(Greek: bios, life; genesis, generation)
Name for the theory affirming that life originates only from pre-existing life; a fact supported by both reason and experience. The most minute and universal research has proved that all visible organisms arise only from germs of the same kind and never from inorganic matter. Reason affirms that the cause must be adequate to the effect; something cannot come from nothing. Lifeless matter can never generate life, the contradictory to its essential nature. Life owes its ultimate origin solely to the creative act of God. The name for the opposite theory which has no standing in science, is abiogenesis.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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