Did the Early Church Even Know About Evolution?

Many people are aware of what the earliest Christians contributed to the field of theology, but fewer know that these men faced ideologies and philosophies that would sound very familiar to modern ears. Though Charles Darwin (1809-1882) popularized the idea that human beings evolved from ape-like ancestors, it’s important to note that evolutionary ideas didn’t originate with Charles Darwin.

For example, the ancient Greeks held to evolutionary ideas and the Apostle Paul engaged with two schools of Greek philosophers during his time in Athens (Acts 17:16–18). One of those groups, the Epicureans, promoted a very materialistic and humanistic set of beliefs. Author Bodie Hodge provides us with some helpful context:

"The Epicureans were the evolutionists of the day! They held to a belief derived from Epicurus that there was no God or gods as they would be made of matter too and that over long ages matter (specifically atoms, where we get the name today) gave rise to life and that life gave rise to higher life such as mankind. Though, not all Epicureans left God (or the gods) out of it. Some mixed it."

How did Paul respond to individuals who clearly weren't biblical creationists? Well, he went back to the Genesis account of history and worked his way forward from there:

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation" (Acts 17:24-26; emphasis added).

The phrase "one blood" is a striking confirmation from Paul that there is only one race, the human race! Furthermore, he made it clear that God created "all things" as opposed to all things coming about by natural random chance processes. It is interesting to note that early Christians were quickly forced to “... earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3) as they battled destructive heresies and other false theologies that threatened to undermine the basic truth of God as the Creator.

One of these defenders of the faith, Athanasius (A.D. 296), was keenly aware of the Epicurean worldview. In his book On the Incarnation of the Word, Athanasius wrote the following:

"In regard to the making of the universe and the creation of all things there have been various opinions, and each person has propounded the theory that suited his own taste. For instance, some say that all things are self-originated and, so to speak, haphazard. The Epicureans are among these; they deny that there is any Mind behind the universe at all. This view is contrary to all the facts of experience, their own existence included."

By the same token, Basil (A.D. 329) warned his readers by exposing them to the heart of evolutionary philosophy:

"... avoid the nonsense of those arrogant philosophers who do not blush to liken their soul to that of a dog; who say that they have been formerly themselves women, shrubs, fish. Have they ever been fish? I do not know; but I do not fear to affirm that in their writings they show less sense than fish."

Now I personally would refrain from saying that certain people are less intelligent than fish, however, Basil’s observation is very true in that evolutionary ideas are clearly at odds with both logic and evidence. By now it should be evident that not only were early Christians aware of evolutionary ideas, but they recognized such concepts as being the result of man's foolishness and pride.

Conversely, the Bible is clear about our origins:

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27).

It’s obvious from the evidence around us that we have a Creator. Ultimately, though, while it is helpful to know that many men and women of God throughout history have held fast to the biblical account of origins, our appeal shouldn't be to the fallible, changing opinions of men. At the end of the day, our appeal should be to the infallible, unchanging Word of our unchanging Creator!

Thanks for reading,

Angel