Please show me a source.
And also explain why it to Atheists wether he was or wasn't?
2007-10-16 23:54:55 · 26 answers · asked by Link strikes back 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I've never thought that Darwin was an atheist, and I don't remember seeing the claim here either, though I'm sure a few people must have made it.
It's a non-issue, of course, if the real question is about the truth of evolution. Science isn't about worshipping people. Creationists seem to have a REALLY hard time grasping that fact.
2007-10-17 00:37:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
The only people I've seen claim that Darwin was an Atheist are the Christian Fundies. From what I have read about him, he was Agnostic (but was brought up Christian). I guess Christians assume he was Atheist because many Atheists will site his source in an Evolution vs Creationism debate. Or assume such when someone (again, usually Christian Fundies) brings up "Darwinism" - like it's some kind of religion in itself.
Science is Not Religion. And Religion isn't Science. Once they figure out that those 2 things are different, they might actually get somewhere.
2007-10-17 07:12:25 · answer #2 · answered by River 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I've never claimed that. He was per a letter to a friend an Agnostic.
In 1879 a letter came asking if he believed in God, and if theism and evolution were compatible. He replied that a man "can be an ardent Theist and an evolutionist", citing Charles Kingsley and Asa Gray as examples, and for himself, he had "never been an Atheist in the sense of denying the existence of a God". He added that "I think that generally (and more and more as I grow older), but not always, that an Agnostic would be a more correct description of my state of mind."
2007-10-17 07:01:35 · answer #3 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I cannot find a reliable source but I can see how the internet is misleading for people. Some sources are titled "Darwin the Atheist" and others state that he never declared himself an atheist. I guess people really believe he was an atheist because he obviously didn't believe in God and the Theory of Creation. Instead he chose to believe in Evolution which is completely bogus in my opinion anyway. If it were true then why haven't we continued evolving? Why would we start out as monkeys momentarily and then reach this state of humans and just stop adapting? Plus, if it were true then why hasn't every other species evolved as well?
2007-10-17 07:02:29 · answer #4 · answered by snowbunny83090 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Charles Darwin:
Religion:
Church of England, though Unitarian family background, Agnostic after 1851.
' When asked about his religious views, he wrote that he had never been an atheist in the sense of denying the existence of a God, and that generally "an Agnostic would be the more correct description of my state of mind." When asked about his religious views, he wrote that he had never been an atheist in the sense of denying the existence of a God, and that generally "an Agnostic would be the more correct description of my state of mind." '
2007-10-17 07:02:18 · answer #5 · answered by qxzqxzqxz 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe he was atheist but it is of no importance anyway.
The theory of evolution has nothing to do with whether gods may exist or not. It is simply a factual record of observations of the natural world.
If those observations show that any particular scriptual belief is incorrect, then that is a problem for those who rigidly cling to those beliefs.
2007-10-17 07:01:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Probably from a similar place that Christians get the idea that Charles Darwin denounced his theories on his deathbed.
We all like to think our beliefs are correct.
2007-10-17 06:59:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
He wasn't an atheist. In fact, he thought he was merely holding up God's handiwork by explaining evolution. But the public ran in a different direction with it. It troubled him terribly.
2007-10-17 07:00:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think you need to show your source first ;-)
Where are all these atheists claiming that Darwin was an atheist?
...er....
2007-10-17 07:24:19 · answer #9 · answered by Bajingo 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Why do most people automatically assume that all Atheists follow Darwin like some sort of religion?
2007-10-17 06:58:43 · answer #10 · answered by Vivi 5 · 15⤊ 1⤋