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much controversy between the scientific and religious worlds. It caused many people to
question their belief in the teaching of the Bible. The strongly held belief that the Bible
was the literal truth clashed with the Darwin theory. Some people rejected and scorned
Darwin while others tried to reevaluate their beliefs. Darwin theorized that species
evolved from other species. The belief that God directly created man seemed unlikely
Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England February 12, 1809. He had his
Edinburgh where he entered a distinguished program for medicine. He did not like
the program. From 1828 to 1831 he transferred to Cambridge to prepare for the
ministry. Sciences were not included in University studies so he had no training in that
area. Personal contacts with scientists gave him an informal science education. After
collected data and specimens during this 5 year trip. It was during the trip that he also
developed the first ideas about species evolving. After the trip he married and moved to
Down, England where he lived the rest of his life. Darwin did research and corresponded
his home. He had gained respect in the field of Natural Science from his research made
during his 5 year trip. During that trip he gathered evidence that the species was
deeply impressed by Charles Lyell's theory that natural change occurred gradually in
species. From his studies Darwin developed his Natural Selection Theory, which he
announced in 1858. In 1859 his book "The Origin of the Species by Natural Selection",
was published. The book advanced the theory and caused controversy. He wrote
several other books during his lifetime but none was as significant as "Origin of the
Species". Darwin died after many years of chronic illness in his home in Down,
Church does not look at the Bible as literal truth. The Church encourages the study of
science. In response to the controversy caused by Darwinism and questions about the
Bible Pope Leo the XII started a commission to apply new methods of archaeology
and linguistics to biblical study. This study which went on for many years now helps
the Church to understand and accept how evolution can be a scientific fact and God can
still have created man. The theory of evolution is scientific, although there is still debate
about the theory, a religious belief does not have to be the deciding factor for a Catholic.
The Church encourages Catholics to study and examine scientific possibilities without
As a Catholic and a student I can see the importance of Darwin's studies in my life.
Darwin's theory encouraged a great deal of biological research. This research was meant
to prove or disprove his theory. In the end much of the research furthered our
knowledge of biology. This theory explained that species well adapted to their particular
which is so important today was able to explain these adaptations. I also understand
that change had to occur in the way the church looked at creation for this growth in
our thought about creation. I understand that God can lead us to intellectual growth
that will help us. We must remember where the knowledge comes from and look for
His guidance.
Charles Darwin's curiosity and research about the world around him helped him to