Difference between revisions of "Catholic Views On Creation"
m (the MoS doesn't legislate this, but this way is my personal preference; nice pun by the way :) |
(→Evolution: Expand.) |
||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
==Evolution== | ==Evolution== | ||
| − | + | In 1909, the Pontifical Biblical Commission ruled that the historical sense of the creation account in Genesis 1-3 cannot be excluded. | |
| + | As of 1991, this ruling had not been superseded.<ref>Keane, 1991, p.169.</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | In 1950, [[Pope Pius XII]] forbade the [[theory of evolution]] being taught as true, although said that evidence for and against evolution should be considered.<ref>Keane, 1991, p.170.</ref> | ||
| + | This teaching had not been changed as of 1991.<ref>Keane, 1991, p.177</ref> | ||
| + | Pope [[John Paul II]] said in 1996 that the theory of evolution is "more than a hypothesis" and that "truth cannot contradict truth," meaning that [[science]] and a belief in [[God]] can harmoniously coexist. <ref>http://webs.mn.catholic.edu.au/physics/emery/creationism.htm</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Bibliography == | ||
| + | * Keane, Gerard J., "Creation Rediscovered", Credis, 1991, ISBN 0 646 04291 2. | ||
==Intelligent Design== | ==Intelligent Design== | ||
Revision as of 11:55, March 20, 2008
Catholic views on creationism have undergone change over time. Roman Catholicism, along with most branches of Christianity, generally accepted a literal interpretation of creation is presented in the book of Genesis in the Bible throughout most of its history. In more recent times however, based upon viewing increased scientific thought and discovery, the position of a literal reading of Genesis became less important.
Evolution
In 1909, the Pontifical Biblical Commission ruled that the historical sense of the creation account in Genesis 1-3 cannot be excluded. As of 1991, this ruling had not been superseded.[1]
In 1950, Pope Pius XII forbade the theory of evolution being taught as true, although said that evidence for and against evolution should be considered.[2] This teaching had not been changed as of 1991.[3] Pope John Paul II said in 1996 that the theory of evolution is "more than a hypothesis" and that "truth cannot contradict truth," meaning that science and a belief in God can harmoniously coexist. [4]
Bibliography
- Keane, Gerard J., "Creation Rediscovered", Credis, 1991, ISBN 0 646 04291 2.
Intelligent Design
According to the director of the Vatican observatory, Father George V. Coyne, a Catholic and a theistic scientist, the theory of intelligent design belittles the power of God to nurture a creation over a long period of time carefully groomed and watched by God continuously. Coyne agrees with John Paul's statement that evolution is a "fundamental church teaching" and should be treated as such. The view of Coyne in rejecting intelligent design is not universal in Catholicism. For instance, the Cardinal archbishop of Vienna has spoken out in support of intelligent design. The Vatican itself has never taken an official position on the issue.[5]
References
- ↑ Keane, 1991, p.169.
- ↑ Keane, 1991, p.170.
- ↑ Keane, 1991, p.177
- ↑ http://webs.mn.catholic.edu.au/physics/emery/creationism.htm
- ↑ http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=18503