About this episode

Nathan Jacobs examines the compatibility of evolution with Orthodox Christianity through the writings of the Eastern Church Fathers.

Is the theory of evolution truly incompatible with Christianity? Many assume the Church Fathers rejected evolution outright — but is that what they actually taught? In this episode, Nathan Jacobs examines the writings of the Eastern Church Fathers on creation, death, Genesis, and the age of the earth. Rather than asking whether evolution is scientifically true, this discussion explores whether Orthodox Christianity actually requires Christians to reject it. Drawing from figures such as St. John of Damascus, St. Irenaeus, St. Basil the Great, and other early Christian writers, Nathan explores what the Fathers believed about creation, corruption, the Fall, the image of God, and the purpose of humanity. If you’ve ever wondered whether evolution and Orthodox Christianity must be in conflict, this discussion offers a historical and theological perspective that is often missing from the conversation. ====================================== Timestamps: 00:00 Why Evolution and Christianity Are Seen as Opposed 01:19 The Two Biggest Objections to Evolution 04:09 Why the Eastern Church Fathers Matter 05:41 What “Death” Really Means 10:41 Was Death Present Before the Fall? 13:28 Are Animals…

People in this episode

Host: Nathan Jacobs

Topics covered

• evolution
• Christianity
• Church Fathers
• creation
• theology
• Orthodox Christianity

Keywords

• evolution
• Christianity
• Church Fathers
• creation
• Genesis
• theology
• age of the earth

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