Pope: Creation vs. evolution an
absurdity
Benedict XVI also says humans must listen to the voice of the
Earth
MSNBC News Services
Updated: 2:55 p.m. ET July 25, 2007
LORENZAGO DI CADORE, Italy - Pope Benedict XVI said the debate
raging in some countries particularly the United States and his
native Germany between creationism and evolution was an
absurdity, saying that evolution can coexist with faith.
The pontiff, speaking as he was concluding his holiday in northern
Italy, also said that while there is much scientific proof to
support evolution, the theory could not exclude a role by
God.
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.
He said evolution did not answer all the questions: Above all it
does not answer the great philosophical question, Where does
everything come from?
Benedict also said the human race must listen to the voice of the
Earth or risk destroying its very existence.
The pope is wrapping up a three-week private holiday in the
majestic mountains of northern Italy, where residents are alarmed
by the prospect of climate change that can alter their way of
life.
We all see that today man can destroy the foundation of his
existence, his Earth, he said in a closed door meeting with 400
priests on Tuesday. A full transcript of the two-hour event was
issued on Wednesday.
We cannot simply do what we want with this Earth of ours, with
what has been entrusted to us, said the pope, who has been
spending his time reading and walking in the scenic landscape
bordering Austria.
Our Earth is talking to us
World religions have shown a growing interest in the environment,
particularly the ramifications of climate change.
The pope, leader of some 1.1 billion Roman Catholics worldwide,
said: 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 said.
Last April, the Vatican sponsored a scientific conference on
climate change to underscore the role that religious leaders around
the world could play in reminding people that willfully damaging
the environment is sinful.
Reuters contributed to this story.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19956961/