5.3 Scientific advancements and religious doubt

Scientific advancements in the Victorian era shook religious beliefs. Darwin's theory of evolution challenged the idea of divine creation, while geological and paleontological evidence supported his ideas. This sparked a crisis of faith for many Victorians.

The rise of agnosticism and scientific materialism further challenged traditional religious views. Higher criticism of biblical texts and the emphasis on scientific explanations led some to question or abandon their faith entirely.

Evolutionary Theory

Darwin's Theory of Evolution

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• Charles Darwin developed the theory of evolution by natural selection
  • Proposed that species evolve over time through the inheritance of advantageous traits
  • Advantageous traits increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction, passing these traits to offspring
• Darwin's theory was supported by evidence from various scientific fields, including geology and paleontology
  • Geological evidence showed that the Earth was much older than previously thought, allowing sufficient time for evolution to occur
  • Paleontological evidence revealed the existence of extinct species and transitional forms, suggesting that species change over time

Natural Selection as the Mechanism of Evolution

• Natural selection is the primary mechanism driving evolution
  • Organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment have a higher likelihood of survival and reproduction
  • Over time, these advantageous traits become more prevalent in the population, leading to the evolution of species
• Natural selection acts on the existing variation within a population
  • Variation arises from genetic mutations and sexual reproduction
  • Individuals with traits that are less advantageous are less likely to survive and reproduce, causing those traits to become less common in the population

Religious Doubt

Crisis of Faith in Victorian Society

• The emergence of evolutionary theory and scientific advancements led to a crisis of faith for many Victorians
  • The concept of evolution challenged the literal interpretation of the Bible and the idea of divine creation
  • Scientific discoveries and explanations for natural phenomena undermined the need for religious explanations
• Higher criticism, the scholarly analysis of biblical texts, further contributed to religious doubt
  • Scholars questioned the historical accuracy and authorship of biblical texts
  • This led to a reexamination of traditional religious beliefs and interpretations

The Rise of Agnosticism and Scientific Materialism

• Agnosticism gained popularity as a response to the challenges posed by science and higher criticism
  • Agnostics believed that the existence of God could not be proven or disproven
  • They emphasized the limitations of human knowledge and the need for open-mindedness in matters of faith
• Scientific materialism emerged as a worldview that prioritized scientific explanations over religious beliefs
  • Proponents argued that the material world was the only reality and that everything could be explained through scientific inquiry
  • This perspective challenged the traditional role of religion in providing answers to life's questions and moral guidance