Does Evolution have to be conflicted?

Answer 1

If you are referring to the theory of evolution in terms of how it is believed to work in practice then yes, there is conflict. 'Nature red in tooth and claw' is an analogy used to describe the practical implications and operation of 'survival of the fittest.' There is seen to be, in the operation of natural selection, a struggle for survival in which the 'most fit' survive. This conflict is seen as necessary for evolution to progress.

If you are referring to conflict between the theory of evolution and those who believe in either young-earth Biblical creation or Intelligent Design, then yes, there is also conflict here. This arises because the science of evolution contradicts the religious interpretation of some groups.

If you are referring to the conflict between some facts of science and the theory of evolution, then this is perfectly explained by such facts being misinterpeted to suggest evolution is incorrect or impossible. This conflict arises from the above.

If you are referring to the conflict within evolutionary science itself: this conflict is not over the fact that evolution occurs - this is accepted by almost all of the scientific community - but on how it occurs; for example, between gradual evolution and punctuated equilibrium, or between different opinions on the classification of certain species.

Answer 2

For those who accept Old-Earth Creationism, Evolution does not have to conflict with belief in Creation.

1) In order to reconcile Creation with Evolution, Old-Earth Creationism holds that God made the universe and then guided Evolution over long epochs.

2) In repudiation of Evolution, Young-Earth Creationism holds that God created the universe and living things relatively recently without the use of Evolution.

See also:

Is there evidence for Creation?

Can you show that God exists?

Seeing God's wisdom