Describes
the descent over time with modification of a species, resulting from environmental factors or mechanisms of probability acting upon a population. Commonly used in reference to evolution and evolutionary biology.
Evolution is controversial among several religions including Christianity, more specifically the concept of
Creationism. However, it should be noted that not all Christians refute evolution as a
scientific fact, and furthermore those who accept evolution as a scientific fact are not to be assumed atheist. Using Christianity as an example, these previous statements fuel a debate that undermines both institutions of faith and the growing body of biological science.
(Christianity as the common example.)
A: "If you believe in God, how do you explain dinosaurs?"
B: "They evolved over millions of years and then went extinct."
A: "What about the book of
Genesis?"
B: "I just take it as an
allegory. After all, the Bible is meant to provide a life message, not a history lesson."
A: "Won't you go to Hell for not accepting what the Bible says?"
B: "If I appreciate
evolution as a mechanism by which God shaped this world and us, why should he be angry?"