Planet Bahá'í

Darwin is back in Kansas, Toto. (Poor Kansas. It just can't seem to escape those annoying Wizard of Oz jokes, can it?) Kansas voters gave the boot to conservative Republican members of their state Board of Education in the recent primary elections, opting for moderate candidates who have vowed to return the teaching of evolution to schools. Since the Democratic contenders hold similar views on the subject, this is effectively a defeat for creationists. (The relevant news articles are no longer online.)

The fight between evolution and creationism continues. This certainly won't be the end. Meanwhile, over in this corner, Bahá'ís maintain that there is no conflict between true science and true religion. Reality is one. How can that which describes the physical aspects of reality be in conflict with that which describes the spiritual aspects of reality? Denial of either is denial of our true selves, and that can only lead to trouble. Science without religion degenerates into materialism, while religion without science degenerates into superstition. Both are vital concerns of the human race. Conflict can only arise when one or the other (or both!) are misapplied or ignored.

Regarding the importance of science, 'Abdu'l-Bahá said:

To oppose knowledge is ignorant, and he who detests knowledge and science is not a man, but rather an animal without intelligence. For knowledge is light, life, felicity, perfection, beauty and the means of approaching the Threshold of Unity. It is the honor and glory of the world of humanity, and the greatest bounty of God. Knowledge is identical with guidance, and ignorance is real error.

(Some Answered Questions, p. 137)

Strong words, but are they not true? The Theory of Evolution represents the best knowledge available regarding the history of life on Earth. It is accepted by the overwhelming majority of scientists precisely because it explains observations about life and the fossil record better than any other theory that has been proposed. No scientific idea should be dogmatically accepted, and indeed one of the most critical jobs of any scientist is to try to shoot holes in her colleagues' work, but to oppose the best available knowledge on religious grounds is nothing but folly. History is full of such folly, and every time it has been science, not religious dogma, that has been vindicated.

Bahá'u'lláh swept away the foundations of conflict between science and religion through three key teachings:

Harmony of science and religion

There can be no conflict between true science and true religion. God created both the spiritual and the material, and both are aspects of reality. If a conflict exists, it is the result of misunderstanding. Moreover, both are necessary for human advancement. Properly practiced, science and religion each contribute to individual and collective well-being. Engaging in scientific work is regarded as an act of worship.

Symbolic interpretations of the ancient Holy Books

Ancient creation accounts, including those found in the Bible, are not to be taken literally. They are allegorical tales designed to impart spiritual truth. They should not necessarily be regarded as historically or scientifically accurate. Indeed, Bahá'u'lláh notes that these ancient accounts differ so much in their details that it is clear they are not accurate histories. "Please God thou wilt turn thine eyes towards the Most Great Revelation, and entirely disregard these conflicting tales and traditions." (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 174-175)

Universal compulsory education

All children must receive a full education. The primary responsibility for this is placed upon parents, who are commanded to see to the education of their children in both spiritual matters and in the sciences and arts. Bahá'u'lláh stipulated, however, that such sciences as are conducive to progress should be studied, and not those which "begin with words and end with words." (Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 52)

I personally have never understood the resistance to scientific ideas regarding the history and development of the universe, the Earth and life. There is no contradiction whatsoever between the notions that God created the universe and that the universe, including life, has evolved and continues to evolve according to comprehensible natural laws. Myself, I stand in awe of a God who is capable of calling existence into being and endowing it with such potency that it can under its own power (which in reality is nothing less than His power!) unfold all the potentials He placed within it, including stars, planets, life, and intelligence. Knowing the creation is one way of knowing the Creator.

Upon the inmost reality of each and every created thing He hath shed the light of one of His names, and made it a recipient of the glory of one of His attributes.

(Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 65)