Q: Is evolution a concept which demeans and degrades mankind?

A: Though some people may feel this way, such a conclusion is certainly not necessary. For many, the notion of man's physical kinship with the organisms of the world is an ennobling and uplifting concept that gives meaning to our stewardship of the earth.

Whether an individual has a positive or a negative reaction to an idea depends on his or her conceptual framework (one's personal view of the world which is the complex outgrowth of many experiences and attitudes). Man is the center of that framework for many individuals. For these people, the attributes of human beings may constitute a superiority that does not permit comparison with other animals, and the suggestion of a physical relatedness between ourselves and "lower forms" is unthinkable. it is quite correct to identify humans as unique, but that is not because we are singular or dominant in a strictly biological sense. Even a quick comparison will readily demonstrate that many animals perform specific biological functions better than humans do. Instead, it is the capacity of humans for language and reasoning that sets us apart, and these traits, though they certainly have some physical basis in anatomy and biochemistry, we would attribute primarily to the spirit.

For Latter-day Saints, the spirits of men and women are unique and distinguish humans from all other organisms. We maintain a strong faith in the reality of our heritage as the spiritual offspring of our Heavenly Father. At the same time, our understanding of the relationship of the spirit to the physical body is limited. The manner in which the unique spirits of human individuals are introduced into their physical bodies is unknown to us. This began to happen at a particular time in evolutionary history, however, as humans joined the ranks of the living creatures of the earth. To be part of the living community of the world, not above and outside of that community, is the important insight of evolution.

We have received a divine commission to be stewards of the earth, to take care of it and its inhabitants (Genesis 1:26-28; D&C 59:16-20). For myself, the understanding that I am physically related to other organisms gives that stewardship added meaning, compelling me to be sensitive to all living things to use the earth's resources moderately without waste, and to avoid polluting and promote replenishing. Sadly, there are countless examples of exploitation, extinction and devastation by humans who suppose that man's uniqueness among the animals grants license for such acts.