Catholic Views On Creation

Catholic views on creationism have undergone change over time. Roman Catholicism, along with most branches of Christianity, generally accepted a literal interpretation of creation as 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 As of 1991, this ruling had not been superseded.

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. In the Humani Generis, the Pope forbade any Catholic from teaching anything contrary to the existence of one Adam and Eve as the parents of all mankind, as evolution is commonly taught. This teaching had not been changed as of 1991.

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.

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. 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.

Bibliography

• Keane, Gerard J., "Creation Rediscovered", Credis, 1991, ISBN 0 646 04291 2.