i i i Evolutionary ethics posits that “
our ethical beliefs have developed through evolution
to help us survive and reproduce
” (McQuilkin 2017, 180). In other words, morality is a
result of the evolution of a person’s social, cultural, environmental or intellectual
faculties. Morality is NOT due to divine revelation or because of any innate rational
faculties.
i i i i According to Atheist Michael Ruse, humanity’s sense of duty and right and wrong
is due to “
biological worth and that morality is a corporate illusion “fobbed off on us
by our genes to get us to cooperate
” . (pp. 180). So, morality is a deceptive notion. If
this is the case, there are fallacies in the theory. First, the theory does not rule out God
as the source of morality, even if the fundamental moral understanding was
influenced by biological evolution (p 180). Second, the sense of human dignity is
embedded in our legal system, which is also outlined in the Bible (Proverbs 11:3;
Matthew 7:12; 22:36-40; Romans 13: 1, 8-10 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, to name a few).
Thirdly, if evolutionary ethics is a product of material, valueless, or mindless
processes, then one cannot trust his or her beliefs, because those beliefs would be
produced through non-rational forces beyond their control. Lastly, and the most
compelling reason to reject evolutionary ethics, is there is no explanation for the
origin of said “duties” or “oughts,” in humans, in a universe of electrons and self-
replicating genes (p. 181). Further, evolutionary ethics does not explain how
individuals distinguish between good and evil.
i i i i Evolutionary ethics thinkers appear to be faulty in their thought process. They are
more “interested in” surviving rather than truth-seeking (pp 181). They can describe
how humanity actually functions or behaves, but are not able to prescribe how they
should act. If they do not accept something as known, they create their own process
and their worldview, which ultimately disregards the supernatural or anything
unexplainable. This thinking is irrational and in many places contradicts itself. If a
worldview internally contradicts itself, then it is considered false because it is self-
defeating its own truths.
i i i i A question in our reading asks, “Why couldn’t God engineer this process to produce
in us moral beliefs or conscience that reflects God’s own moral character?” i (p. 180).
The author opines that God does just that. Humanity was created by God (Gen 2:7 15-
25), in his image and likeness (James 3:9). Believers were created with a rational
nature, intelligence, and volition with a moral responsibility to God. God created
everything
out of nothing, through His spoken word that was entirely of his own power
and will (Psalm 33:6,9). God also upholds and sustains the universe by the word of his
power (Heb 1:3). God also gives believers free will; freedom to choose. Thus, it is up
to us to choose whether to do good or evil. Morality often lies within the social
instincts. It is based upon reasoning and not evolved emotions.
Word Count: 488
Bibliography
McQuilkin, Robert, and Paul Copan. 2017.
An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking
in the Way of Wisdom.
Downer’s Grove, IL
