The Forces of Evolution

By Arsalan Geula

First presented at the Irfan Colloquia Session #116
Bosch Bahá'í School: Santa Cruz, California, USA
May 30 – June 2, 2013
(see list of papers from #116)

    "The Forces of Evolution" is related to and a continuation of a previous presentation on "General Theory of Evolution and Human Evolution." While keeping in mind the principle of "Harmony of Science and Religion," we will discuss the important question that always arises when we discuss evolution:
    "If we assume that the result of evolution is `the survival of the fittest,' then why nature and evolution should lead to a very complex individual like `homo sapiens' who would be at higher risk of annihilation by natural catastrophes. Single cell organisms and insects have a much higher probability of survival than mammals or humans."
    In discussing this subject we will review the following topics:
    1. Creation: God is the "Creator," the "Sustainer"
    2. Natural force (í�lan Vital).
    3. Entropy: Second law of thermodynamic.
    4. Anthropic Anthropomorphic Principle.
    5. Biocentrism.
    6. The Bahá'í Faith and evolution.
      1. Bahá'u'lláh's Writings.
      2. `Abdu'l-Bahá's Writings.
    It will be argued that these topics are not contradictory. The presentation will include references to many of Bahá'u'lláh's and `Abdu'l-Bahá's Writings, especially of Bahá'u'lláh's Tablet of Wisdom. It will discuss the following points:
    • "The world of existence came into being through the heat generated from the interaction between the active force and that which is its recipient. These two are the same, yet they are different." [Big bang theory]
    • "...indeed created through the irresistible Word of God which is the Cause of the entire creation..." [Emanation]
    • "Know thou, moreover, that the Word of God -- exalted be His glory -- is higher and far superior to that which the senses can perceive, for it is sanctified from any property or substance."
    • "Verily, the Word of God is the Cause which hath preceded the contingent world..."
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