2009 was a double Darwin anniversary year.
The Theos Rescuing Darwin project aimed to 'rescue' the scientist from the crossfire of a theological battle in which he had little personal interest. The main research project comprised four main distinct and independent elements.
The first element was a report, written jointly by Nick Spencer of Theos and Denis Alexander of the Faraday Institute, which set out to argue that Darwinian evolution does not necessitate atheism and that Christianity and evolution are compatible.
The second element was an independent quantitative research project conducted by ComRes, a leading polling and research consultancy serving clients in the UK, Europe and Asia. This study interviewed a statistically representative cross section of the UK public, in order to assess their understanding and opinion of evolutionary and non-evolutionary views, and their perceived relationship (or lack of it) with theistic, atheistic and agnostic opinions.
The third element was an extended interview with the philosopher Mary Midgley, exploring a wide range of related issues including the history of science, the social implications of Darwinism and Darwin's own beliefs.
The fourth element was an independent qualitative research project conducted by ESRO, an ethnographic research consultancy which aims to bring academic thought and rigour into the world of applied research. This study interviewed leading proponents of creationism and intelligent design in the UK, in order to better understand the underlying discourses and ideas which form the foundations of their theories. Interviews focused on the relationship between their theories and those of Darwin and neo-Darwinists, but the research stood independently of any particular argument or paradigm, and aimed at elucidation, rather than seeking evidence which would promote or detract from any individual stance or argument.
***
Upcoming events
On Sunday 16 May 2010 at 7.30pm, Mr Darwin’s Tree is being performed at Craignish Village Hall, Argyll. The play, written by Murray Watts and starring Andrew Harrison, has been commissioned by Theos as part of its Rescuing Darwin project. The play explores Darwin’s life, and his questions about himself, science, suffering and God.