Pope says evolution can't be proven

[almaty 19]

BERLIN — Benedict XVI, in his first extended reflections on evolution published as pope, says that Darwin's theory cannot be finally proven and that science has unnecessarily narrowed humanity's view of creation.

In a new book, Creation and Evolution, published Wednesday in German, the pope praised progress gained by science, but cautioned that evolution raises philosophical questions science alone cannot answer.

"The question is not to either make a decision for a creationism that fundamentally excludes science, or for an evolutionary theory that covers over its own gaps and does not want to see the questions that reach beyond the methodological possibilities of natural science," the pope said.

HERALD TRIBUNE: Pope Benedict and his ex-students holding seminar on evolution

He stopped short of endorsing intelligent design, but said scientific and philosophical reason must work together in a way that does not exclude faith.

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"I find it important to underline that the theory of evolution implies questions that must be assigned to philosophy and which themselves lead beyond the realms of science," the pope was quoted as saying in the book, which records a meeting with fellow theologians the pope has known for years.

In the book, Benedict reflected on a 1996 comment of his predecessor, John Paul II, who said that Charles Darwin's theories on evolution were sound, as long as they took into account that creation was the work of God, and that Darwin's theory of evolution was "more than a hypothesis."

"The pope (John Paul) had his reasons for saying this," Benedict said. "But it is also true that the theory of evolution is not a complete, scientifically proven theory."

Benedict added that the immense time span that evolution covers made it impossible to conduct experiments in a controlled environment to finally verify or disprove the theory.

"We cannot haul 10,000 generations into the laboratory," he said.

Evolution has come under fire in recent years by proponents — mostly conservative Protestants — of "intelligent design," who believe that living organisms are so complex they must have been created by a higher force rather than evolving from more primitive forms.

The book, which was released by the Sankt Ulrich publishing house, includes reflections of the pope and others who attended a meeting of theological scholars at the papal summer estate in Castel Gandolfo in early September.

The pope's remarks were consistent with one of his most important themes, that faith and reason are interdependent.

"Science has opened up large dimensions of reason ... and thus brought us new insights," the pope wrote. "But in the joy at the extent of its discoveries, it tends to take away from us dimensions of reason that we still need.

"Its results lead to questions that go beyond its methodical canon and cannot be answered within it," he said.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Darwin theory of natural selection and origin of species cannot be determined, but it can approximated. Human time frame versus geological time frame makes the error in judgment much more difficult in proving evolution.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Believe it or not I’m not sure (based on those comments alone) that the pope subscribes to “intelligent design” – which is a political movement specific to the US.

[Robor007 0]

Evolution 'proof' > Creation 'proof'

[Peikko 1,575]

I think he stops so far back from endorsing intelligent design I find it hard to believe there is any justification in mentioning it in this article at all.

However, I have to say I don't really place any weight in his views one way or another regardless.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Evolution 'proof' > Creation 'proof'

I like that.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Evolution 'proof' > Creation 'proof'

I like that.

....considering you once claimed to be God.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I think he stops so far back from endorsing intelligent design I find it hard to believe there is any justification in mentioning it in this article at all.

Moreover to his credit - I don't think the pope (or the last one) is as fanatical about the need to disprove evolution with twisted pseudo-science as some of the evangelicals in the US. That bible cryptology stuff is just nuts.

[Otto 83]

Should the Pope even be broaching the subject of what can and can not be proven....? kind of risky eh?

[Nagishkaw 510]

I think his visit to Turkey was risky.

[almaty 19]

the Pope was going along with the party line....

a long line of Popes, who have led to world population increase in the countries that population control should be a goal...

Edited April 12, 2007 by almaty

[Alex+R 0]

OT, but I was thinking the other day, shouldn't the Pope be denied entrance to the US? Due to past Nazi Party affiliations?

[Dr_LHA 3]

This is why Jesus originally appointed a rabbit Pope.

Edited April 12, 2007 by Dr_LHA

[almaty 19]

and i heard he was trying to be over friendly to those Muslims...

[Ban Hammer 13,335]

OT, but I was thinking the other day, shouldn't the Pope be denied entrance to the US? Due to past Nazi Party affiliations?

now that would be rich