Describes the descent over time with modification of a species, resulting from environmental factors or mechanisms of probability acting upon a population. Commonly used in reference to evolution and evolutionary
biology.
Evolution is controversial among several religions including Christianity, more specifically the concept of Creationism. However, it should be noted that not all Christians refute evolution as a scientific fact, and furthermore those who accept evolution as a scientific fact are not to be assumed
atheist. Using Christianity as an example, these previous statements
fuel a debate that undermines both institutions of
faith and the growing body of biological science.
(Christianity as the common example.)
A: "If you believe in God, how do you explain dinosaurs?"
B: "They evolved over millions of years and then went extinct."
A: "What about the book of Genesis?"
B: "I just take it as an allegory. After all, the
Bible is meant to provide a life message, not a
history lesson."
A: "Won't you go to Hell for not accepting what the
Bible says?"
B: "If I appreciate evolution as a mechanism by which God shaped this world and us, why should he be angry?"