Creation, Evolution, and the Handicapped: Crushing the Death Image
Author: Pastor Richard Luther Corwin
Published: 2016/06/23 - Updated: 2025/05/23
Publication Type: Literature / Review
Category Topic: Disability Publications - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This article, authored by Pastor Richard Luther Corwin, critically examines the intersection of creationism, evolution, and the treatment of people with disabilities, arguing that evolutionary theory - when taken to its logical conclusion - fosters a culture that devalues life, particularly the lives of the disabled and handicapped. Drawing from personal experiences, including the dismissal of a church colleague with multiple sclerosis and his own diagnosis of focal epilepsy, Corwin contends that evolutionary thinking has permeated even religious communities, leading to prejudice against those labeled as "Darwin's defectives".
The article is authoritative and thought-provoking, as it is written by a pastor with advanced degrees in philosophy and theology, and it challenges readers to consider how foundational worldviews shape societal attitudes toward disability, morality, and human worth. Corwin asserts that only a biblical worldview adequately supports the principles underlying science, logic, and morality, making his perspective particularly relevant for people with disabilities, seniors, and advocates who seek to affirm the dignity and value of all individuals, regardless of physical or cognitive ability. The article's examples - such as the church's response to disability and the broader societal implications of evolutionary dogma - offer valuable insights for anyone interested in the philosophical and ethical dimensions of disability and inclusion - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
In "Creation, Evolution, and the Handicapped: Crushing the Death Image" (published by WestBow Press), Pastor Richard Luther Corwin defends the proposition that evolution is unproven conjecture and is an illogical, self-contradictory theory. He advocates that only a biblical worldview "sustains the preconditions of intelligibility sufficient to sustain empirical science."
Main Content
Witnessing the dismissal of an associate pastor from a church due to his multiple sclerosis and suffering the effects being diagnosed with focal epilepsy had on his own pastoral prospects, Corwin was inspired to write.
"I discovered that the evolutionary prejudice assigned to 'Darwin's defectives' had infiltrated the body of Christ," he says.
By following evolutionary dogma to its logical conclusion, Corwin suggests that it promotes a climate of death, a devaluation of life, and is detrimental to the disabled and handicapped. He presents evidence to try and show that only the biblical worldview can account for the uniformity in nature, laws of logic, morality and intelligence.
An excerpt from "Creation, Evolution, and the Handicapped":
The battle being fought is a battle of worldviews, a war, between two religions, that will cost us our souls and our children. Are we lost in a random chance universe or are we designed in the image of God? How we answer that question will not only determine our place in a secular world, but it will determine our spiritual destiny!
Pastor Richard Luther Corwin graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. He has a master's in theology from Harding Graduate School of Religion in Memphis and recently graduated from the Institute for Creation Research in Dallas with a master's of Christian education in apologetics. Corwin has served Union Christian Church in Illinois for 20 years and has written articles for Christian Family Magazine and Disciple Renewal.
"Creation, Evolution, and the Handicapped" By Pastor Richard Luther Corwin
Hardcover: 6 x 9 in, 364 pages, ISBN 9781512728637
Softcover: 6 x 9 in, 364 pages, ISBN 9781512728613
E-Book: 364 pages, ISBN 9781512728620
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: Corwin's work serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that philosophical and theological frameworks have on societal attitudes toward disability. By challenging the compatibility of evolutionary theory with the intrinsic worth of all individuals, he invites readers to consider how deeply held beliefs shape our interactions with and support for those who are often marginalized. Corwin's work invites readers to reflect deeply on the narratives that shape our understanding of human value, especially in communities where science and faith intersect. By highlighting how philosophical frameworks can influence real-world attitudes toward the disabled, the article encourages ongoing dialogue about inclusion, respect, and the dangers of dehumanizing ideologies. Whether one agrees with Corwin's conclusions or not, his call to scrutinize the roots of our beliefs remains a vital challenge for all who care about justice and dignity for society's most vulnerable - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Pastor Richard Luther Corwin and published on 2016/06/23, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.