After Adam WLC invites Lamarck into his heart


William Lane Craig's book Inquest of Historical Adam used the term "evolution" 240 times without defining it. This left readers to assume that Craig was referring to standard evolutionary theory - neoDarwinism.

However, in a later newsletter, Craig disavowed Darwinian evolution in favor of the extended evolutionary synthesis (EES). The EES is a more comprehensive model of evolution that includes factors such as epigenetics and gene regulation.

Craig's shift in perspective is significant because the EES does not allow for Neo-Darwinism, the dominant form of evolutionary theory in the 20th century. Neo-Darwinism holds that evolution is driven by random mutation and natural selection. The EES, on the other hand, recognizes that other factors, such as epigenetics and gene regulation, can also play a role in evolution.

Lamarckism is similar to epigenetics and the EES in that they all suggest that environmental factors can influence the inheritance of traits. 

Lamarckism is the idea that acquired traits can be inherited. This means that if an organism changes its physical characteristics during its lifetime, those changes can be passed on to its offspring.

The following are ways epigenetics is more consistent with the Bible:

  1. The Bible teaches that our environment can have a profound impact on our lives. For example, the book of Genesis says that God cursed the ground after Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:17). This curse is thought to have had an epigenetic effect on the human genome, leading to increased susceptibility to disease.

  2. The Bible teaches that our choices can have a lasting impact on our descendants. For example, the book of Deuteronomy says that the Israelites would be punished for their sins, even if their children were not directly involved (Deuteronomy 5:9). This suggests that epigenetic changes can be passed down from generation to generation.

  3. The Bible teaches that we have the power to overcome our genetic predispositions. For example, the book of Romans says that we are not bound by our sin nature, but can be free through the power of Christ (Romans 8:2). This suggests that epigenetic changes can be reversed through spiritual transformation.

  4. The Bible teaches that we are all interconnected. For example, the book of 1 Corinthians says that "we are all members of one body" (1 Corinthians 12:27). This suggests that our epigenetics are influenced by the people around us.

  5. The Bible teaches that we have a responsibility to care for our environment. For example, the book of Genesis says that God gave man dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26). This suggests that we have a responsibility to protect the environment, which can impact our epigenetics.

  6. The Bible teaches that we have hope for the future. For example, the book of Revelation says that "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). This suggests that one day, all epigenetic changes will be reversed, and we will be free from disease and suffering.

These are just a few of the ways that epigenetics is more consistent with the Bible. As we learn more about epigenetics, we are discovering that it is a powerful force that can shape our lives in profound ways. This new understanding of epigenetics can help us to better understand the Bible, and to live in a way that honors God's creation.

I hope that in the second edition of his book, Craig will expand on his belief in the EES. It would help to bridge the gap between evolutionary theory and Christian theology.


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