The Church and Modern Science | Prof. Christopher Baglow
Jul 22, 2024
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Professor Christopher Baglow, Director of the Science and Religion Initiative at Notre Dame, discusses the Church's view on modern science. He explores the historical conflict model between faith and science, trends impacting the Church's relation to science, and the intersection of science, faith, and reason in Catholic tradition. The discussion also delves into Catholic perspectives on natural phenomena and the concept of miracles within the laws of nature.
Catholic tradition values scientific discoveries in interpreting Biblical texts.
Faith should adapt to true scientific knowledge rather than refute it.
Understanding nature as part of God's design fosters harmony between faith and reason.
Deep dives
Interpreting Biblical Texts by Allowing New Scientific Knowledge to Challenge Understanding
The great thinkers of the Catholic tradition give discoveries of science a veto power in interpreting Biblical texts. For example, St. Augustine viewed Genesis as a symbolic cosmogony rather than a scientific treatise, utilizing astronomical observations.
St. Robert Bellarmine's Response to Galileo's Claims
St. Robert Bellarmine, responding to Galileo's claims, emphasized that if true demonstrations contradict sacred scripture, faith should adjust to the new knowledge rather than blindly refuting it. He advocated for caution in interpreting scriptural passages in light of scientific discoveries.
St. John Henry Newman's Openness to New Scientific Hypotheses
St. John Henry Newman embraced new hypotheses about the age of the Earth, affirming that the series of living things could last millions of years based on what is demonstrated and consistent with the integrity of nature.
Strengthening Faith by Allowing Reason to Inform and Deepen Understanding
The legacy of Catholic thinkers demonstrates a harmonious relationship between faith and reason, allowing reason to inform faith and interpreting nature's mechanisms as part of God's grand design, fostering a deeper understanding of the world.
Affirming the Integrity of Nature as a Manifestation of Divine Wisdom
Catholic philosophy asserts the integrity of nature as a manifestation of God's wisdom, respecting the natural order while recognizing divine intervention in miracles as exceptions rather than the rule. Embracing the interconnectedness of all created things as reflective of the Creator's sovereign wisdom.
Dr. Baglow is Professor of the Practice of Theology and the Director of the Science and Religion Initiative of the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. His work is the culmination of 19 years of faith and science scholarship and educational program creation, as well as a lengthy career in Catholic theological education spanning high-school, undergraduate, graduate and seminary teaching. For this work, he was co-recipient of an Expanded Reason Award in Teaching from the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Madrid) and the Vatican Joseph Ratzinger Foundation (Rome).
Baglow is the author of Faith, Science and Reason: Theology on the Cutting Edge (2nd edition, Midwest Theological Forum, 2019) and Creation: A Catholic’s Guide to God and the Universe (Ave Maria Press, 2021). He serves as theological advisor to the Board of Directors of the Society of Catholic Scientists and as a contributor to the JTF-funded science and religion programming of the Word on Fire Institute. Most recently, he authored the transcripts for Wonder: The Harmony of Faith and Science, a Word on Fire film series directed by Manny Marquez and narrated by Jonathan Roumie. His work has appeared in That Man is You, Crux, Church Life Journal, Culture and Evangelization, and Joie de Vivre Quarterly Journal.
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