La Leçon de catéchisme (Catechism Lesson), 1890, by Jules-Alexis Muenier (1863-1942), oil on canvas, Musée des beaux-arts et d’archéologie de Besançon

Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.”

cf. 1 Peter 3:15-16

catechesis

A daily morsel of Catholic education and faith formation.

Faith and Reason

Creation

QUESTION OR COMMON OBJECTION:

The Bible says the world was created in six days. Clearly, science has disproved this.

CATHOLIC ANSWER:

Science has no way of disproving whether or not the world was created in six days because it cannot fully know the actions of God. Also, in biblical language, the word “day” does not necessarily mean a 24-hour period.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Genesis 1:1

The creation story in Genesis is meant to teach us truths of faith, not science. While God could have created the world in six, 24-hour days, he could very well have used a longer timeframe. We are free to believe either, as long as we acknowledge that God is the author of creation.

Other References: Gen 1:1, 2:4; Ex 20:11; Rev 4:11; CCC 337

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catholic answers

karlo broussard

word on fire | bishop barron

catechism of the Catholic Church

For information about what the Catholic Church believes, answers to FAQs, and an encompassing resource addressing common objections and misconceptions non-Catholics and Catholics alike may have about the Church and what it teaches, we invite you to visit the online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

PRAYER

Let us pray.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.