The Thomistic Institute
Evolution and the Soul | Prof. Christopher Baglow
Feb 17, 2025
Christopher Baglow, Professor of Theology at Notre Dame and director of the Science and Religion Initiative, discusses the harmony of evolutionary science and Catholic faith. He highlights how the Church embraces evolution, detailing its historical evolution of thought. Baglow emphasizes the roles of chance and divine providence in development, connecting evolution to salvation history. He also explores evolutionary convergence, suggesting that creation followed predictable pathways, ultimately aligning science with theological understanding.
43:00
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Quick takeaways
- The compatibility of evolutionary science with Catholic faith reveals an openness to scientific exploration and the Church's understanding of the human soul's unique creation.
- The role of chance in evolution, operating within divine providence, suggests a meaningful intersection of randomness and God's overarching plan.
Deep dives
The Relationship Between Faith and Evolution
The discussion emphasizes that there is no inherent conflict between the Catholic Church’s teachings and the theory of evolution. Historically, the Church has mostly engaged with the implications of evolution concerning human beings, particularly regarding the existence of the human soul. Important documents like Pope Pius XII's encyclical Humanae Generis allow dialogue on evolution while affirming that human souls are a direct creation of God. The perspective that evolution can coexist with faith suggests that the Church is open to scientific exploration, supporting the idea that a harmonious relationship exists between faith and scientific understanding.
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