The Problems with Evolutionary Ethics
While each of the problems with evolutionary ethics listed by McQuilkin
and Copan have great merit, perhaps the most compelling reason to
reject evolutionary ethics lies in their first reason, that “even if our
fundamental moral understanding#were#influenced by biological evolution,
this still doesn’t discount God as the source of morality” (McQuilkin 2017,
180). Even if a person were to assume evolution to be true, they put
forward the question of God’s ability to engineer the process to develop
the requisite morality in mankind (McQuilkin 2017, 180). This problem
with, or argument against, evolutionary ethics supposes that the process
of evolution is true and still shows God’s creative work in humanity.
Evolutionary ethics, as an extension of Darwin’s work, shows that the
predominant behavior of most species is selfish, or, at best, reciprocally
beneficial (Reiss 2019, 801). In the creation account in Genesis, we see
that God created man and woman in his own image; not that humanity
physically#looks like#God, but that humans take on a representative
resemblance of God in nature and characteristics (Gen 1:26-27). As a
representation of God, humans are also obligated to the absolute moral
standards required by God. This requirement is universal to all mankind.
Even though Darwinism denies any direction in the development process
(Ruse 2020, 1), the universality of morals is often perceived by those
without faith as an evolutionary development of humanity. Paul, in his
letter to the Romans, speaks to this by noting that the work of the law is
written on the hearts of all mankind, Jew and Gentile alike (Rom 2:14-15).
Morality requires that mankind operate under the same behavioral
framework (Reiss 2019, 796). This framework is understood in the very
creation of humanity as being the standards of God.
Certainly, each of the presented problems with evolutionary ethics seem
to be developed and presented simply, logically, and coherently. This
presentation is not an overstatement; it allows each argument or problem
to stand on its own in the face of evolutionary ethics in contrast and
refutation. The problems are inevitable if the theory of evolutionary ethics
is considered critically.
Depending on the individual Christian’s view of evolution as either anti-
biblical or by God’s design, lends itself directly to the compatibility of
Christianity and evolutionary ethics. If, as stated above, the individual
believes that evolution and evolutionary ethics is directed by God and by
his design, there is an absolute compatibility. If, however, the evolutionary
basis of creation and ethics are refuted, there can be very little agreement
between biblical ethics and evolutionary ethics.
#
Reiss, Michael J. “Science, Religion, and Ethics: The Boyle Lecture
2019.”#Zygon#54, no. 3 (September 2019): 793–807.
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=lsdar&AN=ATLAiREM191118000683&site=ehost-
live&scope=site.
Ruse, Michael. “Building Blocks of Morality.”#Hervormde Teologiese
Studies#76, no. 1 (2020): 1–10. doi:10.4102/hts.v76i1.6057.
