The biblical creation accounts and evolution: A catholic perspective*

Abstract

Faith and reason are not two conflicting sources for knowledge. Truth is one, and both faith and reason try to give an understanding of the truth from different perspectives which are not necessarily contradictory. This is illustrated by means of an issue that is often presented as an area of conflict between faith and science, namely creation and evolution. Using the methods of historical criticism, and examination of the biblical creation accounts is undertaken. The purpose is to ascertain the message of these accounts with regard to God and humanity. A further examination is made to see how this message has been understood over the centuries in the context of Roman Catholic tradition. Finally, the attempt will be made to show how an understanding of evolution can be harmonised with what Scripture teaches and the way it has been appropriated over the centuries.