What is Darwinism?

The author analyzes Darwin's theory of natural selection, distinguishing natural as antithetical to both artificial and supernatural causes, and contends that the theory excludes design and teleology. He surveys alternative accounts of origins, sets out the theory's core elements, and presents arguments from prominent advocates and critics. The discussion examines the evidence marshaled for and against descent with modification, assesses alleged conflicts between the evolutionary account and scripture or observable facts, traces sources of tension between science and religion, and considers whether acceptance of evolutionary mechanisms implies atheism or can be reconciled with teleological reasoning.