(Greek: kosmos, world; gignomai, become)
The science concerning the origin of our world. That the world was created out of nothing by God's Omnipotence, is both a dogma of faith and an unassailable conclusion of reason. This part of the origin of the world is today generally discussed in cosmology, a branch of philosophy. Cosmogony rather refers to the evolution of the world after its creation. The ancients thought that ever since the 6th day of creation the world remained substantially the same. Modern astronomy and geology assure us of the contrary. This naturally led to two questions:
During the last century the so-called nebular theory of Kant and Laplace was generally accepted by scientists; but owing to its manifold shortcomings, it is generally abandoned nowadays in favor of other theories. Any theory of cosmogony must, of course, start from the assured findings of cosmography, a description of the universe (present and past) and of the laws governing its changes. Various modern sciences are engaged in making this description more and more accurate, e.g., geography, geology, paleontology astronomy, and astrophysics. Notable contributions to the science have been made by the following Catholic scientists:
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
Read More