“The creature was made subject to vanity not willingly”: The controversy over the influence of the Fall on living nature and the rise of paleontology

This paper deals with discussions sparked by the scientific advances of paleontology in first half 19th century on whether predation and animal death should be linked to Fall man. The history belief paradisiacal vegetarianism peace, which could traced back writings Early Church fathers, is briefly discussed. discusses argumentation W. Buckland, E. Hitchcock, H. Miller, other men science theologians, who accepted fact, became evident from fossil record, that prevailed living nature beginning, struggled conceive it Christian terms. Light shed early pictorial representations prehistoric life, accentuated ferocity primeval world stark contrast traditional view prelapsarian harmony between animals. attitudes those persisted defending peaceful relationships paradise despite findings are explored. main exponents latter found among “scriptural geologists”, predecessors presentday Young Earth creationists. attempt Scottish theologian Gillespie explain existence animals Satan reviewed. It can concluded revision doctrine earthly had been well underway pre-Darwinian age was accomplished triumph evolutionism.