Evolution

[Kevin Mowad]

Hey there guys?

a) I have forgotten what the Churches standing is in regards to evolution? Do they believe in some form of evolution or is it none at all?

b) What do the churches say about scientists claim that animals evolved eg: dinosaurs being extinct and new species emerging due to changing climates and so forth... (I'm not talking about apes evolving into humans that's just ludicrous)

[DavidObeid]

Hi Kevin,

The Church doesn't have a defined position on evolution.

Philosophically however, one species evolving into another is nonsense. A species might improve (or degenerate) over time due to cross or in-breeding, but it won't make another species. That's why my sheep dogs are better than my neighbour's, but they will never give birth to something that isn't a dog.

(p.s. don't tell my neighbour I said that, he's touchy about that sort of thing :D )

[tony mattar]

What is theistic evolution ?

[DavidObeid]

Theistic evolution is the theory that life evolved from lower forms under God's direction.

[tony mattar]

Is that part of Church Teaching?

[DavidObeid]

No, the Church has no formal position on this, although having said that, there are formal positions on the creation of Adam and Eve - Fr. Peter Joseph's article on this is very good. Have a read here: http://www.thecatholicforum.org/content.php?191-Adam-and-Eve

[tony mattar]

Thanks David,
that was an awesome read !! . Strongly recommended to all .
God bless

[Matthew]

I recommend Fr PJ period.

[Kevin Mowad]

No, the Church has no formal position on this, although having said that, there are formal positions on the creation of Adam and Eve - Fr. Peter Joseph's article on this is very good. Have a read here: http://www.thecatholicforum.org/content.php?191-Adam-and-Eve

Excellent, Excellent!! Thanks Heaps!

[Matthew]

I'd like to see him discuss more the genetic studies.