Aqaaid

Studying Darwin’s theory knowing that it is false

Q: If a scholar gives a very strict fatwa regarding something related to shirk, but all the other trustworthy and reputable scholars give a more balanced and moderate fatwa, then if I follow the opinion of the scholars who gave the balanced fatwa, will I become a disbeliever or sinner? 

For example, when studying Darwin’s theory—if someone studies it while keeping in mind that it is false, and only continues studying it for academic purposes, and this opinion is supported by many scholars—But one scholar says that such studies are "trash" and that there’s no need to study them as it could harm one’s faith. 

In that case, if I follow the balanced fatwa and not the harsh one, will I be considered a disbeliever or a sinner?

Participating in a game named secret sheep for eid which was derived from the game secret santa

Q: Knowing that giving gifts is of great merit and is encouraged in Islam... 

Is it permissible to participate in a game named as secret sheep for eid which people exchange gifts... since it was derived from the name secret santa and the rules etc. all are derived from the secret santa (done on Christmas).