In this session, we will consider the nature of the relationship of the Church to science using the key document by Pope Pius XII that has the ominous title, “Concerning Some False Opinions Threatening to Undermine The Foundations of Catholic Doctrine” (Humane Generis). In this work, the Pope lays out the vital role that the Church plays in the world and in the sciences through her moral guidance and teaching. Among other topics, he lays out the Church’s official view of evolution and polygenism. You can peruse a copy of the document here.
Pope St. John Paul II returns to the issues raised in Humane Generis and clarifies the Church’s relationship to science in his famous speech to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences “On Evolution.” You can read the short speech here.
This presentation will be a fascinating consideration of the Church’s actual teaching on the origins of our species. It will be of particular interest to anyone who is interested in science or works in a scientific related field.
Our guest presenter for the evening will be Dr. Michael Goodrich, a member of St. Stephen’s parish and a theoretical physicist.