Darwin's theory of evolution shock those that believed in creationism.
Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in an 1859 book entitled "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Races in the Struggle for Life." It sold out on its first day of publication. He expanded on the ideas he presented in the book in 15 more publications over the next 20 years. It was not until he published in 1871 his book entitled "The Descent of Man," that he asserted that man had descended from non-human ancestors.
Theory
Darwin's theory of evolution asserts that all life descended from a common ancestor. His general theory presumes the development of life from non-life and stresses a purely natural "descent with modification." Basically, Darwin theorizes that complex creatures evolved from more simplistic ancestors, and that beneficial genetic mutations are preserved because they aid survival in a process he called "natural selection." That is, complex creatures naturally evolved over time from more simplistic ancestors. Beneficial mutations accumulated and eventually resulted in an entirely different creature.
Slow Progress
Darwin theorized that evolution is a slow, gradual process. Darwin wrote, "...Natural selection acts only by taking advantage of slight successive variations; she can never take a great and sudden leap, but must advance by short and sure, though slow steps." Thus, Darwin conceded that, "If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed, which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down."
Creation
Charles Darwin's assertions on evolution were not received well by many Christians, who believed in creationism, that God had created everything and no biological changes had taken place since this creation. It was the geological discoveries of Charles Lyell in the 1860s, proving that the earth must be much older than 6,000 years, that would persuade educated people to consider Darwin's claims.
Jean-Baptist Lamarck
Darwin was not the first to publish articles on the subject of natural selection. Some 50 years earlier, French botanist and naturalist Jean-Baptist Lamarck was one of the earliest proponents of the idea that evolution occurred and proceeded in accordance with natural laws.
Later Developments
The advances made in molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics have brought Darwin's theory of evolution into question. In his book, "Darwinism: The Refutation of a Myth," Soren Lovtrup points out that "some critics turned against Darwin's teachings for religious reasons, but they were a minority; most of his opponents ... argued on a completely scientific basis."
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