Has Evangelicalism influenced geology?

Michael Roberts , Lancaster, UK.

Did Evangelicalism influence geology?

Evangelicalism is the fastest growing and most active part of Christianity, and soon there will be more evangelicals in China than the USA. The influence of Creationism scarcely needs stating but what has the influence of Evangelicalism been on geology for 200 years? This is best answered by considering three periods.

First, the early 19th century, which saw both geological put on a sure footing and the dominance of evangelicals in USA and UK. Evangelical geologists were common – Sedgwick, Townsend, Miller, Hitchcock, Silliman and most evangelical theologians eg Chalmers “supported” geology. Scriptural geologists were firmly put down. To conclude, evangelicals did not “make” geology, but made geology acceptable to an evangelical society.

Secondly, a century later evangelicals were marginalized in the Scopes era. With the rise of Dispensationalism and literalism, evangelicals became hostile to evolution and ambivalent to geology (but not in the UK) and the seeds of creationism were sown (McCready Price).

Thirdly, we move to today with a worldwide spread of evangelicalism and creationism. On geology and evolution, evangelicals are split down the middle, but pressure groups and legal challenges make the teaching of geology contentious in the USA, UK, and elsewhere. It is difficult to assess the influence on the practice of geology, but religious and media influence creates a hostile environment. Further creationist ideas support an anti-environmental agenda pace Beisner with geological implications

It may seem a paradox but geological time was more acceptable to evangelicals 200 years ago than today. Part is due to change in the status of the Bible, from a book revealing God, to one which is inerrant in all it says.