150 scientists at Catholic Scientists conference discuss evolution, faith, and human origins, aligning Catholic doctrine with science. Held June 6-8, 2025, at CUA, Washington, D.C.
Newsroom, June 11, 2025, Gaudium Press – About 150 scientists convened at the eighth annual Society of Catholic Scientists conference, held from June 6–8, 2025, at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. The event featured discussions on topics ranging from the Thomistic notion of free will to the intersection of mathematics and theology, near-death experiences, and the origins of the human species. A key focus was the compatibility of evolutionary theory with Catholic teachings, addressed by three scholars: Kenneth Kemp, professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota; Daniel Kuebler, professor of biology at Franciscan University; and Chris Baglow, professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame.
Evolution and Catholic Doctrine
While some Christian groups have historically objected to teaching evolution in schools, the Catholic Church has maintained a nuanced stance. In 1950, Pope Pius XII’s encyclical Humani Generis addressed evolution, stating that the Church does not oppose inquiries into “the origin of the human body as coming from preexistent and living matter” but emphasized that human souls are directly created by God. The encyclical also upheld the belief that all humans descend from Adam and Eve, rejecting any view that denies their role as the first parents or suggests Adam represents multiple progenitors.
Biological vs. Theological Humanity
The conference speakers explored distinctions between “biological,” “philosophical,” and “theological” humans to reconcile evolutionary science with Catholic doctrine. Kenneth Kemp explained that a biological human possesses human DNA, while a philosophical human exhibits conceptual thought and free will, and a theological human has the capacity for a relationship with God. Kemp proposed that “fully human” individuals—those with rational souls—emerged when God infused souls into two members of a biologically human population. These individuals, capable of logic, language, and culture, could have interbred with others, leading to a species entirely descended from this original ensouled couple. Kemp argued this model is both “scientifically possible and theologically orthodox.”
Daniel Kuebler, a biologist, echoed this distinction, defining biological humans as Homo sapiens and theological humans as those made in the imago Dei (image of God). He noted that early humans might have been biologically human before all possessed theological humanity. Kuebler pointed to archaeological evidence—such as composite tools and art from 200,000 years ago, ochre use from 500,000 to 150,000 years ago, and ritualistic art and jewelry from 100,000 to 50,000 years ago—as indicators of rational thought.
Chris Baglow addressed Neanderthals, who interbred with early modern humans and went extinct around 40,000 years ago. While noting their cave art resembled that of early modern humans, Baglow suggested Neanderthals might have had a “pre-rationality” rather than full theological humanity. He remained open to the possibility that they were theological humans, given their interbreeding with modern humans.
Catholic Perspectives on Evolution
The Catholic Church does not mandate belief in evolution, allowing flexibility among its followers. A 2024 Gallup survey found that 62% of U.S. Catholics believe humans evolved over millions of years from less advanced life forms, while 32% believe God created humans in their current form within the last 10,000 years. This suggests Catholics are slightly more likely than the average American to accept human evolution.
Conclusion
The Society of Catholic Scientists conference highlighted the Church’s openness to evolutionary science when aligned with theological principles, particularly the direct creation of the human soul and monogenesis from Adam and Eve. By distinguishing between biological and theological humanity, the speakers offered a framework that integrates scientific findings with Catholic doctrine, fostering dialogue between faith and reason.
Raju Hasmukh with Sources from:
– Pius XII. (1950). Humani Generis. Vatican.
– Gallup. (2024). “American Beliefs in Evolution and Creationism.” Gallup Survey.
– Society of Catholic Scientists. (2025). “Eighth Annual Conference Program.” The Catholic University of America.
– Interviews and presentations by Kenneth Kemp, Daniel Kuebler, and Chris Baglow at the Society of Catholic Scientists Conference, June 6–8, 2025.
– Catholic News Agency 2025
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