"Evolution can be seen as God's way of carrying out his job of creation, so there is no need to assume it is in conflict with religion." (source: Psychology and Religion: An Introduction by Michael Argyle, page 3)
On a personal level as well as on that of religious belief, I disagree with this statement. The task I have set myself is to write an informed piece of argumentative/ persuasive writing on the subject, using this statement as a title. The first draft is due by April 11th and the final draft by May 16th. For research, I will be reading a minimum of three tomes on the subject, as well as various pages online. These pages will all be noted here.
Ta-da.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Argyle_%28psychologist%29
- Research the writings of Keith Ward (Regius Professor of Theology, Oxford University Church c.1996)
- "Evolution has not been able to explain human consciousness or our concern with rationality, beauty or morals." (source: Psychology and Religion: An Introduction by Michael Argyle) - find additional sources and expand.
- Examine Freud's theory of religious ritual being purely obsessional neurosis. Are there other psychologists who agree with this at all? What do others say? Is it totally unfounded, as Argyle says?
- Remember: non-ontological approach, on some levels.
