The theory of life
Did you know that the iconic naturalist, Charles Darwin, attended medical school at Edinburgh University? Who says you don't learn anything on Morning Extra?
Well, 200 years after his birth, he's still ruffling feathers with a legacy which continues to polarise scientists and clergy around the world.
It was Darwin, of course, who demonstrated that all species of life have evolved over time from common ancestors with a process he called ''. His work was denounced as "the work of the devil" when it was published a hundred-and-fifty years ago.
Prevailing opinion has certainly changed since then, yet a suggested that more than half the British public believe that the theory of evolution can't explain the full complexity of life on Earth... and that a "designer" must have lent a hand.
That might partly explain why Sir David Attenborough from viewers for not crediting God in his nature programmes, as he revealed in the Radio Times the other week. "They tell me to burn in hell and good riddance," he said. (By the way, you can still catch his recent ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ1 documentary on Darwin on the iPlayer until Saturday.)
So, on Darwin Day, are we guilty of overlooking religious beliefs and placing too much faith in science? And should alternative theories — such as creationism — ever be discussed in our schools? That's the topic of this morning's programme. Please do continue the debate by clicking on the "Comments" link below.
And do check out the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Darwin site where you can find lots more information and links to related radio programmes.
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