Natural Selection- Physical and Spiritual

2. Natural Selection- Physical and Spiritual Charles Darwin (Feb.12, 1809 – Apr.19, 1882) was an English naturalist who changed the world with his Theory of Evolution. Darwin was obviously very bright and intelligent, but he was both wrong and right. He was wrong about Macroevolution- changes above the “species” level. But he was right about Microevolution- changes at and within the “species” level. (donkey + horse = mule; same genus of equine, new species) Charles Robert Darwin at age 51. He had just published On the Origin of Species. (source: Wikipedia)

3. Natural Selection-Physical and Spiritual Charles Darwin also put forth, along with his theory, the supporting idea of “natural selection”. Natural selection is the notion that natural factors such as environment and predation will selectively cull the weaker specimens from a species allowing the stronger characteristics to be passed on to subsequent generations- thus increasing it’s longer term survival odds. Darwin was also right about natural selection, despite how it contradicts his macroevolution through genetic mutation. Charles Robert Darwin at age 51. He had just published On the Origin of Species. (source: Wikipedia)

4. Does “Natural Selection” really occur in our world? • Sure. For example: Why, despite all of modern medicine’s advances, are so many of us sick so much? While environmental factors certainly contribute, think about it further. A few generations ago, infant and childhood mortality rates were much higher. Physically and genetically weaker children just didn’t survive long enough to pass their weaknesses on to subsequent generations by reproduction. What about now? Medical science enables the weaker to live and pass on those weaknesses- thus creating the need for even more medical support for each subsequent generation. So? Go for a degree/job in some form of medical service!

5. Does “Natural Selection” occur in the spiritualworld? • We know the spiritual often mimics the physical world, so what about here? In other words, do “environmental factors and predation” prevent weaker spiritual members from reproducing? Absolutely! Consider the following: • Luke 8:4-15Is this not a “case in point”? • Luke 14:25-35Ditto with this passage! • Acts 5:1ffHere is an example.

6. So as Christians, what are we to do about this spiritual natural selection? • Just accept it as a “beneficial” or a “necessary” part of the process which ultimately ensures survival of the fittest? • Is that what we do in the physical world? Certainly not! Consider the following: • ICor.12:22-26 We are to bestow “more abundant honor” to strengthen them. • Heb.12:12-13“strengthen …make straight paths…but rather be healed.” • see also Matt.18:6,15ff; Eph.4:11-16; Gal.6:1

7. Conclusions: • Just like in the physical world, natural selection is at work in the spiritual world. • But likewise, just as in the physical world, we heal and help all we can to survive and thrive in the spiritual world. • Does this mean there will continue to be more work to do because some who might not otherwise survive are preserved as occurs in the physical world? • Sure, most who are converted to Christ bring worldly “baggage” with them that requires continuing education and healing- but do it anyway because it is the right thing to do! • We unfortunately sometimes only “look for” those who are easy to convert and “would make good Christians”- meaning they would require little maintenance or effort on our part. Not only is this wrong, it may be overlooking a “Paul” or “spiritual Helen Keller”! Remember, the “gospel is for all!”