Theologian Challenges Compatibility of Evolution and Christian faith in New Lecture
leuven – A recent lecture by Dr. Mart-Jan Paul, Professor of Old Testament at the Evangelical Theological Faculty of Leuven, scrutinizes the viability of theistic evolution – the belief that God utilized evolutionary processes to create life. The lecture, titled Theïstische evolutie – een begaanbare weg? (“Theistic Evolution – A viable Path?”), was livestreamed by the Logos Instituut on April 12, 2022, and is now available for on-demand viewing.
The debate surrounding theistic evolution centers on reconciling scientific findings with biblical interpretation, a challenge impacting Christian students, scholars, and believers seeking a cohesive worldview. Dr. Paul’s analysis, informed by his book Oorspronkelijk – overwegingen bij schepping en evolutie (“originally – Considerations on Creation and Evolution”), questions whether adjustments to biblical texts to accommodate evolutionary theory compromise core Christian tenets. The discussion carries meaningful weight as it addresses the ongoing relationship between faith and science and the potential for theological compromise.
In the lecture, Dr. paul examines recent publications to assess claims that evolution and Christianity can coexist with minor revisions to scripture, suggesting that evolution isn’t merely random but divinely guided.He investigates whether such a synthesis requires unacceptable alterations to the basic Christian message.
Dr. Paul is a prolific author on theological subjects and serves as an editor of the twelve-volume Studiebijbel Oude Testament (Old Testament Study Bible), published by the Center for Biblical Research.The lecture is available to view here. Further reading on the topic is available through the Logos Instituut webshop: https://webshop.logos.nl/winkel/boeken/oorspronkelijk-overwegingen-bij-schepping-en-evolutie-3e-druk/.
