Evolution and Bahá'í Belief : 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Response to Nineteenth Century Darwinism

This is the first and only serious, academic treatment of the subject of evolution in the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. The authors provide an exhaustive discussion of the historical context of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s remarks on and objections to the Darwinian theories of his time, presenting modern alternatives to contemporary interpretations of his remarks. Keven Brown’s essay investigates the religious controversy that has surrounded the subject of evolution, both within Christianity and within Islam, during ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s time. He provides a valuable summary of the views of those the Master called “the philosophers of the East.” Then, from the perspective of modern science, Eberhard von Kitzing discusses the impact of evolution on the study of biology and suggests that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teachings have been widely misunderstood. This book will expand and deepen discussion on evolution in the Bahá’í community.