Hello Gregory! Nice to meet you!
Did you know that our Holy Church does not require you to be a creationist? Quite the contrary, the Catholic Church is a strong supporter of evolution, with evolution as the tool God used to create everything. This view is often referred to as Theistic evolution.
The Catholic support for modern evolution is so consistent and strong that I'm surprised when I come across other Catholics who aren't aware of it (which happens regularly).
Here is a large paper overseen by the Pope emeritis on this:
Cardinal Ratzinger and International Theological Commission on Creation and Evolutionhttp://www.biblicalcatholic.com/apologetics/p80.htm
From it:
Since it has been demonstrated that all living organisms on earth are genetically related, it is virtually certain that all living organisms have descended from this first organism. Converging evidence from many studies in the physical and biological sciences furnishes mounting support for some theory of evolution to account for the development and diversification of life on earth, while controversy continues over the pace and mechanisms of evolution. While the story of human origins is complex and subject to revision, physical anthropology and molecular biology combine to make a convincing case for the origin of the human species in Africa about 150,000 years ago in a humanoid population of common genetic lineage. However it is to be explained, the decisive factor in human origins was a continually increasing brain size, culminating in that of homo sapiens. With the development of the human brain, the nature and rate of evolution were permanently altered: with the introduction of the uniquely human factors of consciousness, intentionality, freedom and creativity, biological evolution was recast as social and cultural evolution.
Prior to Benedict XVI's 2007 comments, Pope John Paul II also said evolution was "effectively proven fact."
John Paul II in 1996:
"In his encyclical Humani Generis (1950), my predecessor Pius XII has already affirmed that there is no conflict between evolution and the doctrine of the faith regarding man and his vocation, provided that we do not lose sight of certain fixed points."
A list showing the RCC acceptance of evolution:
- Humani Generis, an official papal encyclical by Pope Pious XII which allows evolution.
- Interpretation of Humani Generis by Pope John Paul II, just in case anyone was unclear that Humani Generis allows for evolution
- The fact that evolution is openly taught by Catholic teachers to Catholic students in Catholic Universities and Schools, this means that the Catholic church teaches evolution to more people than any other worldwide group - religious or secular. The Catholic church teaches evolution to thousands of times more people than all atheist groups combined.
- Confirmation of open support of evolution by the Vatican in a commissioned report chaired by Pope Emeritus Benedict, saying evolution is "virtually certain",
- Many of the most outspoken evolution supporters are Catholic, such as Ken Miller, Dr. Ayayla, etc.
- Clear statements from the last three Popes (Francis, Benedict, JPII) in support of Evolution over Creationism.
Note that the list includes at least three popes, an official encyclical, a Vatican commission report, and the actions of thousands of Catholic officials doing their jobs, right now.
In fact, the Catholic church is the largest single institution teaching evolution worldwide today. Nobody else teaches evolution to as many kids, young adults, adults and elderly as the Catholic church does, every day.
Creationists have been saying that for decades, and it's just as false now as it was 50 years ago. Practically all scientists (including thousands who are Christians) support evolution, and this support is even stronger today than it was in the past, because discovery after discovery has confirmed evolution. The DNA evidence itself is overwhelming - not that it was needed.
But none of that has anything to do with evolution. Creationists try to get us to equate evolution with atheism, but that's just as silly as equating gravity with atheism. Evolution, just like gravity, germs, atoms, and other parts of science that are both facts and theories, is fully consistent with Christian faith.
Take your time. Read the statements from the Popes above, and especially ask your priest. We Catholics have nothing to fear from evolution - that's why it's a Catholic position.
In Christ-
Papias