Bible Quote by William Jennings Bryan
““The only part of evolution in which any considerable interest is felt is evolution applied to man. A hypothesis in regard to the rocks and plant life does not affect the philosophy upon which one's life is built. Evolution applied to fish, birds and beasts would not materially affect man's view of his own responsibilities except as the acceptance of an unsupported hypothesis as to these would be used to support a similar hypothesis as to man. The evolution that is harmful—distinctly so—is the evolution that destroys man's family tree as taught by the Bible and makes him a descendant of the lower forms of life. This ... is a very vital matter.””
About This Quote
The quote argues that evolutionary theory matters only when applied to humanity, fearing that extending it to other species threatens biblical lineage and moral responsibility.
In simple terms: Evolution's relevance is limited to humans.
Key Takeaway
Evolution applied to humans is a moral issue.
Themes
religion
science
anthropology
ethics
human exceptionalism
Mood
concerned
defensive
skeptical
Type
philosophical
theological
scientific
When to use this quote
- theological debates
- education curricula
- public policy discussions
- bioethical deliberations
Key Concepts
evolutionary theory
biblical genealogy
human responsibility
Practical Applications
- defending religious worldview
- critiquing scientific claims
Questions to Reflect On
- How does linking evolution to morality affect public acceptance of science?
- Can scientific explanations coexist with religious beliefs without conflict?
A Different Perspective
Critics argue that scientific evidence for evolution stands independently of religious narratives, and that moral responsibility stems from cultural, not biological, origins.
