Uncanceled Eugenics
Ryan Cox • March 19, 2021
February 24, 2021 marked the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s The Descent of Man. This book served somewhat as a sequel to his 1859 On the Origin of Species. In the first work, Darwin did not deal with human evolution in much detail. Now that his publication of evolutionary thoughts had gained notoriety, he attempted to tackle human evolution in the 1871 book.
Expounding upon his thoughts of civilized and barbarous peoples, he continued, “In a tribe thus rendered more numerous there would always be a rather better chance of the birth of other superior and inventive members. If such men left children to inherit their mental superiority, the chance of the birth of still more ingenious members would be somewhat better, and in a very small tribe decidedly better. Even if they left no children, the tribe would still include their blood-relations; and it has been ascertained by agriculturists that by preserving and breeding from the family of an animal… the desired character has been obtained.”(2)
Darwin concluded, “At some future period… the civilized races of man will almost certainly exterminate and replace the savage races throughout the world. At the same time the anthropomorphous apes [i.e. less evolved people]… will no doubt be exterminated. The break between man and his nearest allies will then be wider, for it will intervene between man in a more civilised state, as we may hope, even than the Caucasian, and some ape as low as a baboon, instead of as now between the negro or Australian and the gorilla.”(3)
Darwin clearly believed that peoples of Africa and Australia are less evolved (hardly any different than gorillas) and such peoples will one day be exterminated. His works were then used by men like Herbert Spencer, Francis Galton, Ernst Haeckel, Charles Davenport and many others to promote eugenics-based teachings and policies. In the early 1900s, 32 states in the USA enacted eugenics programs. Some 60,000 to 70,000 individuals were forcibly sterilized from 1907 through the 1960s.(4) In Germany, millions were killed in the eugenics-driven holocaust.
One would think there would be a deafening cry for Darwin and his works to be canceled in the current political climate. The problem is, most supporters of the “cancel culture” are of an evolutionary worldview; they support today’s means of eugenics.
The vast majority of women having abortions are considered to be “low income” (75%).(5) Minority women are disproportionally having abortions (6.3% of “white” women vs 21.2% of “black” women).(6) It is believed by some that these statistics represent purposeful targeting of low-income and minority communities.(7) Indeed, the late Supreme Court Justice and abortion activist Ruth Bader Ginsburg said in 2009, “Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of.”(8)
And now in today’s technological era, there is the ever-growing genetic manipulation of babies that is raising deep moral questions.(9) In the words of embryologist Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz of Cambridge, “We are entering a new era, one where we can manipulate the cellular units of life as skillfully as a potter works clay.”(10)
The importance of Biblical worldview cannot be overstated. It must be taught in homes and churches. World history has witnessed the devastating, deadly effects of evolutionary-based worldviews. If we are to prevent these things in the 21st century, we must make Biblical worldview training an essential part of life.
In his evolutionary worldview of humanity, Darwin wrote, “At the present day civilised nations are everywhere supplanting barbarous nations, excepting where the climate opposes a deadly barrier; and they succeed mainly, though not exclusively, through their arts, which are the products of the intellect.”(1)
Expounding upon his thoughts of civilized and barbarous peoples, he continued, “In a tribe thus rendered more numerous there would always be a rather better chance of the birth of other superior and inventive members. If such men left children to inherit their mental superiority, the chance of the birth of still more ingenious members would be somewhat better, and in a very small tribe decidedly better. Even if they left no children, the tribe would still include their blood-relations; and it has been ascertained by agriculturists that by preserving and breeding from the family of an animal… the desired character has been obtained.”(2)
Darwin concluded, “At some future period… the civilized races of man will almost certainly exterminate and replace the savage races throughout the world. At the same time the anthropomorphous apes [i.e. less evolved people]… will no doubt be exterminated. The break between man and his nearest allies will then be wider, for it will intervene between man in a more civilised state, as we may hope, even than the Caucasian, and some ape as low as a baboon, instead of as now between the negro or Australian and the gorilla.”(3)
Darwin clearly believed that peoples of Africa and Australia are less evolved (hardly any different than gorillas) and such peoples will one day be exterminated. His works were then used by men like Herbert Spencer, Francis Galton, Ernst Haeckel, Charles Davenport and many others to promote eugenics-based teachings and policies. In the early 1900s, 32 states in the USA enacted eugenics programs. Some 60,000 to 70,000 individuals were forcibly sterilized from 1907 through the 1960s.(4) In Germany, millions were killed in the eugenics-driven holocaust.
One would think there would be a deafening cry for Darwin and his works to be canceled in the current political climate. The problem is, most supporters of the “cancel culture” are of an evolutionary worldview; they support today’s means of eugenics.
The vast majority of women having abortions are considered to be “low income” (75%).(5) Minority women are disproportionally having abortions (6.3% of “white” women vs 21.2% of “black” women).(6) It is believed by some that these statistics represent purposeful targeting of low-income and minority communities.(7) Indeed, the late Supreme Court Justice and abortion activist Ruth Bader Ginsburg said in 2009, “Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of.”(8)
And now in today’s technological era, there is the ever-growing genetic manipulation of babies that is raising deep moral questions.(9) In the words of embryologist Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz of Cambridge, “We are entering a new era, one where we can manipulate the cellular units of life as skillfully as a potter works clay.”(10)
The importance of Biblical worldview cannot be overstated. It must be taught in homes and churches. World history has witnessed the devastating, deadly effects of evolutionary-based worldviews. If we are to prevent these things in the 21st century, we must make Biblical worldview training an essential part of life.
Creation Truth Foundation exists to assist families, individuals, and churches in worldview development. Thank you so very much for your faithful prayers and support.
(1) Charles Darwin. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex. Published by John Murray, 1871. 1st edition, p. 161.
(2) Ibid., p. 162.
(3) Ibid., pp. 168-9.
(4) Edwin Black, War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race. Dialog Press, 2012, p. xvi. See also “The Supreme Court Ruling that led to 70,000 Forced Sterilizations”, Fresh Air, 24 March 2017, <https://www.npr.org/2017/03/24/521360544/the-supreme-court-ruling-that-led-to-70-000-forced-sterilizations>
(5) Jerman J, Jones RK and Onda T, “Characteristics of U.S. Abortion Patients in 2014 and Changes Since 2008”, New York: Guttmacher Institute, 2016, <https://www.guttmacher.org/infographic/2016/abortion-patients-are-disproportionately-poor-and-low-income#>
(6) CDC Abortion Surveillance – United States, 2018, published 9/27/2020, <https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/ss/ss6907a1.htm#T5_down>
(7) Steven Ertelt, “79% of Planned Parenthood Abortion Clinics Target Blacks, Hispanics”, LifeNews.com, 16 October 2012, <https://www.lifenews.com/2012/10/16/79-of-planned-parenthood-abortion-clinics-target-blacks-hispanics/>
(8) Interview with New York Times Magazine reporter Emily Bazelon, quoted by The Federalist and National Review
< https://thefederalist.com/2014/09/24/ruth-bader-ginsburg-really-wants-poor-people-to-stop-having-babies/>
< https://www.nationalreview.com/2009/07/ruth-bader-ginsburg-and-question-eugenics-jonah-goldberg/>
(9) See for example: <https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crispr-jennifer-doudna-walter-isaacson-the-code-breaker/>
< https://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article/designer-babies-arent-futuristic-theyre-already-here>
< https://www.geneticsandsociety.org/biopolitical-times/designer-babies-all-you-ever-wanted-know-and-more-kicks-webinar-series-genetics>
(2) Ibid., p. 162.
(3) Ibid., pp. 168-9.
(4) Edwin Black, War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race. Dialog Press, 2012, p. xvi. See also “The Supreme Court Ruling that led to 70,000 Forced Sterilizations”, Fresh Air, 24 March 2017, <https://www.npr.org/2017/03/24/521360544/the-supreme-court-ruling-that-led-to-70-000-forced-sterilizations>
(5) Jerman J, Jones RK and Onda T, “Characteristics of U.S. Abortion Patients in 2014 and Changes Since 2008”, New York: Guttmacher Institute, 2016, <https://www.guttmacher.org/infographic/2016/abortion-patients-are-disproportionately-poor-and-low-income#>
(6) CDC Abortion Surveillance – United States, 2018, published 9/27/2020, <https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/ss/ss6907a1.htm#T5_down>
(7) Steven Ertelt, “79% of Planned Parenthood Abortion Clinics Target Blacks, Hispanics”, LifeNews.com, 16 October 2012, <https://www.lifenews.com/2012/10/16/79-of-planned-parenthood-abortion-clinics-target-blacks-hispanics/>
(8) Interview with New York Times Magazine reporter Emily Bazelon, quoted by The Federalist and National Review
< https://thefederalist.com/2014/09/24/ruth-bader-ginsburg-really-wants-poor-people-to-stop-having-babies/>
< https://www.nationalreview.com/2009/07/ruth-bader-ginsburg-and-question-eugenics-jonah-goldberg/>
(9) See for example: <https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crispr-jennifer-doudna-walter-isaacson-the-code-breaker/>
< https://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article/designer-babies-arent-futuristic-theyre-already-here>
< https://www.geneticsandsociety.org/biopolitical-times/designer-babies-all-you-ever-wanted-know-and-more-kicks-webinar-series-genetics>
(10) Kate Womersley, “The Beautiful Science of Embryology”, Prospect Magazine, 3 March 2021, <https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/the-beautiful-science-of-embryology>
As many saw corruption not only in the abuse of parishioners, but also in church authority and doctrine, many started to speak out for reform. Martin Luther published his 95 Theses in 1517, and thanks to Johannes Guttenberg’s printing press, was able to print many short treatises on Biblical matters. His publications are thought to amount to ⅕ of all works printed in Germany in the first third of the 1500s. Economic historian Dr. Jared Rubin published in 2014 that “the mere presence of a printing press prior to 1500 increased the probability that a city would become Protestant in 1530 by 52.1 percentage points.” 1 Over in England, King Henry VIII desired to annul his marriage to his first of 6 wives, Catherine of Aragon. Pope Clement VII wouldn’t grant it, so King Henry established the Church of England, with him as the Supreme Head. After his and his son Edward’s deaths, his daughter from Catherine named Mary was able to take over. She reinstated the Catholic faith, although she was quite vengeful, burning at the stake more than 280 dissenters in her 5-year reign, giving her the label “Bloody Mary.” During this time, many Reformers fled to Geneva where they published in 1560 the Geneva Bible. After Mary’s death, her half-sister Elizabeth became queen and restored the Church of England. After her nearly 45-year reign, her cousin James I became king upon her death. He would commence the 1604 revision of the Book of Common Prayer and the Authorized Version of the Bible, published in 1611, known today as the King James Bible. Understandably, with all this political activity, things may not have always been on the up and up in the Church of England. Consequently, there were many reform efforts that sprung up, such as the Anabaptists, Baptists, Barrowists, Behmenists, Brownists, Diggers, Enthusiasts, Familists, Fifth Monarchists, Grindletonians, Levellers, Muggletonians, Puritans, Philadelphians, Quakers, Ranters, Sabbatarians, Seekers, and Socinians, to name a few. Robert Browne was an Anglican priest who was influenced by some Puritan theologians. He eventually rejected the idea of purifying the Church of England, and helped start a separatist church in 1581. In 1592, the Seditious Sectaries Act was passed specifically outlawing Brownists and other separatists, including imprisonment. Still, more continued to be influenced. So, in 1604, Archbishop Bancroft launched his campaign of suspending or firing some 380 Puritan and Separatist ministers, many of whom started new separatist churches, such as ministers Richard Clyfton and John Robinson in 1606. The postmaster and manager of the archbishop’s Manor House in Scrooby, William Brewster, had been impressed by Clyfton’s preaching and invited the separatists to meet in the house. Brewster eventually resigned his position, being fined for his absences at the king’s church. As the congregation grew, one enthusiastic 16-year old William Bradford began attending. An orphan since age 7, he had heard Clyfton preach at age 12. Now he was a member of this house church that grew to some 50 members, making it difficult to avoid the authorities. Bradford wrote, “But after these things they could not long continue in any peaceable condition, but were hunted & persecuted on every side… For some were taken & clapt up in prison, others had their houses beset & watched night and day, & hardly escaped their hands; and the most were fain to fly & leave their houses & habitations, and the means of their livelihood.” 2
This year we have focused on History & Destiny. As we ready ourselves for Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the history of the season and of the future to come. It is always great to celebrate this time of year and reflect back. There is so much to be thankful for, but the providence and provision of the Lord is foremost. His enduring guidance never gets old as He takes us to churches and people that need the message He has given us. This year has taken us to many places we have been to before, letting us reconnect with old friends. At the same time the Lord has opened new doors where people have been excited to hear and see Genesis in a new light with new emphasis. What a blessing to make new friends and meet co-laborers for the Gospel! God has given us connections with young and old alike, enabling the Kingdom work to continue and flourish for His praise. We are so thankful. Another year has passed and the Lord continues to provide all we need to continue this mission, including His provision of a new truck when we needed one. Yes, we still need help to pay it off, but just to be in a position to handle all that comes with purchasing a new truck is something for which we give great thanks to the Lord. To have what we need month in and month out, even when our program schedule was thin, has been a blessing worthy of great thanks. Two mornings in November we had the opportunity to teach a group of adults that many in the world forget about - those with special needs. It was a blast to talk with them about dinosaurs and, with several attendees, Biblical history. The Lord allowed us to help a blind young woman to “see” dinosaurs for her first time. All we needed to do was take her hand and let her trace the fossils with her touch. It was a truly exceptional moment to teach someone for her first time that dinosaurs are part of the Lord’s creation. We are so thankful to have been a tool in His providence and provision for those who were able to come. Our continuing mission is supported by each and every one of you who pray for us. The power of prayer is very real and we see its manifestation so often in this ministry. The financial support from family, friends and the body of Christ, His Church, carry us each and every year. We once again enter this season with extraordinary thankfulness for our Lord and for you. Thanksgiving Blessings!