Jesuit Motto

Table of Contents

Go forth and set the world on fire.

Jesuit purpose: To “extirpate” all non-Catholic heretics who refuse their Pope as sole path to God. Jesuits were formed to counter the Reformation, the Protestant Reformation. America is largely a Protestant nation, formed by those fleeing Vatican Roman Catholicism.

Unmasking Pierre Teilhard de Chardin: The Vatican’s Jesuit Behind the Peking Man and other Hoaxes

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a name revered in many circles, holds a complex legacy as a Catholic priest, Jesuit, scientist, paleontologist, theologian, philosopher, and teacher. However, beneath the accolades lies a darker tale of zealotry and deception that starkly contrasts with the scientific method. This blog post delves into Teilhard de Chardin’s involvement in one of the most infamous scientific hoaxes of the 20th century—the Peking Man—and exposes his fervent efforts to support Darwinian evolution at any cost.

The Peking Man Hoax: A Fabrication of Evidence

The early 20th century was a period of intense search for the “missing link” between apes and humans, a concept central to Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Enter Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit priest with a profound interest in paleontology and evolution. In the 1920s, Teilhard was part of an excavation in China that led to the discovery of the Peking Man fossils, hailed as a significant breakthrough in human evolution.

However, the excitement was short-lived. Over the years, doubts surfaced about the authenticity of the Peking Man fossils. Despite the initial euphoria, skeptics began to question the validity of the findings, pointing to inconsistencies and a lack of rigorous scientific documentation. Teilhard de Chardin, who had passionately supported the authenticity of these fossils, found himself at the center of a growing controversy.

Teilhard’s Darwinian Zealotry

Teilhard de Chardin’s unwavering commitment to Darwinism was no secret. He believed that human evolution was a divine process, integrating his religious beliefs with scientific theories. This conviction drove him to desperate measures to find tangible evidence supporting Darwin’s theory of natural selection. The Peking Man fossils, though now widely considered a hoax, were seen by Teilhard as crucial proof of human evolution.

In his quest, Teilhard demonstrated a blatant disregard for the scientific method, prioritizing his ideological commitments over empirical truth. This zealotry raises critical questions about the integrity of his scientific endeavors and the broader implications for the scientific community.

Teilhard’s Role in the Jesuit Order

As a member of the Jesuit Order, Teilhard de Chardin was part of an institution known for its intellectual rigor and missionary zeal. The Jesuits have historically been involved in education, science, and theology, often intertwining these domains in their pursuit of knowledge and faith. Teilhard’s dual role as a scientist and a Jesuit priest exemplifies this blend, but it also highlights a potential conflict of interest.

Teilhard’s religious convictions undoubtedly influenced his scientific work. His belief in a divine direction for evolution and his desire to reconcile science and religion may have led him to overlook, or even fabricate, evidence that supported his views. This intersection of faith and science, while inspiring to some, also exposes the dangers of allowing ideology to overshadow objective inquiry.

The Consequences of Teilhard’s Actions

The Peking Man hoax had far-reaching consequences. It not only cast a shadow over Teilhard de Chardin’s legacy but also damaged the credibility of paleontology and the broader scientific effort to understand human origins. The fervor to prove Darwin’s theory, driven by Teilhard’s ideological commitments, resulted in one of the most significant scientific scandals of the 20th century.

This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of allowing zealotry, whether religious or scientific, to dictate the course of research. Teilhard de Chardin’s story is a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to the principles of the scientific method—objectivity, skepticism, and rigorous validation—regardless of personal beliefs or agendas.

Conclusion

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s involvement in the Peking Man hoax reveals a troubling intersection of faith, ideology, and science. His fervent support for Darwinian evolution, coupled with his Jesuit background, led him down a path where the pursuit of evidence became secondary to the affirmation of his beliefs. This narrative not only unravels the myth of Teilhard as a purely objective scientist but also underscores the broader implications of allowing zealotry to influence scientific inquiry. As we reflect on this tale, it serves as a potent reminder of the need for integrity and objectivity in the relentless quest for truth.

Jesuit Motto – Go forth and set the world on fire. – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ