Darwin and Doctrine: The Compatibility of Evolution and Catholicism

by Daniel Kuebler

In Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, the philosopher Daniel Dennett referred to evolution as a “universal acid,” an idea that necessarily alters our way of thinking about everything—largely by eating away at our belief in a loving, providential Creator. And since the publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859, countless believers have sensed an apparent conflict between evolution and the Christian faith, abandoning the latter in light of the robust evidence for the former.

But does the science of evolution necessarily lead to atheism or override the doctrines of Christianity? If not, how exactly can they fit together in a single search for truth?

In Darwin and Doctrine, molecular and cell biologist Daniel Kuebler investigates the evolution-creation question from within the framework of the Catholic tradition. After a brief history of the Church’s engagement with evolutionary theory, Kuebler systematically yet swiftly answers the big questions that can move the dialogue What exactly does the scientific data demonstrate about evolution? What does the Catholic understanding of creation, and the creation of man, entail? And how can we integrate the truths from both science and theology into a cohesive whole?

Thoughtful, accessible, and inspiring, Darwin and Doctrine surveys the whole lay of the land—past, present, and future—of the Catholic approach to evolution. And it offers all readers—Catholic, non-Catholic Christian, and non-Christian alike—a fascinating exploration of the compatibility and mutual flourishing of science and religion.

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Maddie Baxstresser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work beautifully and masterfully links together scientific, philosophical, and theological tools to explore what the beginnings of humanity may have looked like. It is a thought-provoking and humble approach that presents questions regarding evolution and our beginnings not as problems for faith, but as opportunities to pursue truth with faith and reason. What we learn about man through the book of faith and the book of nature only draws us to further knowledge and love of the Creator.

[MR STEPHEN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kuebler could have written a much more compelling book had he taken aim at atheistic materialism rather than trying to justify the doctrine of original sin and the basic tenets of Catholicism.