In modern science classes, we will often learn about the theory of evolution. For example, in the Academy’s Biology textbook, we read:
“The science of biology is very broad in scope because there is a tremendous diversity of life on Earth. The source of this diversity is evolution, the process of gradual change during which new species arise from older species. Evolutionary biologists study the evolution of living things in everything from the microscopic world to ecosystems.”
As you read this passage, “evolution” doesn’t sound like a theory. It is, unfortunately, presented as if it is a proven fact, and the only possible explanation for the diversity–and order–seen in the natural world. This, of course, is not true, and there are other views among biologists. We can see this from the last sentence which refers to “evolutionary biologists”, which is only one group of biologists. There are many biologists who do not believe that scientific evidence proves that the species of animals in the world have “evolved” from other species, but argue for a position called “intelligent design“, which holds that the order in the natural world cannot be explained without some intelligent “being” who designed, created and governs it.
Many Christian schools avoid the subject of evolution because they believe that students should learn that God created all of the species of living things that exist. The diversity may be hard for human beings to comprehend, but God is the creator, not man, and this is not hard for God, who is an infinite, all-knowing spirit. There is no need for man to understand everything, nor is it reasonable to expect him to do so. Sacred Scripture tells us that, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1), and we receive this truth by faith.
Nevertheless, Christians will be living among and working with non-Christians, so it is good for us to study to understand the theory of evolution accurately. We should seek to understand what exactly they believe and why they believe it, then consider whether their views are supported by material evidence or not. That, after all, is what it means to be “scientific”.
You might be surprised to learn that some Catholics argue that evolution and intelligent design can be reconciled. In a book titled, “Thomistic Evolution“, some Dominicans argue that it may be possible that God created the world, but uses the process of evolution to bring that world to perfection over time. I don’t think this view is persuasive, but it’s interesting to consider.
As we study Biology, we will learn more about the theory of evolution. This does not mean we need to accept this theory as true, but we should work to understand it accurately as we also work to understand intelligent design and the teaching of the Catholic Church on the issue. We will continue to discuss the issue throughout our studies in modern science.
If you have any questions, please post them in the comments below.
God bless your studies,
Mr. William C. Michael, O.P.
Classical Liberal Arts Academy
