McQuilkin and Copan give several compelling arguments to the falsity of
evolutionary ethics. h All the problems have destructive implications and point
people away from the truth of God. h One of the most important problems of
evolutionary ethics is that it cannot explain humankind’s origin of dutiful
responsibility. h If this type of ethical belief is based on biological development
from mindless matter, then going from nonrational existence to intellectual
reasoning of how one decides what is morally right and wrong is highly
improbable. h “There’s no difference between whether I
ought
to be moral and
whether I
ought
to be hungry since both are functions of evolutionary
hardwiring.”[1] h Additionally, the problems with evolutionary ethics are inevitable
since it denies a Creator God who is himself moral. h Emphasis is placed on
survival and reproduction, not on truth.[2] h The contrast of beliefs is incompatible. h
On the one hand, evolutionary ethics merits a human’s ability to act ethically as
the result of adapting well to environment. h “Naturalism can only describe how
humans actually do function or behave, not prescribe how they ought to act.”[3] h
But to be and do ‘good’ varies in people’s definition of what constitutes goodness.
Utilitarianism is one example that begins with the assumption that whatever
leads to the most pleasure and benefit is the right course of action. h “Every
person’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord examines the hearts” (Prov.
21:2).[4] h Similar to moral relativism, a denial of an innate human dignity in every
person also dismiss objective truth. h So, someone can be acting responsibly and
have a sense of duty but not necessarily believe that a moral obligation is
necessary or true. h But Christianity affirms that God is the source of objective
morality and the foundation for ethics. h Humankind has the ability to be rational,
moral, and purposeful because they are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-28) –not
products of natural selection. h Uniquely, humans are a dignified creation designed
to reflect God’s character and image. h Only in this context will they rationally
explain the reason behind objective ethical human behavior. h (Word count: 409)
[1] Robertson McQuilkin and Paul Copan,
An Introduction to Biblical Ethics:
Walking in the Way of Wisdom
, 3rd ed. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2014):
181.
[2] Michael J. Reiss, “Science, Religion, and Ethics: The Boyle Lecture 2019,”
Zygon
54, no. 3 (2019): 795, doi: 10.1111/zygo.12549 (Accessed June 1, 2021).
[3] McQuilkin and Copan,
An Introduction to Biblical Ethics
, 181.
[4] Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture references are in the
New American
Standard Bible
.
