The first person proposed the theory of biological evolution systematically was the French naturalist Buffon. Over the following century, numerous renowned debates were held between representatives of different beliefs. This conflict reached its peak during the time of Darwin.
Background: Darwin's theory of evolution faces religious opposition
In 1859, British naturalist Darwin published his magnum opus “On the Origin of Species”, and proposed the theory of biological evolution and natural selection. The religious community could not accept this heresy. They published critical articles in major newspapers. Darwin's theory conflicted with creationism directly, particularly God's creation of humans and all species in genesis. It was accused of being dangerous and immoral, as it disregarded the doctrines of Bible to belittle God, humans are no longer seen as special beings created by God. They emphasized that accepting the heretical theory would destroy the Christian world. Bishop Wilberforce's article in the “Quarterly Review” focused on the criticism from both scientific and theological perspectives. Not only did theologians denounce it strongly, but even some scientists opposed it.
However, Darwin also had many followers. Huxley wrote several academic articles and supported the new viewpoint in a public lecture. Darwin's theory presented a completely new perspective to explain biological diversity and adaptability. Since no one could convince the other, they planned to hold a decisive debate at the Oxford University Museum on June 30, 1860.
Huxley, Wilberforce debate
When Dr. John W. Draper finished his tedious paper "On the Intellectual Development of Europe," Bishop Wilberforce swaggered onto the podium. He used the same scientific arguments that he had evaluated Darwin's work in the Quarterly Review. Wilberforce agreed that species might become stronger after successive generations, but there was no evidence to prove its universality. Moreover, improvement does not always occur. Sometimes, strengthening one aspect weakens another. For example, if a bulldog is stronger, its speed and agility decrease. Darwin introduced his research on pigeons in his book: if pigeons of same traits were selected for breeding, their color and feathers would change significantly within a few generations. In Darwin's view, artificial selection was an analogy to natural selection. Wilberforce argued that the analogy was unreasonable. Since breeders relaxed their care, the pigeons reverted to their original traits.
The bishop then shifted his attention to another argument: new traits were inherited from a common ancestor. If transformations had indeed occurred, we should at least find some examples. However, no one has yet observed advanced algae tending to evolve into plants under the microscope. We have never seen any tendency in an animal to exhibit the form of another. He questioned species between plants and animals. On the grand scale of nature's harmony, they are merely a semitone. Wilberforce also attacked gradualism and missing links to uphold the immutability in species evolution. At that time, the earliest biological remains were animals, plants, and humans discovered in Egyptian pyramids. Their forms were exactly the same as their modern descendants. Thus, there is a clear and permanent boundary between humans and animals: lower animals can’t become intelligent beings with self-awareness. The theory of evolution is merely a baseless speculation, because, in most cases, it is entirely contrary to the facts we observe.
"We are created by the Creator to rule over animals." Wilberforce accused evolution theory of disrespecting God to incite the religious sentiments in audience. The ladies waved white handkerchiefs, students in the back row cheered, and priests applauded proudly. Finally, the bishop asked Huxley with a mocking tone: “I wonder Mr. Huxley, is it through your grandfather or grandmother that you claim descent from an ape?" A serious debate turned into a rude personal attack unexpectedly, and the audience was in an uproar.
Huxley's counterattack
Huxley calmly walked to the stage, declaring that apart from the mockery about lineage, there was nothing new in his remarks (all the content came from bishop's own article). He explained Darwin's theory in the view of comparative anatomy and paleontology. Humans evolved from ancient animals similar to monkeys over thousands of generations, but it cannot be directly inferred that monkeys are our ancestors. Bishop did not understand evolution theory at all. Finally, Huxley confidently and firmly said: I have no reason to be ashamed of having a monkey as an ancestor; what truly shames me is someone like this, who uses their immense influence and achievements to conceal the truth with flowery words and religious sentiments, especially in a field they do not understand. Huxley's calm, brilliant, and well-reasoned argument won the applause of audience. Darwin's supporters cheered for him, and there was even a lady who fainted and had to be carried out because she could not accept his viewpoint. In contrast, Bishop Wilberforce, who mocked his opponent in a serious debate, appeared unprofessional and ungentlemanly.
Although both sides claimed victory in the debate, it was clear that Huxley was the true victor. He earned the title of Darwin's Bulldog to become a hero of all supporters of evolution.