Was Darwin a naturalist or an atheist?

Was Darwin a naturalist?

In the 19th century, a naturalist was an individual who studied the natural world, encompassing plants, animals, geology, and ecosystems. In that sense, Darwin was a naturalist. Today, we use the term methodical naturalist.

Prof Alvin Plantinga said:

When I use the word 'naturalism', what I mean is really the belief that there is no such thing as God or anything like God. Naturalism is stronger than atheism. Naturalism entails atheism.

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More precisely, by 'naturalism', he meant metaphysical naturalism: The belief that only natural entities and forces exist, and there is no supernatural realm. This view overlaps with atheism.

Among famous [metaphysical] naturalists, well-known naturalists, there will be Carl Sagan, … the later Darwin … in the later part of his life, Bertrand Russell, Richard Dawkins.

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Was Darwin an atheist?

Yes, according to Planninga, he became an atheist in the later part of his life.

No, according to Darwin's Autobiography:

The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an Agnostic.

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He labeled himself as an Agnostic. He was a Christian earlier.

Thus disbelief crept over me at a very slow rate, but was at last complete. The rate was so slow that I felt no distress, and have never since doubted even for a single second that my conclusion was correct. I can indeed hardly see how anyone ought to wish Christianity to be true; for if so the plain language of the text seems to show that the men who do not believe, and this would include my Father, Brother and almost all my best friends, will be everlastingly punished. And this is a damnable doctrine.

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He disliked the doctrine that all unbelievers would suffer eternal punishment.

The autobiography was released posthumously.

Was Darwin a naturalist or an atheist?

He was a methodical naturalist and an agnostic, but not an atheist.

Will he end up in hell?

I don't know. Check this.