I disagree with your conclusion here that the current position of Catholicism and Orthodoxy WRT creation and evolution is a reaction to Protestantism. I see it as their reaction to modern agnostic and atheistic "scientific" theories on the origin of the universe and life itself and a fear of appearing as nonscientific or "fundamentalist" and being open to criticism and mockery. It's more of having your cake and eating it, too.
Instead of trusting that what God said in His sacred word concerning what, how and when He created all things and standing by that while modern "science" tries to figure it all out in fits and starts - sometimes contradicting previous absolute proofs - without acknowledging there even IS a Creator, is cowardly. I think it's hilarious watching the fools who say in their hearts, "There is no God.", backtrack on previous heralded "discoveries" that supposedly proved a theory beyond all doubt when something new is discovered that exposes their foolishness and makes them start all over again. God truly mocks them in holds them in derision. The wisdom of man is foolishness with God and, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.
>>I disagree with your conclusion here that the current position of Catholicism and Orthodoxy WRT creation and evolution is a reaction to Protestantism. I see it as their reaction to modern agnostic and atheistic “scientific” theories on the origin of the universe and life itself and a fear of appearing as nonscientific or “fundamentalist” and being open to criticism and mockery. It’s more of having your cake and eating it, too.<<
Not to mention taking the stand that God’s Word says what it means is not popular at cocktail parties. Which captures what you stated above.
I wonder how many Roman Catholics who support an evolutionary Genesis would support Blessed Mary as descended from a lower simian specie. Which of course she was not.