After it seemed that public debates for and against the theory of evolution were the preserve of the last century, it seems that certain circles have recently been conducting an excited campaign in light of the erosion of this theory's status among the public.
Haaretz newspaper published a survey on public attitudes on questions of faith and society, and the headline chosen screams bitterly: "50% of young Jews in Israel do not believe that humans descended from apes.".
Woe to us, where do we carry our shame...
Built-in contradiction
Beyond the scientific debate over the theory of evolution, there is a built-in contradiction here that for some reason is not being properly discussed.
Those circles that sanctify evolution and treat anyone who doubts it as a heretic, mostly, generally espouse liberal worldviews. It is hard to understand how they do not see the clear contrast between the two.
How does belief in evolution reconcile with the values of equality?
The theory of evolution is based on the assumption that within each species, mutations develop that create stronger and more resilient types in the struggle for survival, and these outcompete and push aside the weaker types.
This principle is the basis, according to the theory, for the evolution of species and the creation of a more perfect adaptation to the conditions of life. And this is the complete opposite of a belief in equality.
Those circles completely reject anything that smacks of racism. But at the heart of evolution is the notion that stronger, more talented, more successful races win in the war for survival, thus creating more advanced and resilient creatures.
If we deny racism and sanctify equality, we destroy the foundation for the possibility of continued development.
And if man does derive from the ape, why is man forbidden what is permitted to the ape? Apes steal from each other, beat each other, and some species also exhibit cannibalism.
No one believes this is immoral behavior. On the contrary, researchers explain that it is a way to ensure that only the strongest survive and win in the struggle for survival. Who exactly decided that this behavior is wrong and immoral for humans, who are nothing more than a slightly more developed ape?
And what is all this talk about the sanctity of life and that every person is 'created in His image'? What sanctity and what 'image' are there in monkeys? Aren't these clearly religious concepts, and when they say 'created in His image' they mean the verse - "In the image of God He created him.".
Is it really a survival game?
It is precisely those who sanctify values of equality, compassion, concern for the weak, and moral values that should have rejected the theory of evolution as destructive and utterly negative.
This is a theory that is entirely based on 'all things are equal', on law and order, where the only 'value' is - who will survive longer than others.
All the moral values we advocate and are proud of are based on the "difference of man from beast," on our creation "in the image of God," and on a unique trait that the Creator bestowed upon us, unmatched in any other creature—the ability to choose freely. Without all of these, human life has no meaning, and we are nothing more than a player in a meaningless game of survival.
So decide – evolution or moral values; to believe that we are sophisticated apes or to know that we are humans, the creations of God!
Join the Haredim 10 Facebook page >>
Join the X page of Haredim 10 >>
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
