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At the Heart of Theistic Evolution, an Inescapable Contradiction

Some theistic evolutionists take umbrage at theistic evolution being called “theistic evolution.” In a brief video, philosopher J.P. Moreland identifies the implicit logical contradiction reflected in the name itself.

Professor Moreland, a Center for Science & Culture Fellow, discusses the subject of the new book he contributed to as a writer and editor, Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique. He succinctly identifies the problem, while qualifying that not all forms of TE are caught in this particular trap. Most theistic evolutionists want to retain God as the “guide” behind evolution (hence the “theistic” aspect of their argument). At the same time, evolution by the classic definition is an unguided process. Says Dr. Moreland, “You can’t have a process that is guided and unguided at the same time. That is completely contradictory.”

Moreland also wonders whether, if there can be no scientific evidence for design in nature (as most TE advocates insist), it makes any difference if you say evolution is guided, or unguided. It’s a good question. If they conceded that such evidence can and does exist, they would, of course, be proponents of intelligent design.

David Klinghoffer

Senior Fellow and Editor, Evolution News
David Klinghoffer is a Senior Fellow at Discovery Institute and the editor of Evolution News & Science Today, the daily voice of Discovery Institute’s Center for Science & Culture, reporting on intelligent design, evolution, and the intersection of science and culture. Klinghoffer is also the author of six books, a former senior editor and literary editor at National Review magazine, and has written for the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Seattle Times, Commentary, and other publications. Born in Santa Monica, California, he graduated from Brown University in 1987 with an A.B. magna cum laude in comparative literature and religious studies. David lives near Seattle, Washington, with his wife and children.

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Center for Science & CulturecontradictionCritiquedefinitionevidenceevolutionfaithintelligent designJ.P. Morelandlogicphilosophysciencetheismtheistic evolutionvideo