Darwin, Evolution and God: The Present Debates - Professor Alister McGrath

How can faith be rationalised against the theory of evolution? Is conflict inevitable, or might faith complement Darwinian science? This lecture sets the scientific and religious context for Darwin’s theory of evolution, before considering this theory and the challenges this raised for traditional religious beliefs. In particular, we will consider some issues raised by Richard Dawkins in his Blind Watchmaker (1986) and The God Delusion (2006). The lecture will then conclude by looking at “social Darwinism”, particularly the controversial question of eugenics. If we understand how evolution happens, can we – and should we – take control of the process? The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website: