"Evidence from private correspondence shows that Lyell included Charles Darwin in the deceitful plan of action to undermine biblical faith in Britain. While in early years Lyell did not openly accept
evolution, he encouraged Darwin to write his work over a couple of decades and was only one of a few who knew of Darwin’s plans initially. In a letter in 1836, the young Darwin seemed flattered that “Lyell entered in the most good natured manner, and almost without being asked, into my plans.”
Like Voltaire, Lyell, and perhaps Darwin, were Unitarian deists, and hostile to the authority of the Anglican establishment in matters of science as well as faith. They wished to remove this influence from science. Darwin confesses his part in the plan in private correspondence in 1873:
Like Voltaire, Lyell, and perhaps Darwin, were Unitarian deists, and hostile to the authority of the Anglican establishment in matters of science as well as faith. They wished to remove this influence from science. Darwin confesses his part in the plan in private correspondence in 1873:
“Lyell is most firmly convinced that he has shaken the faith in the Deluge … far more efficiently by never having said a word against the Bible, than if he had acted otherwise. P.S. … . I have lately read Morley’s Life of Voltaire & he insists strongly that direct attacks on Christianity (even when written with the wonderful force & vigor of Voltaire) produce little permanent effect: real good seems only to follow from slow & silent side attacks.” CMI
