Evolution, Spirituality, and a New Theological Vision
- Robert van Mourik
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
Overview and Purpose
Are you dissatisfied intellectually and spiritually with the medieval theological worldview presupposed by our traditional religious education and reflected in our liturgy?
John F. Haught (b. 1942), the award-winning American theologian, expressed that sentiment in the introduction to his book The Cosmic Vision of Teilhard de Chardin (2021). “I began to realise long ago, however, that Thomas Aquinas’s pre-scientific philosophy, ingenious and adventurous as it was in the thirteenth century, cannot fully contextualise contemporary science.” (p. xii)
Diarmuid O’Murchu’s Divine Radiance in Human Evolution (2025) presents a new paradigm for understanding humanity’s place in the cosmos—one that integrates contemporary scientific knowledge with a fresh theological vision. Rather than seeing humans primarily through doctrines of sin and failure, he frames our deep evolutionary past as foundational to meaning, spirituality, and a life-giving relationship with the divine. The book invites readers to rethink what it means to be human considering evolution, creativity, interconnection, and divine radiance.
This paper explores the major themes in O’Murchu’s book.
A New Human Story
O’Murchu challenges traditional Christian narratives, especially the Doctrine of Original Sin, proposing instead that human life is grounded in original blessing and creative emergence. This means:
Humanity’s story is not primarily one of fallenness and alienation, but one of evolutionary creativity and connection with life.
Our species emerges not as a deviation from divine intent but as a creative expression within the universe, beloved by God.
This reframing invites a deeper appreciation of who humans are and why we’re here, shifting from guilt-based spiritual frameworks to one honouring participation in life’s unfolding.
Without explicitly saying so, I think O’Murchu is asking whether it is time to despatch the mythological story of the fall of Adam and the damaging theory of Atonement to the dustbin of history.
Science and Spirituality in Dialogue
A central thrust of the book is harmonising scientific insights with spiritual meaning. O’Murchu draws on:
Palaeoanthropology: Palaeoanthropology is the study of human evolution through fossil and archaeological records. Evidence of ancient human behaviours (such as symbolic burial and early artifacts) shows spirituality predating formal religion, suggesting human consciousness and meaningfulness are older and deeper than many spiritual traditions assume.
Evolutionary biology: Human uniqueness isn’t superiority over other species but our capacity for complex relationality, creativity, and symbolic awareness. Humans are not the centre of the universe!
By doing so, the book proposes a vision of humans as “creative earthlings”—embodied, relational, temporal beings shaped by evolution and participating in ongoing creative processes.
Relational Identity and Ecological Embeddedness
O’Murchu emphasizes that humans are not isolated individuals but inherently interconnected with others and with the whole web of life:
Our identity is not chosen; it is bestowed by the universe as part of a network of relationships. This relational identity fosters a sense of humility and ecological responsibility.
We belong to Earth and are biologically and culturally shaped within bioregional contexts—meaning our flourishing depends on healthy relationships with one another and ecological systems.
This mirrors broader trends in ecological theology and creation spirituality, where human well-being is inseparable from the health of the planet and other life forms.
New Theological Implications
The book argues that current scientific understandings demand theological renewal. Specifically:
God is not a distant lawgiver but intricately involved in the evolutionary process, inviting partnership rather than demanding submission.
Traditional religious frameworks that keep God static or detached do not adequately account for a dynamic, evolving cosmos.
The human task is not rescue from inherent corruption but co-creative participation with the divine in ongoing evolution.
This aligns with process theology and evolutionary spirituality, where God and creation are seen in mutual becoming rather than in hierarchical dominance.
Flourishing and Future Orientation
O’Murchu’s vision beckons humanity toward a more joyful, creative, and relational way of life:
Flourishing arises from aligning with life’s evolutionary potentials—through creativity, cooperation, and care for the Earth.
The human capacity to imagine the future and to act intentionally positions us as co-creators with the divine, rather than passive recipients of predetermined destiny.
Our evolving consciousness, when nurtured responsibly, can lead to greater wisdom, compassion, and stewardship of the planet and each other.
Thus, human history is not closed, cyclical, or static; it is open to novelty, transformation, and deeper communion with life.
Critique of Outdated Doctrines
While respecting spiritual traditions, O’Murchu critiques aspects of inherited religious thought:
Doctrines that privilege original sin over blessing or that situate God outside of life’s creative flow are inadequate for contemporary understanding.
He calls for interpretations of faith that honour our lived experience, scientific awareness, and ecological responsibilities.
This critique is not rejection but a reinterpretation that seeks continuity with authentic spiritual insights while discarding obsolete assumptions.
Conclusion: An understanding of evolution and spirituality integrated into a new theological vision
In Divine Radiance in Human Evolution, O’Murchu offers a transformative narrative that bridges science and spirituality, reframes human identity, and calls for a joyful, creative engagement with life and divine mystery. His central claim is that human evolution shows not degradation, but radiance—a divine imprint visible in our capacity to love, create, relate, and flourish within the larger community of life.
In this book O'Murchu has integrated an understanding of evolution and spirituality into a new theological vision.
O’Murchu offers us a book that distils the current wisdom of his thinking in an easily readable form. I recommend it to anyone who can identify with John Haught’s observations as reported above in the introduction. It also encourages us to think differently about our conceptions of God. In my view, it encourages us to think more creatively about our spirituality and how we can contribute to human flourishing.
Caveat: While I claim authorship of this paper, it has been prepared with the assistance of ChatGPT and input from my colleague, John Scoble.
Questions for Reflection
What is your response to O’Murchu’s proposals? Are there some that you find hard to accept? Are there some you agree with?
Does this paper alter your concept of God?
What are the implications of O’Murchu’s views for your daily life?
Further reading:
The following posts on this website discuss some of the issues raised herein.
FAQs Evolution, Spirituality, and a New Theological Vision
What is the central argument of Divine Radiance in Human Evolution?
The book argues that human beings should be understood as evolving, creative participants in a dynamic universe, grounded in original blessing rather than original sin, and called into co-creative partnership with the divine in an unfolding cosmos.
What does the book say about original sin versus original blessing?
The book critiques the dominance of the Doctrine of Original Sin and instead highlights original blessing, suggesting that evolution reveals resilience, creativity, and orientation toward flourishing rather than fundamental fallenness or corruption.
How does O’Murchu relate contemporary science to spirituality?
O’Murchu integrates insights from palaeoanthropology and evolutionary biology to show that spirituality and meaning emerge from our deep evolutionary past, portraying humans as embodied, relational “creative earthlings” whose scientific story enriches rather than undermines faith.
How does the book redefine human identity and our relationship with the Earth?
Human identity is presented as inherently relational and ecologically embedded, shaped by networks of relationship within bioregional contexts, so that human well-being is inseparable from the health of the Earth and the wider community of life.
What theological changes does O’Murchu believe are needed today?
O’Murchu calls for theology that sees God as dynamically involved in evolution rather than a distant lawgiver, urging a move away from static, medieval frameworks toward a vision of humans as co-creators with God in ongoing cosmic and planetary transformation.
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About the Author - Robert van Mourik
Robert, a co-founder and guiding presence within St Lucia Spirituality, brings a wealth of insight and dedication to our community. While his roots lie in the Catholic tradition, Robert's spiritual journey has been one of profound inquiry and introspection, spanning many decades in search of what he terms "a coherent worldview."
Drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Anthony de Mello, Richard Rohr, Diarmuid O’Murchu, and Ilia Delio, Robert's quest for spiritual truth has been shaped by the wisdom gleaned from countless authors and mentors. Their insights have served as guiding beacons, illuminating the path towards deeper understanding and connection.
It was in the shared bond of seeking spiritual growth that Robert first crossed paths with John, their encounters over coffee in 2012 marking the genesis of a transformative journey. These intimate gatherings, fuelled by conversations on influential books and the evolving landscape of their perspectives, soon blossomed into vibrant small groups and virtual meetings on platforms like Zoom.
Through newsletters, discussion papers, and a shared commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue, Robert has played an instrumental role in nurturing the thriving community of seekers within St Lucia Spirituality. His dedication to facilitating growth, exploration, and connection reflects the essence of the community's ethos - a journey of discovery and transformation, embarked upon together.
Footnotes:
[1] Naess, Arne. Ecology, Community and Lifestyle: Outline of an Ecosophy. Cambridge University Press, 1989.
[2] Berry, Thomas. The Dream of the Earth. Sierra Club Books, 1988.
[3] Boff, Leonardo. Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. Orbis Books, 1997.
[4] Francis. Laudato Si’. Vatican, 2015, §138.
[5] Turkle, Sherry. Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. Basic Books, 2011.
[6] Vatican. Antiqua et Nova: Vatican Document on AI. Vatican Press, 2025.
[7] Teilhard de Chardin, Pierre. The Phenomenon of Man. Harper & Row, 1959, 36–37.
[8] White, Lynn. “The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis.” Science, 1967, 155:1203–1207.
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