Using a Reconciliation Approach to Teach Evolution May Help Religious Students Remain Faithful

Authors

Danny Ferguson
Ethan Tolman
Spencer Shumway
Cassidy Shively

Keywords

evolution, creationism, Latter-day Saints

Abstract

Many religious people struggle to accept the theory of evolution, and about 40 percent of Americans reject the theory outright, preferring a literalist, creationist account that confirms a young earth.1 As Latter-day Saints ourselves, we understand the trepidation surrounding the idea that perhaps evolution contradicts our belief of an earth created by a loving Father and Savior. People may feel that the scientific theory of evolution implies that there is no need for a God or that our existence is simply an accident. As college-age youth, we are familiar with the struggles that students face as they confront evolution in their science classes. We are saddened by, but sympathize with, the growing trend in our generation to leave organized religion, preferring instead to embrace the alternative path of secularism.2 It is no wonder that we feel such deep conflict, having been bombarded by misinformation and conflicting messages from the world around us.

Recommended Citation

Ferguson, Danny; Tolman, Ethan; Shumway, Spencer; and Shively, Cassidy (2025) "Using a Reconciliation Approach to Teach Evolution May Help Religious Students Remain Faithful," BYU Studies: Vol. 64: Iss. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol64/iss2/7