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Line 1: − + − While often regarded by the majority of evolutionists as "the father of modern biology," Darwin himself was aware that some aspects of his work were not as scientific as he wished. However, this theory is promulgated by extremely biased groups not recognized as real science, or, truly, as advanced critical thought.+ − Some people claim that he recanted on his death bed. However, this story was put about by a certain Lady Hope, who according to Darwin's family, never recanted on his deathbed at all. Although the claim is still made by some creationist groups, some creationist groups have agreed that the story never took place and have agreed that whether or not it occurred would not be relevant to the truth of falsity of evolution.+ − In fact, the controversy surrounding Darwin is only so much wasted time: regardless of whether or not he is recognized by the populace as such, Darwin is the true founder of advanced biology, upon which all of modern medicine relies. Users interested in further development of this idea should consult footnote 4.+ − [http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v18/i1/darwin_recant.asp] [http://talkorigins.org/faqs/hope.html] [http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/faq/dont_use.asp]+ − [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_darwin]+ +
most of what was there was contradictory and incoherent, I tried to give a more biological feel
[[Image:darwin.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Charles Darwin]]
[[Image:darwin.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Charles Darwin]]
Charles Darwin was born in [[England]] to a Christian family on February 12, [[1809]]. He was a significant figure in the development of the theory of evolution. After touring the [[Galapagos Islands]] and studying the animals that lived there, he came up with his theory of [[natural selection]] and published [[''The Origin of Species'']] in [[1859]].
Charles Darwin was a famous naturalist born in [[England]] to a Christian family on February 12, [[1809]]. He is best known for [[the theory of evolution]], which suggest that biological species develop over time via natural selection, branching from common origins. Outside of evolution in particular, he was regarded as an expert on barnacles as well as credited with discovering how coral atolls were formed.
==Early Career==
Darwin was originally in training for the clergy, but in doing so became the protege of the Reverend John Stevens Henslow, a professor of botany, and the Reverend Adam Sedgwick, a geologist. Henslow and Sedgwick spurred Darwin to pursue his interests as a naturalist.
After touring the [[Galapagos Islands]] and studying the animals that lived there, Darwin developed an interest in the patterns of species distribution he had documented on the journey, as well as his realization that the economic theories of Thomas Malthus might have some application in the biological world. Researching this issue on a global scale, he slowly developed his theory of [[natural selection]] and finally published [[''The Origin of Species'']] in [[1859]]. Darwin had not originally meant to publish his work so early in his life, and in fact was quite fearful of what the reception might be, but was prompted to do so after being contacted by another naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace, who had developed similar ideas.
==Religious Beliefs==
Darwin's upbringing was a mix of Unitarian and Anglican Christianity. Throughout his life, he steadily began to drift away from Christianity and in particular trusting the accounts of the Old Testament, a process which began as early as his journey on the Beagle. Late in life he described himself as an agnostic, but always rejected the idea that he did not believe in God, accepting instead that there must have been some Prime Mover. He also remained actively involved in his local parish and never officially left his church. His wife, Emma, was throughout her life a faithful Unitarian.