Evolution and Theology

Evolution and Theology?

The Evolution vs. Adam and Eve Paradox

Question: If we believe in Darwin’s theory of evolution, which posits that humans evolved from a common ancestor shared with apes, how do we reconcile this with the idea that Adam and Eve were the first humans? Were they at some point chimps or proto-humans?
Validity: This is a common question in discussions about the compatibility of evolution and religious beliefs. Some theological interpretations reconcile this by viewing Adam and Eve symbolically, representing the first spiritually aware humans chosen by God after biological evolution produced anatomically modern humans.

Your Point: If humans evolved for survival, not truth, why should we trust human reasoning? This concern has been articulated by Alvin Plantinga, a contemporary philosopher. His argument is called the Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism (EAAN):
- Premise: Evolution selects for traits that enhance survival and reproduction, not necessarily for traits that lead to true beliefs.
- Premise: If naturalism (the belief that only the physical world exists) and evolution are both true, the reliability of our reasoning and belief-forming faculties is questionable.
- Conclusion: If evolution undermines trust in human reason, then belief in evolution and naturalism is self-defeating.
Counterpoint: Critics argue that while evolution prioritizes survival, survival often depends on forming accurate beliefs. For example:
- Early humans needed to correctly identify predators, edible food, and safe environments.
- Abstract reasoning and truth-seeking could emerge as byproducts of survival-enhancing traits.

Your Concern: If belief in God is required to justify human reasoning, but reasoning is also required to believe in God, isn’t this circular?
Validity: This is a valid philosophical critique. It’s a challenge for certain theistic arguments, particularly those relying on presuppositional apologetics, which argue that belief in God is the foundation for rational thought.
Resolution: Not all theistic frameworks are circular. Some argue that reason can lead to belief in God (e.g., Aquinas’s cosmological arguments), while others hold that belief in God is an act of faith that transcends pure reason.

Your Point: If reasoning aids survival, why couldn’t humans evolve the ability to reason?
Answer: Many evolutionary psychologists and philosophers agree that reasoning likely provided survival advantages, such as:
- Enhanced problem-solving (e.g., tool-making, hunting strategies).
- Improved social cooperation and communication (e.g., negotiating alliances, avoiding deception).
- Planning for the future and anticipating threats.
- Over time, these capabilities may have developed into abstract reasoning, allowing humans to pursue truth as a byproduct of survival-enhancing traits.