The Christian Faith and Modern Science: Understanding and Correcting Models of Conflict | Prof. Christopher Baglow
Jan 8, 2025
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Christopher Baglow, a Professor of Theology and Director of the Science and Religion Initiative at Notre Dame, discusses the historical conflict between science and Christianity, particularly within Catholicism. He highlights misconceptions among young Catholics and advocates for a harmonious relationship informed by St. Thomas Aquinas. Baglow explores St. Augustine’s views on creation, emphasizing the compatibility of evolution with Catholic beliefs. He also critiques anti-Catholic sentiments and promotes scientific literacy in faith communities, illustrating a path toward cooperation between science and religion.
The podcast challenges the outdated conflict thesis, exposing its historical inaccuracies and highlighting its detrimental impact on young Catholics' perceptions of faith and science.
It emphasizes the Catholic intellectual tradition's principle of harmony between faith and reason, encouraging dialogue that values both scientific inquiry and theological understanding.
Deep dives
Scholarships for Theology Masters
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Understanding the Conflict Thesis
The conflict thesis posits that science and religion, particularly Christianity and Catholicism, are fundamentally opposed to each other. This viewpoint, often referred to as the 'conflict model', suggests that historical evidence supports the idea of a long-standing battle between scientific inquiry and religious beliefs. Notably, research has shown that a significant percentage of young Catholics perceive a conflict between faith and science, influencing their religious practices. Such assumptions have not only permeated public consciousness but also negatively impacted the faith of many young adults.
Origins of the Conflict Model
The origins of the conflict thesis can be traced back to the late 19th century, primarily associated with authors John William Draper and Andrew Dixon White, whose works have been discredited by historians. Draper's 1874 book, 'History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science,' fabricates historical conflicts with scant evidence, while White's writings perpetuate similar unfounded narratives. Both authors capitalized on the anti-Catholic sentiment of their time to present a skewed historical account that positioned Catholicism as antagonistic to scientific progress. Their claims have had a lasting influence, giving rise to misconceptions about the relationship between faith and science that persist today.
The Church's Response to Science
Contrary to the conflict model, the Catholic Church's intellectual tradition emphasizes two key principles: the synergy of faith and reason and the integrity of nature. Notable thinkers throughout history, including St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, have demonstrated how faith can coexist with scientific understanding, arguing that revelations should not contradict established knowledge of nature. The Church recognizes the ability of scientific discoveries to inform and refine theological interpretations, suggesting a harmonious relationship rather than a conflict. This perspective invites open dialogue between science and faith, emphasizing that both can contribute to a deeper understanding of truth.
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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