A question about Catholics and evoltuion vs creation?

Question

I went to Catholic school until 8th grade, and in our science classes, we were taught the theory of evolution; and in histroy, we studied the (as in over 6000 years ago.)
In religion class, we... didnt study the actual Bible, but the principles of it. We were taught that the days of creation were actually millions of years each.
Okay, I know that many non-Catholic Christians don't beleive in evolution, but why did my Catholic school teach it? Do most Catholics beleive in evolution?
I'm curious.

Answer 1

Hello,

Since the early 50's the RC church has said there is nothing wrong with believing in evolution and vast geologic times being part of God's plan so long as one does not lose focus of God who started it all and of course the belief in Jesus and his teachings.

One great believer in evolution in the Catholic Church was
Teilhard de Chardin who we also learned about.

http://www.gaiamind.com/Teilhard.html

Michael

Answer 2

The Catholic Church does not take the stories of creation in the Bible literally. Catholics believe the book of Genesis tells religious truth and not necessarily historical fact.

One of the religious truths is that God created everything and declared all was good.

Catholics can believe in the theory of evolution. Or not. The Church does not require belief in evolution.

On August 12, 1950 Pope Pius XII said in his encyclical Humani generis:

The Teaching Authority of the Church does not forbid that, in conformity with the present state of human sciences and sacred theology, research and discussions, on the part of men experienced in both fields, take place with regard to the doctrine of evolution, in as far as it inquires into the origin of the human body as coming from pre-existent and living matter - for the Catholic faith obliges us to hold that souls are immediately created by God.

Here is the complete encyclical: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_12081950_humani-generis_en.html

The Church supports science in the discovery of God's creation. At this time, the theory of evolution is the most logical scientific explanation. However tomorrow someone may come up with a better idea.

As long as we believe that God started the whole thing, both the Bible and modern science can live in harmony.

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

The official stance of the Catholic church is that the theory of evolution is true, but was caused by God. This is what is generally taught in Catholic schools.

However, the Catholic church doesn't often mention evolution in church because the majority of the older generations is completely against it. Openly endorsing the theory of evolution in church would cause many of the most wealthy donors to stop attending services and take their money elsewhere. This is why most Catholics, especially the older ones, don't know the official church position on evolution.

Answer 4

You are curious, as billions before you were. Those among us who have ever claimed to know the "truth" are probably well-intentioned, but, sadly, in my opinion, no more closer to the truth than a new-born baby. We have physical proof that humanoids have evolved through the ages on this planet, yet so many stick to the strict doctrines of their respective beliefs, and there are so many different versions of "life after death". So, who is right? And if some belief is perfectly correct, then look at the scores who have been wrong. Glance out at an entire graveyard, or at the memorials of your own long-deceased family, and ask yourself how many of these souls are in Paradise, and what percentage aren't?
I wonder about the validity of such speculation myself.
You are flirting with that ageless question, my dear friend.....see ya in "Paradise" someday, maybe?

Answer 5

back in 1962 it could have been implied yet my memory of those days is susceptible; i became seven on the time and that i've got considering that discovered in a distinctive way. i think there is an papal e-e book dealing with the acceptence of technology via the church. I also have a replica someplace. Meanwhtile the Catechism says that medical study is stable, regardless of the undeniable fact that it is a poor source for ethical habit. the theory that the introduction tale is an allegory or non-historic isn't opposite to the religion. on the different hand, concept in a literal backyard of eden isn't opposite to the religion. i think I straddle the line. I even have instructed my little ones that the "genuine" Adam and Eve have been probably bushy. the exciting question is which animals have been first given souls and whilst will the final guy with a soul die?

Answer 6

It is bcause St. Augustine pionted out that if the Sun was not mad eon the 1st day of creation, obviously the creations are not solar days ( 24hours ) but instead a different frame of time." that is why they taught pre-history, and they probably taught you about evolution so you would know what it was and what it meant, so you wouldn't be shut out from the World

- Peace in Christ -

Answer 7

I went to a protestant high school and we were taught about evolution and pre-history. We were then given different veiws from inside the Christian community when it comes to evolution. Evolution does not contradict the bible and many protestant (non-catholic) believers accept evolution as part of creation.

Answer 8

Catholics generally accept the possibililty of evolution ... but not random, Godless evolution.

The fact that both the angels and man were originally created good by God, but became sinful by their own choices and actions ... and that this world age will someday lead to another ... seems to be a clear confirmation that things do evolve ... for better or for worse.

Yet God remains sovereign and supreme.

Answer 9

I come from a Catholic backround. Each Catholic I know or am related to either believes in it or isnt interested in learning about either theory. I believe Catholicism is the most legalistic, yet most liberal religion I have ever come across.

Answer 10

If evolution does not contradict the Bible then that was someone else's coke in Linsay Lohan's pocket.

Your school did you a great disservice, just as the public schools are doing. You'd think that the at least Christians would get this right. Macro evolution did not happen. There is no evidence for it. No species ever changed into another species. Period.