Is theistic evolution biblical? What is theistic evolution?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Theistic evolution is an interpretation of Genesis which maintains that God's mechanism for creating life was the evolutionary process. Some versions of theistic evolution deny the literal existence of Adam and Eve, which raises questions about the doctrine of original sin. Theistic evolution includes a range of views about the extent to which God intervenes in biology. These range from a form of Deism, to progressive evolution, to evolutionary creationism. All of these come with challenges, and some (such as Deism) are flatly unbiblical. Interpreting Bible passages to accommodate theistic evolution is (ideally) an effort to uphold the truthfulness and inerrancy of Scripture, while accepting the scientific consensus about biological history.

Jesus affirms God’s designed creation of Adam and Eve (Matthew 19:4-6). The New Testament affirms that Christ is the Creator (John 1:1-5; Colossians 1:16-17). Jesus is also the second Adam, a new and greater representative of humanity. Through His obedience and sacrifice, Jesus brings redemption and restoration to all people (Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49). Any potentially valid version of theistic evolution must account for a literal Adam, and a literal fall into sin. We cannot ignore what Paul and Jesus said when they tell us that Adam was the first human (image-bearer of God) to exist and that Jesus the second Adam.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Genesis 1-2 is the account of how God created the world and life. Like old-earth creationism and similar views, theistic evolution does not take Genesis 1-2 literally. Instead, it considers the creation account as a poetic overview, or an exalted prose narrative. Theistic evolution contradicts the literalist view that creating plants and animals “after their kinds” means they were instantly formed without change or evolution. Theistic evolutionists generally believe in Darwinian (not directly guided) evolution, and that evolution produced Adam and Eve as the first humans. Various scenarios are proposed for how they became the first to have a spiritual relationship with God. All such theories are met with a level of controversy within the Christian community.
• Genesis 2:7 uses a Hebrew verb for “formed” which implies a process over time, which theistic evolutionists see as support for the idea of God using a process such as evolution.
• Psalm 19:1 indicates that creation demonstrates the Lord’s work. Theistic evolutionists contend that the evidence seen for evolutionary change is a record of God’s design and sovereignty over nature. Proverbs 18:17 indicates that our initial conclusions can be incorrect, so we should be open to maintaining truth while adjusting our interpretations.
• Psalm 94:7-9 refutes any suggestion that God is unaware or uninvolved in the creation of mankind.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 highlights several parallels between Jesus and Adam, the first human created by God. Adam’s disobedience led to sin and death (Genesis 3), while Jesus’ obedience to God’s will result in salvation and eternal life (Hebrews 5:8-9).
• Colossians 2:8 warns believers against following false reasoning which seduces believers from ultimate faith in Christ. Christ not only confirmed the creation of life (Matthew 19:4-6), but that He was the Creator (John 1:1-5; Colossians 1:16-17).
• Both Jesus’ supporters (Matthew 16:21–23) and His enemies (John 5:39–40) misinterpreted Scripture. Believers should be equally careful not to abandon core truths (Hebrews 10:23), nor refuse to consider that traditional views might not be accurate (Mark 7:9–13).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Theistic evolution encompasses a wide range of views. Most theistic evolutionists believe in God-guided common ancestry. That is, they claim that God used evolution to “form” mankind from natural materials (Genesis 2:7). Some, however, integrate the blind watchmaker into their theology. The blind watchmaker thesis is the idea that evolution proceeds solely through unguided, unintelligent, purposeless material processes (a form of Deism). That would present a logical fallacy; it makes no sense to speak of God guiding an unguided process. However, most who support theistic evolution believe God can guide evolution in the same way He can guide weather: what appears “random” to us is really His sovereign and eternal creative choice (John 3:8; Psalm 148:7–8).

Scripture clearly shows the historicity of Adam and his role in originating sin through disobedience. Were sin is treated as purely biological, it would distort the doctrine of sin, leading to a poor understanding of atonement and even the gospel. But from Scripture we know sin is a spiritual reality and that death entered the world through human sin (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). This seems to leave no room for Adam to be anything other than a literal person.

Some theistic evolutionists even point to the limitations of Darwinian mechanisms as evidence that God is influencing or guiding the development of life. Further, many theistic evolutionists note that questions about ultimate origins of life (the first living things) are distinct from questions about how that life changed. The first biological life doesn’t seem possible other than by a direct act of God (e.g., Genesis 1:26).

UNDERSTAND

• Theistic evolution presents unique challenges to interpretations of sin and salvation.
• Theistic interprets Genesis allegorically; some versions take an unbiblical view regarding God’s involvement in His creation.
• Theistic evolutionists note that the Apostles’ understanding of the Messiah was drastically wrong, but Scripture was not. This, they argue, can also apply to traditional assumptions about God’s creation: that new evidence can demonstrate biblical truth while also refuting fallible human interpretations of God’s Word.
• Theistic evolution can be compatible with core doctrines of sin, salvation, and God’s role in creation. However, these interplays are not without significant controversy.
• Believers who reject theistic evolution should be careful not to misinterpret the beliefs of those who accept it.
• Believers who accept theistic evolution must carefully consider how—or if—it functions with respect to critical ideas such as original sin.

REFLECT

• How does your understanding of Adam and Eve's creation shape your view of sin and salvation?
• What challenges do you encounter in alternative theories of creation?
• How do we distinguish between a challenge to traditional views, versus a denial of truth?
• How does acknowledging Jesus as both Creator and Redeemer influence your daily walk with God?

ENGAGE

• How can we encourage one another to uphold the truth of Scripture in discussions about creation?
• How can the historicity of Adam and Eve impact our understanding of the gospel message?
• What practical steps can we take to address the tension between biblical doctrine and worldly philosophies in our communities?