Origins: Compatibilism Questions
This question last appeared in 2023 so we’re unlikely to see it in 2025 – but it’s still a good question to practice regardless, particularly because of the evaluation element…
If we’re being honest, the knowledge and understanding, and the analysis for Origins questions are very similar from question to question i.e. Life = Genesis 2 and Evolution, Universe = Genesis 1 and Big Bang. But for this question – which simply asks about ‘origins’ it’s possible to just pick and choose a bit more, which makes that aspect of the question a little easier. The key to scoring well in this question is to nail the conclusion. Here’s an example:
To what extent are scientific and religious views on origins compatible?
Structure: Science – evidence – religion – evidence – conclusion
Science
One scientific view on origins is the Big Bang Theory which says 13.8 billion ago all matter and energy was condensed into a tiny singularity before rapidly expanding. KU As it expanded, it cooled down leading to the formation of stars, planets, and galaxies. KU Science then says that life came about due to the theory of evolution – in that simple organisms slowly evolved over billions of year by small changes taking space in subsequent generations. KU It maintains that there is a struggle for survival, so that those who have preferable traits are able to survive and procreate passing those traits on. KU
This means that there is an entirely natural explanation for both the universe and life and God is not needed. A Furthermore, it means that… the Bible is wrong because it says the world is only 6000-8000 years old so it should not be read literally. A
There is evidence to support both of these scientific theories in the form of red shift which shows that the universe is still expanding because when you look through a telescope the edge of universe appears red because it’s shifted towards the end of the light spectrum. KU Also, we know from the fossil record that life has adapted and changed through time as you can see these changes through creatures found within different layers of the earth. KU
This means that it might be possible to find further evidence to support these theories in the future which would mean we would understand them more. A
Religion
On the other hand, Young Earth Creationists have provided an alternative view on origins.
Young Earth Creationists believe that the Bible is the literal word of God and is a ‘witness statement’ to how the world and life came to be. KU
They look to Genesis 1 which says God created the world in 6 days, beginning with light and ending with humans KU and Genesis 2 which says God made Adam from the dust of the earth before He made Eve from Adam’s rib. KU
This means that they reject any scientific evidence and may even view it as the work of the devil. A Furthermore, it means that they can view men and women as having very set roles – as woman was made to be man’s helper. A
Young Earth Creationists believe they have evidence in the form of the Genesis account which must be true as they believe that God is omniscient and eternal. He was there at the beginning and there is nothing that He does not know. KU
Tip: Before you tackle the conclusion, remind yourself of the wording of the question – To what extent are scientific and religious views on origins compatible? Use this language in your answer whilst making clear judgements – ‘I think that… I no not believe that…’
Therefore, I do not believe that scientific and religious views on origins are compatible because the scientific viewpoint clearly contradicts a literal reading of the Bible because in one God is the cause and according to Science the cause is entirely natural. E However, I do think that they are compatible if you merge the two by saying that God is the cause of the Big Bang and Evolution is how God then chose to create. E I think they are compatible in this way because religion is telling you why the universe came to be but science is telling you how – as they are doing different things they are compatible. E
But overall, I also they are incompatible because there is evidence for science but absolutely no evidence for the Bible and therefore only science should be accepted. Science requires evidence and the Bible doesn’t provide any. E Also, there are contradictions in the Bible – Genesis 1 says that man and woman were created together but Genesis 2 says they were created at different times. In science we would look for these kinds of contradictions and not accept these and therefore this account could not be accepted by science and is not compatible. E
