Читать книгу The Handy Psychology Answer Book - Lisa J. Cohen - Страница 182

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) introduced his theory of evolution in 1859. At this point, science had played a central role in Western society for two centuries. Nonetheless, the conflict between science and religion was still ongoing. Whenever science bumped up against cherished religious beliefs, there was tremendous resistance against the new scientific ideas. Prior to the theory of evolution, the variety of life on earth was seen as a product of God’s creation. All creation occurred, according to the book of Genesis, with no changes since. To suggest that animals had changed over time implied that God’s creation was less than perfect. In addition, Darwin’s theory challenged the long held assumption that human beings are entirely distinct from and superior to the animals. In Judeo-Christian theology, human beings were created in God’s own image and given domain over the animals. In evolutionary theory, humans are not different from animals; they are animals and have evolved from other animals. To add insult to injury, we have evolved from apes. We are the cousins of chimpanzees. Unsurprisingly, Darwin’s theory was highly controversial in its day. In some circles it remains so today. Scientifically, however, Darwin’s basic premises have never been seriously challenged.