, 1873-04-27
CArHoLtclTY AND DARWlHlsM.


Perhaps it will not be considered disrcspectfu1
to believers in protoplasm to say that despite tho
general and persistent discussion Of Darwinisn1,
there remain great many people who do not
know what Darwinism is. Nor is there any clear
understanding among Intelligent and we'll
meaning readers and thinkers, who
read anl think chiefly through the
pulpits, tho magazines, md the newspapers, as
to tho cxacs relations between Darwinism as a
science and orthodox religion; in other words,
between Evolution Of Lite and Revelation.
It is the purpose Of the present paper to state
tho answer to the question in the preceding par
ae1aph; and, to do it thoroughly, it is best to
consider DarTinism in relation to what 1s popu-
larl7 considered its moral antithesis, Catholic.
It will bo conceded that Catholic theology is
the antithesis Of Darwinism, since it is asserted
that Darwinism and theology are natural enc
mics. It will assu1edly surprise tho reader If it
be said abruptly here that learned priest, occu-
nyino the pulpit Of Catholic church in Chicago
. few months ago, demonstrated that the popu-
lar supposition OF the enmity betweon Darwin
ism and Catholic theology is erroneous. It
will break the fall Of the readers mind
il it bo added that the current
number Of the Catholic World, the represents
tive organ Of Catholic philosophy in the United
States. contains an article entitled l" The Evolu-
ton Of Lfe," in which tho harmony between
Dnrvinism md theology is e1ponnded-
The perplesity which prevails upon this ques-
ton. both as to the nature OF Darwinism and as
to its relations to previous1y-accepted philoso-
phy, arises from two cauAos: an IN
definite notion OF Darwiniam, and loose idea
that theology is anatomy and zoo1ogy,-ifnot; in
deed, botany, psychology, and mineralogy, and
the science Of organs, also:
A plain definition Of Darwinism would remove
much Of the misunderstanding. But plain def
milton it is not easy to give OF that which is
avowedlJ indefinite. 4 science can bo defined.
But Darwinism ia not science. That
is popular Misrepresentation. DarWinism Is
mere hypothesis; a theory; a premiss which
Darwin himself does not wholly grant, or cor
clnsion OF which be has considerable doubt. It
is only hia ignorant disciples who have sought
to elevate his hypothesis into science;- and
their. efforts have been ably supplement-
cd by the fallacies and casuistry OF
that large class OF amateur philoso-
pliers who delight in whipping up war between
natural science and revealed religion. It i
doubtful whether Mohammed had any clear con
viction as to the div1no origin Of tho black mole
between his shoulders, which Ills followers were
wont to look upon as the seal Of prophecy
Darwin's disciples appear to be convinced OF {
great deal more than no is. They hold dogznas
/. which he never proposed for their acceptance
:Darwin'e theory of "natural selection ~ and
|: ssuryiyI .of the fittest Ibis theory merely-is
that every kind Of nnimal and plnnt increases il
numbers By geometrical ratio TINT, because
+ho {o,o} animal and veretable uopu1atiou rer
mains stationery, every individual has to stfugg
for existence and the strongest survive; TINT or
ery animal aud plant transmits to. it's ofapring
general likeness; that the animal nan ia tn
victory Of this fight and progression through
practically infinite time. :;
Waving the objections OF the anti-Darwinjsts
| including Agassiz, who, contend, upon tho sam
| mass of facts whence. Darwin educes tn
theory, that the theory is absurd ;
the question is, does this theory con
tradict: theology7 Is this infinitely 1onl
animal progression, and triumph Of the strong
est animal, disp1oof Of Revelation 2? Is Evo1u
| tion q revolution which turns God ont Of th
! universe ?
It Is hold by Catholic theologians who hare 81
pressed themselves upon the subject, that
ttwith respect to all organisms lower than man,
there is nothing in Catholic theolog
to prevent belief in Evolution; that
| 80 far aa theology is concerned, anybod
is free to believe that "aH living things, up t
| man exclusively, we're evolved by natural 1a'
out OF minute ie-germs primarily created, o
even out Of inorganic matter"
| St. Augustine can be successfully convicted 0
this Darwinizn. Miva1t, in his "Genesis o