Evolution and Judaism: Does the Theory of Evolution Contradict Faith?

“Shalom Rabbi. I am in the process of returning to faith. Recently, I let a doubt creep into my mind about the theory of evolution, and it really bothers me because I saw what atheists wrote, and it felt like it contradicts Judaism. Thank you in advance.”

* * *

Shalom and blessings,

First of all, great respect for your journey of strengthening your faith. There is no doubt you have chosen life.

Now, let’s bring some clarity regarding the theory of evolution.

Is Evolution Proven?

Based on today’s scientific evidence, evolution is not conclusive. Those who strongly defend it point to small variations within the same species (for example, differences among dog breeds) as “proof” for large-scale evolution between species. However, this is not the same thing. The changes we observe do not create a new essence — bacteria remain bacteria, humans remain humans.

Supporters argue that major changes take millions of years and therefore cannot be observed. In other words, evolution remains a theory, not a proven fact.

They also point to fossils. However, most “evidence” is based on partial remains and theoretical reconstructions. Rarely is there a complete skull; often what is drawn could just as easily be reconstructed as an ape or a human. There is much interpretation, and very little hard fact.

Evolution and Judaism

Even if evolution were proven, it should not disturb your faith. At most, it would mean that evolution was the tool through which God created life. Our sages already taught that the mysteries of Creation are deep, and not everything in Bereishit can be taken literally.

Torah and science can never truly contradict each other. Either science is incomplete, or our understanding of Torah is incomplete — but both come from the same Creator.

Why We Believe in God

Our belief in God is not based on disproving evolution, or on superficial connections between science and Torah. We know there is a Creator because logic, science, and philosophy all demand it:

• The universe had a beginning, and every beginning requires a cause.

• The world operates by fixed natural laws, which prove an Intelligent Lawgiver.

• The universe is structured by complex mathematical principles, showing design.

• We have consciousness, morality, and free will, which are evidence of a divine soul.

One does not need to be a genius to see this. Even a child can look at the world honestly and recognize there must be a Creator. Whether God created through instantaneous acts or through long processes like evolution, the conclusion remains, that there is a purposeful Creator behind it all.

Why We Believe in the Torah

We believe in the truth of the Torah not because of modern “proofs,” but because of our people’s history:

• The miracles of the Exodus — the ten plagues, the splitting of the Red Sea, forty years in the desert, manna, and water from rock.

• Prophecies fulfilled over thousands of years.

• The revelation at Mount Sinai, witnessed by the entire nation.

• An unbroken chain of tradition passed faithfully for 3,300 years.

• The Jewish people’s survival — despite exile, persecution, and dispersion, unlike any other nation, fulfilling ancient prophecies.

No other nation or religion can claim such authenticity, both historically and spiritually.

When an atheist attempts to sow doubt, keep in mind that evolution and similar questions are not the foundation of our faith. Mature believers base their faith on solid, rational grounds — on history, logic, and on the undeniable reality of the Jewish people’s story.