Question

What is the doctrine of special creation? Why would a natural explanation of the origin of species be so radical that Darwin would suppress it for 20 years?

Answer 1

Doctrine of special creation = It is a theoretical hypothesis which states that the present day universe and all its components originated in their present form by a transcendental force/devine decree
According to this hypotehsis, each organism independently originated by a special act of creation.

It is opposite to the doctrine of descent.
Charles Darwing proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
It was said that Darwin avoided publishing his theory for several years due to many reasons (Almost a 2-decade delay).
i. The dominance of the Church during those days: Church held the ultimate power and anyone desecrated its opinios were punished severely.
ii. Anxiety of materialism
iii. The reception of vestiges
iv. Unable to provide a satisfactory explanation to observed variations
v. Vast opposition from his collegues