Charles Darwin presented himself as a radical of the 19th century, defying the natural order of religious-based reasoning, and introducing an alternative scientific perspective on human existence. On November 24th, 1859, Charles Darwin shook the religious demographic of the 19th century with his book, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. It was in his book that Darwin argued the evolution of a species through the process of natural selection: a process in which a species develops or evolves based on the environment in which it lives, as the environment directly impacts the genetic makeup of an organism.  Darwin's book immediately sold out. It was greatly appreciated by his fellow scientists because of its offering of an additional and new source of knowledge and scientific reasoning. On the other hand, those of the Christian faith denounced his book, claiming it to be a heretic act against the church. This divide between science and the Church would prove to be problematic as many would begin to question the biblical explanation of creation. It wouldn't be until 1871 that Darwin would publish another book, this one called, The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. This book would take on his theory that humans evolved from apes, once again causing a stir in the Church, threatening the beliefs they sought to maintain. It wasn't until his death in 1882, that his theory became somewhat accepted amongst the general public, encouraging further research of scientists that would follow, though still posing as a continuous threat to biblical explanations. 

I cannot begin to fathom the book that is, On the Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection.  I must bid a prayer to our Lord in hopes that this abomination of sinful thought dare not take flight. Who is Darwin to introduce such blasphemy? He, who makes such claims against our beloved Church and our holy creation, is nothing but a non-believer and a heretic of our day. And to think that there are others who squander their thoughts in such foolishness! It is the mission of God's followers here on this land to preach the words of his greatness and to gather those who share in his grace. Anyone not willing to share in his grace and in the teachings granted to us through our Holy Bible, pose as a threat and must be purged from our lands. We must continue to pray to our Lord that the words of this dissenter do not harm what has always been. The Protestant faith has done enough, we will not add to this sacrilege anymore. To allow such a thing would mean that we have failed. But nay, failure must not be an option for I would not be a follower of the faith if I had let it. 

“Charles Darwin.” Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, August 28, 2019. https://www.biography.com/scientist/charles-darwin.

“‘Origin of Species’ Is Published.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, November 24, 2009. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/origin-of-species-is-publish....