Pope calls for protection of environment, says creation-evolution debate is ‘absurdity’

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Lorenzago di Cadore, Jul 26, 2007 / 09:52 am (CNA).- The debate between creationism and evolution is an “absurdity” since evolution can coexist with faith, said Pope Benedict XVI this week while vacationing in the mountains of northern Italy.

While there is much scientific proof to support evolution, the theory cannot exclude a role by God, he said according to MSNBC News.

“They are presented as alternatives that exclude each other,” the Pope said. “This clash is an absurdity because on one hand there is much scientific proof in favor of evolution, which appears as a reality that we must see and which enriches our understanding of life and being as such.”

However, evolution does not answer all of the great philosophical questions, he said, including: Where does everything come from?

The Pope’s comments came during a question and answer session with a group of 400 priests, deacons, and seminarians from the region where he is vacationing. In his responses he also spoke about the need to care for the Earth. He urged people to listen to “the voice of the Earth” or risk destroying its very existence.

“We cannot simply do what we want with this Earth of ours, with what has been entrusted to us,” said the Pope.

World religions have shown a growing interest in the environment, particularly the ramifications of climate change, he noted. “We must respect the interior laws of creation, of this Earth, to learn these laws and obey them if we want to survive.”

“This obedience to the voice of the Earth is more important for our future happiness ... than the desires of the moment. Our Earth is talking to us and we must listen to it and decipher its message if we want to survive,” he stated.

Comments: 6

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Brent
Tulsa, OK 07/30/2007 08:28 AM EST

As a Protestant, the ignorance folks like Carole convey continues to amaze me.

I hope most Catholics would condemn stupid comments unless they think division healthy?

Published by: Stephen G. Smith
Commack 07/27/2007 07:09 AM EST

His Holiness has truly addressed this problem concerning creationism and evolution appropriately. There is certainly sufficient enough proof to support the theories of evolution without excluding the "hand of God." The scientific studies help to enhance our understanding of this Earth's scientific complexities. Understanding these complexities helps us to find ways to coexist with them. The Earth, although we find it very hard to understand, is a very fragile and yet exciting planet to live on.

We have a responsibility to protect this environment and protect all of God's creatures so that they can live, with purpose on this complex planet. As we continue to extravagantly exploit its resources the closer we come to its inevitable destruction. As Pope Benedict XVI states, "We cannot simply do what we want with this Earth of ours, with what has been entrusted to us." We must now find ways to protect this environment and end the assault on its natural resources. It can be done but not without sacrifice.

Published by: JEANIE
TYLER 07/27/2007 06:00 AM EST

YOU GUYS MISSED THE BIGGEST POINT OF ALL:
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jul/07072606.html

Media Misses the Point: Pope Says Have Concern for the Planet Yes, but a Greater Concern for Human Life
Stresses evolution cannot explain creation of the universe

By John-Henry Westen

ROME, July 26, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) ..............Most media have failed, however, to note that in his remarks on the necessity of care for the earth, the Pope explicitly noted the necessity of "absolute respect" for human life.

"We can all see today that man could destroy the foundation of his existence, the earth," he said. "Therefore we can no longer just simply do whatever we want with this earth which has been entrusted to us." We must, he said, "respect the inner laws of creation, of the earth, to learn these laws and obey these laws if we are to survive."

The Pope noted that this "obedience to the voice of the earth is more important for our future happiness than the voices of the moment, the desires of the moment." He said, "our own planet speaks with us and we should be listening if we want to survive and decipher this message about the earth."

Immediately following this statement Pope Benedict added this line which is left out of most mainstream media coverage: "And if we should be obedient to the voice of the earth, much more we must be obedient to the voice of human life.

Published by: G. De Feo
Brooklyn/NY/USA 07/26/2007 05:06 PM EST

If the pope is saying that God used genetics to "evolve" life, it's one thing.

But I hope he is not too on board with the evolutionists: they include Man in their theory.

And there are many scientists who doubt evolution, and they needed to be brought on board for the Q & A session the pope had.

Published by: Tom McLaughlin
T.O. Ca. USA 07/26/2007 12:34 PM EST

Fits in well with your comments.

Published by: Carole
Moorhead MN USA 07/26/2007 11:34 AM EST

Oh my! Now even the Pope is selecting which portions of our Bible to believe/disbelieve? Sounds way to protestant to me.

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