Abstract

To what extent Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection is compatible with a religious view remains an open question for many, despite being debated in different contexts. The religious reception of the Origin of Species had a lot of impact on this, Darwin himself making additions in the subsequent editions of the book. Besides, in his writings, Darwin makes statements that one could well qualify as arguments regarding the reasonability of the existence of God – arguments that, being primarily skeptical, can be related to theological arguments. Darwin’s described his position as an “agnostic,” not saying that his theory would imply the inexistence of God. As far as natural theology is concerned, it is valuable to identify points he had to deal with as he departed from it throughout his life. This chapter discusses Darwin’s assertions with theological implications, addressing passages of the Origin but also from his autobiography and some of his letters. Moreover, his responses to the Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation are considered, as well as his exchange with Asa Gray and some of his correspondence with other authors.