Religion and Science
2. The Views of Bertrand Russell
~ 39 ~
That is why the issue of evolution has two such
distinct aspects to it. One is its theory, and the other
is its cause. The theory of evolution is said to be a
certainty, whereas the cause of evolution is as yet
unknown. How is it possible for a concept to be
believed with such certainty when the causes are
unknown? It is like saying that the concept of
evolution is a theory for which arguments have yet
to be discovered, but which has nevertheless been
accepted by the evolutionists as an established fact.
That such an ill-founded concept could destroy all
arguments in favour of religion is plainly untenable.
Even were we to suppose that the different living
species came into being through a process of
evolution, Russell’s claim still cannot be proved.
Belief in Russell’s claim entails belief in the
supposition that God could create only at one point
in time and that he could not continue to give life
over a long period. Not only is there no basis for
this hypothesis, but, even were it acceptable, it
would in no way refute the omnipotence of God.
There is a time-honoured belief that it was an
omnipotent God who created amongst other things,
