g g g 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.
g g g g g 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.
g g g g g 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.
g g g g g 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?” g (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
