1916–1955

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: evolution and the Omega Point

The Jesuit and paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was one of the most creative Catholic thinkers of the century. He accepted evolution and saw in its movement a path toward the "Omega Point," Jesus Christ.

Church authorities forbade him to publish theological works during his lifetime. His major work, The Phenomenon of Man, was completed in 1938 but appeared only after his death in 1955. The book was received enthusiastically and influenced a number of later theologies, including liberation theology.