I believe in Genesis, I believe that God breathed and the world came into existence. The Catholic Church has made no pronouncement, no declaration as binding on Catholics that they reject the literal words of Genesis. That some are hostile to it, I don’t or can’t deny or confirm, since I haven’t any knowledge of them.
If this is so, then why do the vast majority of Catholics do this very thing (reject the literal words of Genesis)? The Church has made its displeasure at young earth creationism well known, so much so that young earth creationists are almost non-existent in the Catholic Church. Too bad they can't do the same with pro-abortionists. I guess the Church is just more serious about destroying young earth creationism than abortionism.
You confuse me. You say that the Church has never condemned the literal truth of Genesis, yet you refuse to commit to it. Moreover, when I show you an article by an admittedly rare Catholic young earth creationist, you imply that he is on the "fringe" and his words carry no weight. If the Catholic Church truly still permits young earth creationism, then Mr. Owen's opinions are just as Catholic as those of any Theistic evolutionist. If they are "fringe," on the other hand, then obviously the Catholic Church must officially reject young earth creationism.
I thought I had committed myself to the literal interpretation of Genesis, but if not, I do so now.
I’m sorry, I missed the link to the article, could you remind me of the post with the link or post the link again.
Catholic authors have always a “fringe” element. Even respected Doctors and Fathers if they stray too far have had theologies rejected by the official Church.
I keep coming back to the official Church position because, though some may dispute it, Catholics are free to think what they will in regards to great swaths of the Bible. There is only a few instances of the Church defining as binding specific portions of the Bible. I highly doubt that she will ever declare as incorrect a literal interpretation of Genesis. No, I rather suspect she will remain open to new thoughts on it as long as those thoughts and ideas do not contradict Scripture and Tradition.
I hope this explains why you can find the whole spectrum of belief regarding the creation within the Catholic community.