Creationism and intelligent design seem to gain momentum in Brazil as the population becomes more evangelical. Their outlook, however, is not so different from their North American counterparts. Therefore, it seems advisable to entertain once again certain aspects of the ‘culture wars’ between creationism/intelligent design and evolutionism, providing some historical indications of the lack of mutual understanding. I shall discuss this in general terms, assuming that these reflections also apply to Brazil. My first purpose is to suggest the religious underpinnings of these ‘wars’ and the damage done to the dialogue between science and religion and, furthermore, to suggest ways out of this predicament.

After a historical introduction, I intend to draw a picture of what I call ‘evolutionism’, an adjunct of evolutionary theory that reveals itself as a secular religion. More positively, I shall advocate for an alternative way of addressing the issue through the role of narrative and myth in human affairs, as something common to both science and religion. Finally, I shall examine a condition concealed in old theological themes, namely the fundamental ambiguity of reality and its impact on the possibility of a dialogue. I shall suggest that creationists and evolutionists attempt to resolve this ambiguity, but that only storytelling and myth do this in a satisfactory manner.

Some Historical Background

In a 2004 comic strip by Greg Walker, Plato asks Beetle Bailey whether he believes in evolution or intelligent design. Private Bailey answers that he is not sure, while gazing at the defective design that surrounds him – at the same time, Sergeant Snorkel and his dog Otto pass by the window.