Do Christians believe in evolution? It’s one of the most common questions people ask when they’re trying to make sense of both their faith and the world around them. Sometimes it feels like you have to choose: believe the Bible, or believe science.
But what if the debate isn’t as clear-cut as it seems?
The tension between faith and science—and in the Christian sphere, between creationism and evolution—has been around for generations. At the heart of it lies an honest question: does evolution contradict the Bible?
Christian Views on Evolution
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Do Christians believe in evolution? Some do, and some don’t. If you were to ask someone who identifies as a Christian what they believe about evolution, they will probably fall into one of three categories, defined by three schools of thought:
- Old Earth Creationism: the belief that the earth is billions of years old and views the six “days” in Genesis as symbolic of longer time periods.
- Theistic Evolution (or Evolutionary Creationism): the belief that God is the creator of the earth and used evolutionary processes widely theorized by scientists as the way life developed over time.
Christians may not agree on how creation happened, but they agree on who made it. These views differ on the “how,” but they all agree on one central truth: God created everything.
Does Evolution Contradict the Bible?
When you compare the theory of evolution presented by science and the account of the creation of the world we see in the Bible, the two seem contradictory. But it’s helpful to take a closer look at what the Bible—specifically the book of Genesis—is actually trying to tell us.
Genesis wasn’t written as a scientific research study. It was written in a cultural moment filled with myths about how the earth was created, and by whom. Often, these myths painted pictures of gods who created the world by violence, or even by accident!
Genesis paints a radically different picture, presenting one good, powerful god who brings order, beauty, and intention into creation.
The Bible’s creation story answers deeper questions than science can:
- What kind of world did God intend?
Science, on the other hand, seeks to explain how the world was created.
So, does evolution contradict the Bible? It depends on how you’re reading Genesis. For many Christians, evolution and Scripture don’t conflict—they complement one another by answering different questions.
Can Christians Believe in Both God and Science?
Yes! Faith and science aren’t enemies. In fact, they can be strong partners.
Science explores the physical world: gravity, biology, physics, and how things work. Faith helps us make sense of the deeper meaning behind it all—our purpose, our identity, and our hope.
This idea isn’t new. Even early church leaders like Augustine, who wrote more than 1,500 years ago, suggested that the days of creation in Genesis might not be literal.
Today, many Christian scientists, theologians, and pastors embrace both evolutionary science and the truth of Scripture. They see the process of evolution as something that God used, not something that happened in place of him.
Don’t Shy Away from the Tension
So, does evolution contradict the Bible? Many followers of Jesus would say it doesn’t. Instead, it gives us a reason to be in awe of our Creator. Hebrews 11:3 puts it beautifully: “By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.”
It’s okay to wrestle with big questions like these. That’s part of growing your faith!
If you’re exploring what you believe, know this: God isn’t intimidated or offended by your questions. He welcomes them. So, keep digging, keep seeking out information, and keep asking!
FAQ: Christianity & Evolution
Can Christians believe in evolution and still follow the Bible?
Yes. Many Christians see no conflict between evolutionary science and biblical faith, especially when Genesis is read in its intended theological context.
Does the Bible say the earth is only a few thousand years old?
No. The Bible doesn’t give an exact age of the earth. Young Earth timelines are based on interpretations of the creation account in Genesis.
Is it okay to not have all the answers?
Absolutely. God honors honest questions and thoughtful exploration! Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith—it deepens it.
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For a deeper conversation about evolution, check out this episode of The Evidence Podcast, a 6-episode series that dives into the biggest questions around faith, the Bible, and more.
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