Final answer:
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution faced challenges including contradiction to religious beliefs, rejection of the idea of a young Earth, resistance from the scientific community, and a perceived lack of purpose in evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution faced several challenges to the worldview of his time:
- Contradiction to religious beliefs: Darwin's theory directly contradicted the biblical account of creation, in which God's creation was seen as static and unchanging.
- Rejection of the idea of a young Earth: Many people believed that the Earth was only about 6,000 years old and that organisms did not change or go extinct over time, which conflicted with Darwin's theory of gradual change and extinction.
- Resistance from the scientific community: Darwin's ideas were met with skepticism and resistance, especially from scientists who held onto traditional beliefs and theories.
- Perceived lack of purpose or plan in evolution: Darwin's theory proposed that evolution was driven by random adaptations, rather than a predetermined plan or purpose.