Darwinism in Denmark: reflections on the history of evolution and religion from de cultural struggles in the 1870s to modern creationism

Abstract

In this article, I will address the history of Darwinism in Denmark with a focus on how the theory of evolution has been part of cultural, religious, and educational battles from its introduction by freethinkers such as Georg Brandes and Vilhelm Rasmussen to modern day creationism. I will pay close attention to two aspects, namely 1) the role of science popularisation and the scientific marketplace and 2) the specific Protestant context in which Darwinism was introduced. Moreover, I will compare the history of Darwinism in Denmark to countries with other cultural and religious contexts, primarily Spain, Britain, and America, in order to make some broad conclusions on how Darwinism has been and still is appropriated around the Globe. Finally, I will sketch avenues for further research on the history of Darwinism and science and religion. The article will be based on my research on appropriations of Darwinism in Denmark, including my work as contributor to and co-editor of Creationism in Europe (Johns Hopkins University 2014) and as contributor to The Reception of Charles Darwin in Europe (Continuum /Bloomsbury Publishing, 2008-2014).