Did Charles Darwin believe in both God and evolution?

Answer 1

Charles Darwin originally trained in theology, but it appears that his religious beliefs evolved over the course of his lifetime.

In Origin of Species, published in 1859, Charles Darwin identified himself as a believer in Christianity. However, by the time he had written his Autobiography, Darwin had become a professed agnostic, possibly even an atheist.

In his autobiography: "Whilst on board the Beagle I was quite orthodox, and I remember being heartily laughed at by several of the officers (though themselves orthodox) for quoting The Bible as an unanswerable authority on some point of morality.""... Another source of conviction in the existance [sic] of God ... follows from the extreme difficulty or rather impossibility of conceiving this immense and wonderful universe, including man with his capability of looking far backwards and far into futurity, as the result of blind chance or necessity. When thus reflecting I feel compelled to look at a first cause having an intelligent mind in some degree analogous to that of man; and I deserve to be called a theist. This conclusion was strong in my mind about the time, as far I can remember, when I wrote the Origin of species; and it is since that time that it has very gradually with many fluctuations become weaker."

Evidence of Darwin's diminishing belief in Christianity: "Formerly I was led by feelings such as those just referred to, (although I do not think that the religious sentiment was ever strongly developed in me), to the firm conviction of the existence of God, and of the immortality of the soul.""I gradually came to disbelieve in Christianity as a divine revelation."

"But I was very unwilling to give up my belief ... Thus disbelief crept over me at very slow rate, but was at last complete."

"The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble to us; and I for one must be content to remain an Agnostic."

Darwin also displayed a strong respect for the "Hindoos", "Mahomadans" and "Buddists", showing himself to be a man of moral integrity.

Answer 2:

It is a common myth (one often disproved) that Darwin rescinded his belief in evolution just before his death.

Charles Darwin shifted from belief in Hebrew based Christian doctrine to Stoick Philosophia doctrine. His theory of Evolution is based on the application of the philosophia belief in dialectics and metaphysics.

Philosophia doctrine can be traced directly to Aristotle, where its supposed that he obtained the building blocks of the doctrine from the Oracle of Delphi.

Answer 2

Short answer: Mostly yes.

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His own words:

"When thus reflecting I feel compelled to look to a First Cause having an intelligent mind in some degree analogous to that of man; and I deserve to be called a Theist." (On The Origin of Species, 1859)

"I have never been an Atheist in the sense of denying the existence of God". Thinks that "generally (and more and more as I grow older) … an Agnostic would be the most correct description of my state of mind" (Letter to Asa Gray, 1879)

Let me remind you that Darwin died in 1882, at the age of 73.

Although most creationists regard non-religiousness as a "trend", something that will end when age gathers; we can clearly see that Darwin, in contrary, seems to have lost a bit more faith as he grew old. This can be noted as a proof against any claim of being "senile".

...Returning to the question; as you can see a yes/no answer cannot be given. Darwin, as any other non-religious person, was always searching for a meaning to faith, and this adventure led to his religious views changing minorly over the years. Although it's clear to say, he wasn't religious by any means, in his adult years.

Answer 3

Charles Darwin followed the religion of his mother which was Unitarian which is when you believe in just one God and not the Gods (The Trinity)

Answer 4

Charles Darwin's religious beliefs were that of Unitarian Church, but he was baptized into Anglicanism by his father before.

Answer 5

Darwin's view on religion has been the subject of a lot of interest. he attended a Church of England school. He even studied theology.

Answer 6

Did he except God towards the end of his life