Is the theory of evolution compatible with Sikhism?
As Sikh teachings mention little about how WaheguruSikhs believe in one God called Waheguru which means ‘Wonderful Lord’ or ‘Wonderful Teacher’. created the universe and how life developed on Earth, it is quite possible for evolutionThe process of change in the inherited traits of a population of organisms from one generation to the next. to be a part of Sikh thought. However, the belief is that Waheguru cares for all living things and is in charge of the birth, life and death of everything.
Evolution would only be accepted as compatible with Sikhism if Waheguru was in complete control of the process. Crucially, the information the Guru Granth SahibThe Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru. gives us about creation does not seek to offer a scientific answer to questions about the origins of the universe.
The Guru Granth Sahib is more concerned with making it clear that Waheguru is in complete control and that the universe exists because he wants it to. The belief is that our purpose as humans is to help Waheguru to care for creation and not seek to damage it.
The main difference between the two is that Darwin's theory talks about evolution being influenced by natural selection – only the fittest and most successful species survive and so different forms of life evolve to be the fittest and most successful.
The belief is that:
- Waheguru oversees this natural process as he created nature along with everything else
- everything is planned by God and not left to random chance, as the atheistA person who does not believe in the existence of God or gods. interpretation of the theory of evolution suggests
The Guru Granth Sahib teaches:
He created the creation, and watches over it.
