The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis and Theistic Evolution: A New Dialogue


The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) is making waves in the scientific community, offering a broader and more nuanced understanding of evolution. This shift away from the traditional neo-Darwinian paradigm is bound to have implications for various fields, including theistic evolution. Theistic evolution, the belief that God created the universe and life through the process of evolution, has often found itself navigating the waters of scientific discovery. Now, as the EES gains traction, theistic evolution is presented with both challenges and opportunities for a richer and more dynamic engagement with the scientific understanding of life's origins.

Challenges for Theistic Evolution:

  • Complexity of Causation: The EES emphasizes the multi-faceted nature of evolutionary processes, incorporating factors like epigenetics, niche construction, and developmental bias alongside natural selection. This complexity can challenge theistic evolutionists who have traditionally focused on God's action primarily through natural selection. It may require a re-evaluation of how divine agency interacts with these various evolutionary mechanisms.

  • Emphasis on Contingency: The EES highlights the role of historical contingencies and chance events in shaping the course of evolution. This can be at odds with theistic interpretations that emphasize teleology or a pre-determined evolutionary trajectory. It raises questions about the extent to which God guides or directs the evolutionary process, and how divine providence operates within a framework that acknowledges the role of contingency.

  • Questioning Adaptationism: The EES is critical of the adaptationist program, which assumes that most traits are adaptations shaped by natural selection. 

This challenges theistic evolutionists who may have relied on adaptationist explanations to understand the purpose or design behind biological features. It calls for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between divine purpose and the complex, sometimes non-adaptive, outcomes of evolution.

Opportunities for Theistic Evolution:

  • Expanding the Understanding of Divine Action: The EES's broader perspective on evolutionary mechanisms provides theistic evolution with a wider canvas on which to explore how God interacts with the natural world. It opens up new avenues for understanding divine agency, not just through natural selection, but also through other evolutionary processes like epigenetics or developmental bias.

  • Reconciling Teleology and Contingency: The EES's recognition of contingency doesn't necessarily negate teleological interpretations. Theistic evolutionists can explore how God's purposes can be realized within a framework that acknowledges the role of chance and historical contingencies. It offers an opportunity to develop a more sophisticated understanding of divine providence that is compatible with the complexities of the evolutionary process.

  • Embracing a Dynamic View of Creation: The EES emphasizes the ongoing and open-ended nature of evolution. This resonates with theistic perspectives that see creation as a dynamic and continuous process, rather than a one-time event. It encourages a view of God's creative activity as an ongoing engagement with the evolving world.

The Way Forward

The EES represents a significant paradigm shift in evolutionary biology. For theistic evolution, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. It calls for a re-evaluation of traditional understandings of divine action and design within the evolutionary framework. However, it also offers exciting new possibilities for exploring how God's purposes are realized within the complex and dynamic process of evolution.

Theistic evolutionists who engage with the EES can enrich their understanding of the relationship between science and faith. They can contribute to a dialogue that bridges the gap between scientific discoveries and religious beliefs. By embracing the complexities and nuances of the EES, theistic evolution can continue to evolve and adapt, remaining a relevant and vibrant perspective in an ever-changing scientific landscape.


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