What is Darwinism?
by Charles Hodge
About this book
Charles Hodge's *What is Darwinism?* cuts through the scientific and theological confusion surrounding Darwin's revolutionary theory with scholarly precision and clarity. Published in 1874, this influential work examines the fundamental question at the heart of nineteenth-century intellectual debate: what does Darwinism actually claim, and what are its implications for religious belief?
Hodge masterfully distinguishes between the scientific doctrine of evolution and the atheistic philosophy some attributed to it. He systematically explores competing theories of origin—from scriptural and pantheistic perspectives to Herbert Spencer's evolutionary doctrine—before dissecting Darwin's theory of natural selection with rigorous analysis. Through careful examination of Darwin's own writings and the interpretations of his most prominent advocates and critics, Hodge reveals what he sees as the core challenge: the exclusion of design from nature itself.
This audiobook remains essential for understanding the pivotal moment when science and theology collided over questions of creation, purpose, and human origins. Hodge's methodical approach prevents the confusion that plagued contemporary discussions, where "Darwinian" meant different things to different listeners.
Perfect for history of science enthusiasts, philosophy students, or anyone seeking to understand how nineteenth-century thinkers grappled with evolution's theological consequences, this work offers both historical insight and enduring intellectual engagement.
