Theological Implications of Theistic Evolution Through the Lens of the Evolution of the Eye

The evolution of the eye is highly complex. The eye has evolved from a nondirectional photoreceptive cell to a compound eye. This can be tracked through phylogenetic trees, molecular genetics, and the fossil record. Proteins continue to progress the evolution and development of the eye. This thesis discusses the scope of the evolution of the eye through the lens of new atheism (NA), young earth creationism (YEC), and theistic evolution (TE); this thesis is primarily focused on the evolution of the eye through the lens of TE. NA sees the evolution of the eye as a development from natural selection to preserve the genetic material of organisms better. YEC sees the eye as entirely created by God toward the ends for which it was made. The implications of TE are discussed, specifically in view of the evolution of the eye. Scripture and science both show truth from God, and both hold authority. TE meets the authority of scripture and science from YEC and NA, and TE points to God using natural selection to progress and refine his creation through time.