion' section of an application form, say. However, some of those who are part of recognised form of religion, may also believe in evolution. It is just a belief. Not going into how doing so would lack integrity.

Even the most factual details are taken on and accepted (believed) when it makes sense to us. To understand and to believe in gravity can be two different things.

I can understand the principle of aerodynamics happening on the wings of the 747 I am sitting in. But I could still have a fear of flying (cos I don't believe that it's power is enough to lift the plane). That's not to necessarily explain the nature of phobias.

Religion usually deals with spiritual truths or morals to live by. They are accepted by faith. There is no proof that it is better to live by them.

For example there is no valid proof that it is better for someone to not be a liar. It's just accepted [or seen] by faith to be something wrong or immoral.

A quote by Augustine - 'seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand' shows that there is an aspect to spiritual things taken on by faith (believed) inspite of lack of hard evidence that still makes things clear to our understanding. So it will be obvious and clear why lying is wrong (both personally and at large) to someone who is living by it.

Evolution is dealing with the physical world (of biology) and offers an explanation of the diversification and specialisation of species. And not necessarily much to do with morals, faith, beliefs and spiritual aspect of our lives. To some, it offers a non-faith-based complement (along with the Big Bang Theory) to Creationism. But to a believer, God will always play a role, be a part of the picture ( He started the Big Bang).

Answer 2

Absolutely.
All ideas about the past are just that - ideas.
Noone can prove what happened in the beginning, or can prove how long ago the beginning was. All we have is evidence in the present.
There are basically 2 ideas on origins - millions of years of evolution or recent creation. Some people try to combine the two by having millions of years with some recent creation on top.

The 2 opposing positions are based on different sets of assumptions or worldviews.
Creation is based on the belief that God created and he has revealed in the Bible quite a bit about what happened in the begining.
Evolution is based on the belief that there is no God and everything can be explained by natural or materialistic processes.
Creation is thus part of the religion of theism, and evolution is part of the religion (or philosophy) of atheism.

Lots of articles for in depth reading at the link below.

Answer 3

On the contrary, by providing an alternate scientific theory for life on earth which denies God's hand in it, 'evolution' has proved to be the most effective 'anti-religion'. Even more so since religion, almost all the major ones, propagate fixed ideas and refuse to evolve themselves in tune with time changes.

I would say the exact opposite of religion today is the theory of evolution.

Answer 4

But religion isn't just a set of rules, it's more tha that. I don't think evolution can be considered a religion, maybe a belief or something, but not necessarily a religion.

Answer 5

No. Sane people don't consider evolution a religion. Evolution is the process by which life develops. There is no link with religion, except that evolution makes religious people throw up - which is nice.

Answer 6

Define 'religion'.

I can religiously wash my hands 20 times a day. I guess that evolution can be a basis for a faith in something unseen or unknown.... since there is still an argument between creation and evolution, going on throughout the world.

Answer 7

Not just evolution but science as a whole - yes, I think it could. It governs the lives of some people, sets rules for them to live their lives by, gives them a sense of placement, something to believe in, it's own field-leaders and helps people do good for the world. I think those are the basic criteria of most religions aren't they?

Answer 8

No. because a religion needs some kind of god. Evolution is science. The religious keep trying to claim that because they're desperate to make their religion look better and take personal slams against those that believe the facts of science over works of ancient fiction.

Answer 9

religion is what u believe makes sense of life (faith) if 4 u evolution makes sense of life then 4 u it is a religion. what makes sense 4 u is what matters because at the end of the day it is u who needs 2 understand.

Answer 10

Religion is a term for beliefs based on a "god", a super-natural power that people think can give them favors and judges their behaviour.

Nature (basis of evolution) is a higher power, but not a god- just the natural process of the universe. Evolution is a natural process to be understood and learned from, not one to be negotiated. (As in prayed to for favors) . Not a religion.