Lecture Explores Evolution, Christianity

Jeff Schloss, professor of biology at Westmont, will discuss “Evolutionary Theory, Biblical Faith, and the Mystery of Altruism,” in a Phi Kappa Phi lecture, Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. in Hieronymus Lounge.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

Schloss explores whether the New Testament’s command to selflessly love one another is biologically possible under evolution’s survival of the fittest.

“The talk will review and critique theories about the impossibility of sacrificial love in biologically self-seeking humans,” Schloss says. “It will also comment on the ways in which exploring our biological natures can enrich but not fully inform self-understanding.”

Schloss says he will address the idea of religions “making new proposals for altruism that not only recognize it as distinctly human, but posit religious faith as crucial to its attainment.”

Telford Work, associate professor of religious studies, and Tom Fikes, professor of psychology, will also be taking part in the discussion by responding to Schloss’ comments.