Most people from Europe know evoltion is true. Is it the same with the two Popes? They are from Europe
2007-02-15 02:47:08 · 9 answers · asked by Born again atheist 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Did John Paul the second know evolution is true?
Well, it is not as easy as "yes" or "no". Following is what John Paul II said:
"'Humani Generis' (an early encyclical)," he stated, "considered the doctrine of 'evolutionism' as a serious hypothesis, worthy of a more deeply studied investigation and reflection on a par with the opposite hypothesis. ... Today, more than a half century after this encyclical, new knowledge leads us to recognize in the theory of evolution more than a hypothesis. ... The convergence, neither sought nor induced, of results of work done independently one from the other, constitutes in itself a significant argument in favor of this theory."
He continued: "The elaboration of a theory such as that of evolution, while obeying the exigency of homogeneity with the data of observation, borrows certain ideas from the philosophy of nature. To tell the truth, more than the theory of evolution, one must speak of the theories of evolution. ... There are thus materialistic and reductionist readings and spiritual readings."
"The magisterium of the Church is directly interested in the question of evolution because this touches upon the concept of man, ... created in the image and likeness of God. ... Pius XII underlined this essential point: 'if the origin of the human body is sought in living matter which existed before it, the spiritual soul is directly created by God.' Consequently, the theories of evolution which, as a result of the philosophies which inspire them, consider the spirit as emerging from forces of living matter or as a simple epiphenomenon of this matter, are incompatible with the truth about man. They are moreover incapable of laying the foundation for the dignity of the person."
I think he is saying that there is much evidence to support the theory of evolution as it regards the human body, but not an evolution of the human soul.
2007-02-15 03:14:19 · answer #1 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pope JP2 certainly said evolution was fact.
One of the other answers said:
"Are you saying that if a theologian says to you that something is fact, you'll believe it? Even if the very scientists studying it say it's only a theory?
Sounds like blind faith religious hooie to me.
BTW - Evolution is not true. God made all that we see less than 10,000 years ago. And he did it all in 6 days - 24 hours each."
You have to love such stupidity. Where to start?
Firstly, the contradiction in saying a theologian and facts are unconnected and then saying a literal interpretation of the bible disproves science. Especially having just said science "Sounds like blind faith religious hooie to me" Isn't logic a wonderful thing to ignore?
Secondly, the 'fact' Vs 'theory' argument. Evolution is fact. Evolutionary theory is 'just a theory'. However 'just' is a poor word. It's a scientific theory that explains evolution. It has been (and still is being) rigorously tested. It is falsifiable, which means it can be disproved - but nobody has so far managed to do this. If (and it's a very, very big if) they do, then it will be replaced with a better theory in much the same way that Newton's theories of gravity were replaced by Einstein's.
It is also the ONLY scientific theory. There are no scientific arguments against it. And there is pretty nearly unanimous agreement amongst scientists.
2007-02-15 11:23:46 · answer #2 · answered by The Truth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For JP2 the answer is an unequivocal YES. He said so, in public, on the record.
Benedict has been slow coming forward on the issue. Ken Miller a Catholic Professor of Biology (and expert witness at various ID trials) along with a couple more scientist guys have written to Benedict and asked him to speak out publically in favour of evolution.
2007-02-15 10:52:45 · answer #3 · answered by anthonypaullloyd 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First, it depends on what facet of evolution one is talking about.
As far as the general Darwin Theory the Catholic Church and the Jewish Theologians have had no problem with it for ages.
The Big Bang theory came from a Catholic Priest and the Vatacn has no problem with that, either.
The problems lay with Man coming from Apes (is that what you think your grandaddy was, a Gorilla) which science doesn't even totally hold with anymore (they are favoriing separate and distinct spieces these days) and random formation of the universe by the cosmic casino that is mindless and souless and threw a lucky 7 and thus you came to be. That is what religion is in opposition to.
Religion views we all have paternity and it isn't a hairy animal, but something greater and wiser than we are.
2007-02-15 10:58:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
LOL! It common knowledge the Roman Catholic Church has accepted the theory of evolution. Oh, and I noticed the bird finger in your Q & A, very mature.
2007-02-16 03:45:14 · answer #5 · answered by The Notorious Doctor Zoom Zoom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
John Paul II accepted evolution as fact. I can't remember exactly when
2007-02-15 10:51:03 · answer #6 · answered by murnip 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are you saying that if a theologian says to you that something is fact, you'll believe it? Even if the very scientists studying it say it's only a theory?
Sounds like blind faith religious hooie to me.
BTW - Evolution is not true. God made all that we see less than 10,000 years ago. And he did it all in 6 days - 24 hours each.
2007-02-15 10:53:01 · answer #7 · answered by teran_realtor 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It doesn't matter what religious leaders know about evolution. They're not scientists.
2007-02-15 10:50:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!
Evolution is monkey business. It sure ain't science!
2007-02-15 11:01:59 · answer #9 · answered by iraqisax 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋