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The Independent reports that Pope Francis, speaking at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, has declared that the theories of evolution and the Big Bang are real.
“When we read about Creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so,” said Francis.
“He created human beings and let them develop according to the internal laws that he gave to each one so they would reach their fulfillment."
Francis explained that both scientific theories were not incompatible with the existence of a creator – arguing instead that they “require it”.
“The Big Bang, which today we hold to be the origin of the world, does not contradict the intervention of the divine creator but, rather, requires it. Evolution in nature is not inconsistent with the notion of creation, because evolution requires the creation of beings that evolve.”
Experts say the Pope's comments put an end to the “pseudo theories” of creationism and intelligent design that some argue were encouraged by his predecessor, Benedict XVI who spoke out against taking Darwin too far.
(Score: 2) by Lagg on Wednesday October 29 2014, @07:10AM
"Vatican scientists" is such an oxymoron. I guess that it's better than calling them "Vatican spin doctors" which is really what they are. This is the problem with these types, even when they appear to be thinking scientifically they're not. They just reword and amend their explanation of things until it fits their dogma. You even mention it in your post. He said pretty explicitly that God created human beings but people will then say "no no what he really meant is that God created the things that lead to human beings". The bible says something stupid, people say "no no that was a parable, it wasn't meant to be literal". It's pathetic really and I feel kind of embarrassed for them. They're quickly losing any kind of standing and hilariously enough society as a whole is evolving by shedding elements of itself that gives cults any kind of power. Rather poetic really.
http://lagg.me [lagg.me] 🗿
(Score: 1) by khallow on Wednesday October 29 2014, @12:31PM
(Score: 3, Informative) by cykros on Wednesday October 29 2014, @02:08PM
Yea, what kind of Science ever came out of the Catholic priesthood? Oh, right, there was that whole Big Bang Theory in the first place...
It's never been that they don't do science, and more just that the scientists within the church have generally always been kept at a distance from actually affecting doctrine, and in darker times, actively kept silenced. Considering that Francis' own order of Jesuits has in the past been considered a heretical sect due to their focus on matters of Science, this is about what I have come to expect in the first place. It's a healthy reminder that the Church is much less monolithic than it may appear at first glance. Remember, the Dominicans were once known for portraying Jesus on the cross with a pouch full of gold coins hanging around his waist!
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday October 29 2014, @11:05PM
You clearly have some anger issues you need to work out. I can tell from your behavior that you're just like any other denialist - you already have your mind made up and you'll never let stupid things like facts get in the way of your pre-made conclusion. As such, there's no point in talking to you on this subject.