Religion Distinct From Human Evolutionary Genetics: Garners University Professor Ayala Templeton Prize
Monday, March 29, 2010 - 10:14
in Psychology & Sociology
University Professor Francisco Ayala, UC Irvine's esteemed researcher in evolutionary genetics, ecology and a former Dominican priest was awarded the Templeton Prize 2010 for his body of work spanning decades which in part ponders the relationship between Darwinian evolutionary theory and religious faith. He dispels religious populist views about Intelligent Design and pseudo scientific theories attempting to prove or disprove the existence of God. Ayala concludes; separate but equal respect for religion and science. As humans have evolved genetically, social norms derived from religious teachings interface and enhance human development. There is no contradiction between evolutionary theory and religion.