Pope Francis endorsed scientific findings like the Big Bang Theory and Evolution. He claims that they are compatible with the Bible and the Catholic Faith.

Pope Francis has been considered by many people around the world to be a very modern Pope who has embraced the science and technology of the 21st century – and he has now astounded many people by making a very controversial statement. During an address that he was giving to the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Pope Francis stated that there was nothing to contradict the scientific theory of the Big Bang within the Bible.

Although many Protestants struggle to accept scientific principles, like the Big Bang Theory, because they believe that they go against the religious teachings of the Bible, the Catholic Church has not had as much of an issue with recent scientific findings. For example, Pope Pius XII stated during his tenure in 1950 that there was absolutely no problem for Catholics to accept the teachings of evolution. However, the relationship between religion and science has often been a troublesome one, and there will be many people who will react badly to Pope Francis’ recent statement.

Pope Francis stated that: “When we read about Creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so.” He continued, “He created human beings and let them develop according to the internal laws that he gave to each one so they would reach their fulfillment.” This can be taken to be contradicting many conservative Christian views about how God had a direct hand in the creation of humanity. According to Biblical literalists, the Book of Genesis describes the beginning of all creation and is incompatible with the Big Bang Theory. Pope Francis is preaching a more interpretive approach to the Bible.

Many Christians are comfortable believing both in the Bible and the Big Bang and other scientific theories that research has unearthed, but on the other hand, there will be some Catholics who will be shocked at Pope Francis’ words. It is uncertain just how much further the Pope will go in embracing modern scientific ideas.

Resources

• NBC News
• Huffington Post
• Independent

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