Saint Peter Catholic Church

 
“The question about the origins of the world and of man has been the object of many scientific studies….” (CCC 283)
 
One of the most popular questions—if not THE most popular question—about the Book of Genesis and the Bible’s account of creation deals with evolution and the scientific exploration about the origins of humanity.  I know that, in the high school classes I taught, the students were always curious about the intersection of these two perspectives.
 
I will not address the evolution question here in any depth; I would direct your attention instead to writers and theologians like Pope Benedict XVI, who do a superb job of talking about the issue with clarity and charity.  Rather, I prefer to focus on the credibility that the Catechism gives to the scientific exploration of creation in our passage today.
 
The Catechism says that these scientific studies “have splendidly enriched our knowledge of the…cosmos, the development of life-forms and the appearance of man.”  The Church, in other words, does not and should not shy away from scientific inquiry when it comes to creation.  The Church, in fact, now welcomes the insights that science provides.
 
These insights, the Catechism continues, “invite us to even greater admiration for the greatness of the Creator, prompting us to give him thanks.”  Scientists who strive to explain our universe give us material by which we can praise God not only for his power in creating, but also his generosity in giving us the ability to perceive and appreciate it all.
 
Of course, science has limitations, especially in questions that go “beyond the proper domain of the natural sciences” (CCC, 284).  But, for the moment, we should appreciate the expansion that the sciences give to our minds.  May God bless the efforts of those who honestly and diligently work to lay out the truths of the world around us.
                                                                                                                      

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