Science and Hebrew Tradition

The issue of science versus religion is as old as the Renaissance. A new bombshell was brought to this issue when Charles Darwin discovered natural selection as the mechanism of evolution. While Darwin was retiring and reluctant to make his astute observations public, his close associate, Thomas Huxley was less reticent. Known as “Darwin’s bulldog”, Huxley anticipated modern-day discussions on the issue of science and religion. In this sampling of his essays and lectures from the last quarter of the nineteenth century, he leaves no doubt as to his views, which were supported by his own scientific research. Among the topics included here are evolution versus Genesis, the authorship of the Pentateuch, and a history of paleontology. Huxley’s final offering is an anthropological study of the evolution of theology. For the student who wishes to trace the history of this debate, Huxley is essential reading. He was one of the first writers to address the biblical material from the vantage-point of a fully qualified scientist.

Thomas H. Huxley (1825-1895), was a biologist and developed several evolutionary concepts based on Darwin; much of his work was in vertebrate paleontology. Although a fierce defender of Darwin and his theories, he did not always agree with Darwin. He coined the term “agnosticism” to explain his stance on religious belief. Huxley is the grandfather of writer Aldous Huxley.