Abstract

This article is an attempt to define the exact date of Charles Darwin’s loss of faith in God. The English naturalist and evolutionist in his early stages of life was definitely a theist. The author claims that the first doubts concerning the Creator’s existence appeared on board of the HMS Beagle. After returning from his expedition, Darwin dedicated himself to the work on the notes he collected. In these notes Darwin claimed that morality is nothing more than useful behavior transmitted by generations and faith is only an effect of a religious upbringing. According to the author, at the turn of the 1830s. and 1840s. Darwin had already had serious doubts concerning the truthfulness of the Christian doctrine. Finally, Darwin lost his faith after the death of his beloved daughter on 23 April 1851.