Survival of the Fittest: According to the Books of Scripture and Nature

Seminary Commons

The focus of this research is to portray a relationship between the teachings of the books of Scripture and Nature on the issue of the survival of the fittest. Scripture narrates the principle of the origin of life from the divine creation and a fall from its perfect and harmonious state. Nature reveals the fallen state of the creation in which the principle of life appears to be the survival of the fittest. In response to this situation, this poster poses the following questions. Do the biblical teachings on creation and fall provide a context for the principle of the survival of the fittest? Is this principle indicated or implied in the following biblical phrases: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, . . . “cursed is the ground . . . thorns and thistles will it bring forth” (Gen 3:15, 17–18); “let both the tares and the wheat grow together” (Matt 13:30); “they that persist to the end will be saved” (Matt 24:13); “I press towards the goal” (Phil 3:14); “let us run with perseverance” (Heb 12:1)?