Creation Vs Intelligent Design

Many theories regarding the initial creation of the Universe and the Earth have been disputed throughout history. Scientific theories such as the Big Bang Theory and the Theory of Evolution have been thought to disagree with religious doctrines such as Creation and Intelligent Design. Historically, many Christians have chosen to believe only in Creation, while the scientific community generally believes in only scientific theories. However, Catholic Popes disagree, stating that Creation can live in harmony with Evolution. In addition to this controversy, some fundamentalist groups insist that Creation or Intelligent Design also be taught in public schools. However, despite the proof that the theory of evolution does not conflict with Catholic

doctrine, only evolution alone should be taught in public schools, as curriculum should be kept secular.
Teachings originating from the Catholic Church as well as research from scientist Charles Darwin hold similar and opposing perspectives regarding the Earth’s creation and development.

While Darwin’s theory of Evolution is disbelieved by many followers of the Christian faith, various Catholic popes have taught that Creationism can in fact coexist with Catholic teaching. To illustrate, Darwin’s theory states that all organisms inhabiting our planet began at a lower level of advancement than how they currently exist. The theory continues on to explain that slowly, over the process of millions of years, organisms develop and evolve into more advanced, adaptive creatures. Contrarily, some Christians and Catholics who view the Bible literally believe that God created the Earth, and that science cannot possibly accompany religion or religious texts; this approach is called biblical literalism. Also contrary to Darwin’s theory, some Christians believe in Intelligent Design, meaning that God created everything on Earth as it currently exists. The Bible’s Creation Stories and Darwin’s Theory of Evolution are viewed by some as rivaling opponents, never to cooperate or connect. Although both concepts involve creation, one is supported by religion and one is supported by science, topics which are viewed by some as completely

distinct.
Nonetheless, the methods of studying Christianity previously mentioned are not condoned by Pope Francis or the Catholic Church. Various popes, including Pope Francis himself, have directly stated or implied that Evolution coincides with the Bible, and that Roman Catholics are certainly permitted to discuss it. According to Pope Francis, “‘[God] created beings and left them to develop according to the internal laws that He gave each one, so that they would develop, and reach their fullness… [creation] went forward for centuries and centuries, millennia and millennia until it became what we know today’” (Wofford). This supports Darwin’s theory by emphasizing the possibility of God’s involvement in science. The Pope implies that God may have conceived living things with the process of Evolution and Natural Selection in mind, specifically when he mentions “internal laws” and development. He also agrees with Darwin’s thought that Evolution, or Creation as we know it, continued over long periods of time. Pope Francis’ thoughts and remarks in regard to Evolution display the ways in which the Church can relate to scientific theories. Past Church leaders have agreed, often implying that Evolution is a theory Catholics should be open to. Pope John Paul II stated that “‘[Evolution is] more than a hypothesis’” (Wofford). This quote suggests that the Catholic Church views Evolution as a legitimate, credible and supported theory, proving that Evolution and Creation can, in fact, agree. Catholic science teacher Dennis Davan agrees, stating, “I understand the reality, the fact, of Darwinian evolution. I am, and have been, a believer of God and a practicing Catholic all my life as well… There are two truths: the ultimate truth of God the Creator and Jesus, God become human, and the truth of the natural world as revealed by rational thought and the scientific process.” Consequently, Catholics do not need to choose between either theory, and are certainly able to believe in both.
Comparatively, the U.S.

public educational system struggles to decide which theory should be taught in class. Personally, I am a firm believer in the separation of Church and State, meaning that I believe public schools should only teach secular, scientific curriculum. In accordance to the First Amendments in the U.S. Constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This guarantees that within the United States, religious freedom is able to be exercised liberally. If all pupils attending public schools were required to learn Creationism or Intelligent Design, they would not be religiously free, seeing that they would be learning religious theories that may or may not belong to their religious belief. They would be forced to learn something that they do not personally believe, stripping their right of religious freedom. Religious freedom is not only written into our law but is, in my opinion, a basic human right, providing my reasoning for why Creationism as well as Intelligent design should be prohibited from public school mandatory curriculum. On the contraire, evolution should be taught in public schools, because it is a scientific theory and not a religious one. Because Evolution is supported by practical evidence and does not involve a set religion, it should be allowed within public school

syllabus.
Proven by various statements from Catholic popes, scientific theories such as Evolution and religious theories such as Creation and Intelligent Design can coincide. Several Catholics and Catholic leaders agree upon the possibility that God may have implanted the laws of Evolution within the life He created, allowing for both theories to correspond. However, as the First Amendment declares a firm separation between Church and State, religious theories should not be taught in public, state-funded schools. Despite the controversy regarding the beginning of creation, the U.S. Constitution must be respected, as it is the law.