Faith and Science-Friends or Foes

8/4/2019 Faith and Science-Friends or Foes

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Science and Christian Faith:

How are they reconciled?

Dr. Liza C. Manalo, MSc.


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How can you be both abeliever and a biologist?

After all, don't you realize thatevolution is incompatible with faith?

If you believe in evolution, how can you be a believer?


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What has the relationship between faith and science

been during the history of the church?

Attitudes have not sufficiently perceivedand recognized the legitimate autonomy

of science Maintains that science and Faith are inopposition with one another There has been an indifference betweenthem, going ahead on parallel tracks, in

complete ignorance of one another


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What has the relationship between faith and science

been during the history of the church?

It should be affirmed that the Church, faithful toits mission, can enter in dialogue with every typeof science and efficiently use the scientific resultsto better fulfill its mission.

Sent to all peoples of any placeand time, the Church is not linked

in an exclusive and indissolublemanner to any type of science,and neither to any scientificconquest.


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How Do We Relate Science and Religion?

"Science and theology have things to say to eachother since both are concerned with the search for

truth attained through motivated belief. John Polkinghorne

"The Bible teaches us how togo to heaven, not how the

heavens go.

Galileo

The Bible is not meant to conveyprecise historical information or

scientific findings to us.

CCC 106-107, 109, YouCat 15


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How Do We Relate Science and Religion?

St. Augustine, in 400 A.D., wrote about Genesisaccount of creation:

"In matters that are so obscure and far beyond our vision, we find

in Holy Scripture passages which can be interpreted in verydifferent ways without prejudice to the faith we have received. In

such cases, we should not rush in headlong and so firmly takeour stand on one side that, if further progress in the search for

truth justly undermines this position, we too fall with it."

What is currently happening is the insistence that the only acceptableinterpretation for a serious Christian is the literal acceptance of the sixdays of creation, which, St. Augustine would have argued is notrequired by the language.


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Is there a contradiction betweenfaith and science?

There is no insoluble contradiction between faithand science, because there cannot be

two kinds of truth.

There is only one truth to whichboth faith and scientific reason refer.

- CCC 159, YouCat 23


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What kind of dialogue could there be betweenfaith and science?

A dialogue in distinction, i.e., a dialogue thatrecognizes the specific characteristics of both ofthem. In fact, each of them:

has its own methods, fields and objects ofresearch, goals and limits

should respect the other and recognize in theother its legitimate possibility of autonomousexercise according to its own principles


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What kind of dialogue could there be betweenfaith and science?

There exists 2 orders of knowledge which are distinct, i.e.,the order of Faith (Fides) and that of reason (ratio), and theChurch recognizes that the arts and human disciplines (...) serveone another, in their proper sphere with its proper principles and

its proper method; therefore, by recognizing this properfreedom, the Church affirms the legitimate autonomy of thesciences (Gaudium et Spes, 36).

At the same time, both faith & reasonare called to serve man and humanity,by favoring the development and integral

growth of each and everyone.


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What does autonomy of science mean?

If by autonomy of the earthly affairs we mean thatcreated things and societies themselves enjoy their ownlaws and values which should be gradually deciphered, putto use and regulated by men, then it is entirely right todemand that autonomy.

Such is not merely required by modern man, but isalso in conformity with the will of the Creator.

In fact, it is by their very condition as

creatures that all things receive their ownconsistency, truth, goodness, their ownlaws and their order; and man is compelledto respect all that, by recognizing theproper needs of method for every single

science and technology (...).


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If, instead, by the expression autonomy ofearthly affairs we mean that created things donot depend on God, and that man can use themwithout any reference to the Creator, then anyone

who believes in God will see how false such ameaning is.

For without the Creator, thecreature would disappear

(Gaudium et Spes, 36)


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It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientificresearch and its applications. On the other hand, guiding principles can neither bededuced from simple technological efficiency nor from theusefulness accruing to some at the cost of others, nor, evenworse, from prevailing ideologies.

Science and technology by their verynature require unconditional respect for

fundamental moral criteria. Science and technology should be at theservice of the human person, of hisinalienable rights, of his true and integralgood, in conformity with the plan and the

will of God (CCC, n. 2294).


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The autonomy of science therefore ends where theupright conscience of the scientist recognizes theevilness of the method, of its results or effects.


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Can there be a real contrast between the discoveries ofscience and the truths of the faith?

Both science and Faith, though distinct, are united intruth: they converge in admitting the truths and the Truth;they find in the truth their foundation, their reason forexistence and the goal of their operations.

In fact,

omnis veritas a Deo:every truth comes

from God


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Both Science and Faith are a gift from God. Even though Faith is above reason, there can never be

true divergence between Faith and reason: since the sameGod who reveals the mysteries and communicates theFaith, has even placed the light of reason in the humanspirit, this God would not be able to negate himself, nor

could truth contradict truth (Vatican Council I, Dei Filius, n. 4).


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Thus if methodical investigation of every branch of learning iscarried out in a genuinely scientific manner and according to moralnorms, it will never really be in contrast with Faith, for earthly mattersand the concerns of Faith have their origin in the same God.

Indeed, whoever labors topenetrate the secrets of realitywith humility and perseverance,

even though he is unaware of thefact, is nevertheless being led bythe hand of God, who holds allthings in existence, and givesthem their identity (Gaudium et

Spes, n. 36).


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Both science and Faith are at the service of man, of all ofman and of all that is genuinely human. Science and Faith are ordered in view of man, from whom theirorigin and development stems, and by whom they promote theirintegral development to the benefit of all.

Science and faith

find in the person theindication of their goal

and the consciousnessof their respective

limits.


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What does the anthropological and humanistic value ofscience consist of?

It consists of the fact that science: is performed by man;

is for the good of the individual person and humanity; is for the good of the scientist as a person.

Every scientist, through personal study andresearch: perfects himself and his own humanity; he models himself and

builds his own personality;

goes through the path for a personal encounter with the truth,freedom and in responsibility; can encounter God himself, Creator of heaven and earth.

Science realizes a precious service to others, to

society and to the Church.


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What positive contribution does science offer tosociety and to the church?

the rigorous fidelity to what istrue in scientific investigation; collaboration with others in

specialized technical groups; the sense of international

solidarity; the ever present awareness of

the responsibility of experts inhelping and protecting men;

the will to make the living

conditions happier for all,especially for those who sufferdue to various reason;

assistance to Faith in purifyingitself of wrong elements;

the great contribution that scienceoffers in raising the human family tohigher concepts of the truth, ofgoodness, of beauty, and to a vision ofthings of universal value;

the expression and realization of the

lordship of man over creation. Sciencerealizes Gods plan, manifested at thebeginning of times, of subjecting theearth and perfecting creation;

the realization of Christs great

commandment to do all one can for theservice of ones brothers: Every timeyou did these things to one of the leastof my brethren, you did them to me (Mt25: 40).


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What positive contribution does science offer tosociety and to the church?

All these positive aspects which science presentare: a wonderful product of human creativity and of the

insatiable appetite for research and in-depth studypresent in man;

a sign of the greatness of God;

a fruit of Gods ineffable plan, which He entrusted to

man concerning creation; a preparation to receive the announcement of the

Gospel.


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What contribution canfaith make to science?

Christian Faith: Exists so that we might know things that are not apparent to reason yet

are real, above and beyond reason.

Demands and promotes the (natural) sciences. Just as God intended

faith, He also intended reason with which we can recognize the rationalstructures of the world.

Reminds science that it is supposed to serve creation and not set itselfup in place of God.

YouCat 23


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What contribution can faith make to science?

Christian Faith: offers to science excellent stimuli and help to perform with

greater commitment its task, and especially to discover thefull significance of its activities, within and at the service of the

integral vocation of man;

helps science to be more fully aware of its limits: it is not the highest value, to which all other values are subordinated;

it cannot explain everything, and especially the fact that it cannot explaineverything about man; Science can give a partial and a non-exhaustive answer to the problem of

the truth about man, considered in all its dimensions, and about theultimate meaning of our history and of that of the universe;

it cannot provide answers to theological and philosophical problems, by

limiting itself to experimental knowledge.


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Christian Faith: places us on guard against serious risks which

science can run into. For instance: todays progress of science and technology, which

on the strength of their method, cannot penetrate through theintimate reasons of things, can favor a certain phenomenism andagnosticism, when the investigation method which thesesciences make use of are wrongly raised to a supreme norm ofresearch of the total truth. On the contrary, there is the risk thatman, by excessively putting his trust in todays discoveries,

thinks that that is enough and fails to search for superior values(Gaudium et Spes, 36).


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Christian Faith: values the genuine conquests of science to the highest

extent. In fact, Faith affirms that, although one should accurately

distinguish between earthly progress and development of theKingdom of Christ, nevertheless, scientific progress, in themeasure that it can contribute towards a better organization ofhuman society, contributes towards the realization of GodsKingdom, towards the construction of new heavens and a

new earth (2 Pet3: 13)

offers the priorities and moral principles which scienceshould respect.


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What priorities should science follow?

Science, in order to fulfill its task: should allow itself to be guided by the primacy:

of the person over things;

of ethics over technology; of the spirit over matter; of being over having and doing ; of research of the truth;

of the needs of justice and peace;


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What priorities should science follow?

Science, in order to fulfill its task:

should therefore avoid followingpriorities which are mainly fixed: by economic motives (indiscriminate

research of economic profit at theindividual and group level);

by interests of political groups; by the search for personal prestige.


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What are the moral principles that science should respect?

Not everything which is scientifically and technologicallyfeasible is also morally acceptable;

It is not proper to obtain good through evil; The end does not justify the means.

Human fetus 10 weeks -

therapeutic abortion


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What are the moral principles that science should respect?

The following should be respected: the integral good of man and humanity ; the transcendental dimension of the person and of

creation;

the life and the dignity of man, the quality of his life, therights of the present and future human generations; the creation and its environment.


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Do moral principles serve as a brake to science?

Moral principles are neither a brake nor an obstacle to

progress, but a stream bed, in which the impetuouscurrent of human thought and action flow.

Ethics places limits on science in order to increase its

strength, its utility and its effectiveness, to avoid that itgoes out of its margins, floods and destroys. Ethics is anelement which has contributed towards the best and themost beautiful things that man has been able to produce

- Pio XII


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What is the roleof science?

To discover the marvels of nature, with that attitude which is preciselyof one who does not extend his hands over the world saying: it ismine, but of one in awe, who sees it held by an another, andrecognizes that it is a gift from Another for himself and for all.

To respect the ontological and value-based difference that exists

between man and other living beings. To respect the nature of every being and of its mutual connection with

other beings in a balanced and ordered system (the eco system). To promote the environment as a home and as a resource in favor of

man and of all men.


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What is the role of science?

To search for the true good of humanity according to the

plan and the will of God, and to allow man, considered asan individual and as a member of society, to cultivate andrealize his integral vocation.

To carry out a service:

for the truth; for the dignity of the person and the quality of ones life; for humanity and its values; for the satisfaction of especially the primary needs of man, by

always trying to overcome particularly hunger and disease.


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To maintain in man the faculties of contemplation and admiration thatlead to wisdom;

To realize scientific progress which is true human progress.

To avoid: believing in being able to provide a solution to everything;

absolutizing its method and its results; making arbitrary use of the earth, by subjecting it without reserve to ones

will and exploiting the resources of creation in an inconsiderate manner;

carrying out experiments on the human being without the explicit consentof the subject or of his rights, and when he runs into disproportionate orevitable risks for life or the physical and psychic integrity of the subjects.


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To look at the Christian Faith with interest, which revealsthe ultimate meaning of the dignity of man and makes oneencounter Christ, the perfect man, following which, manbecomes more human and finds in Him fullness and

fulfillment.


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Does science make the Creator superfluous?

No. The sentence God created the world is not ascientific model explaining the beginning of the world.We are dealing here with a theological statement that isconcerned with the relation of the world to God.

The creation account is a statement about the divinemeaning and origin of things. God willed the world; Hesustains it and will perfect it. Being created is a lastingquality in things and a fundamental truth about them.

- CCC 282-289, YouCat 41


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Can someone accept the theory

of evolution and still believe inthe Creator?

Yes. Although it is a different kind of knowledge, faithis open to the findings and hypotheses of thesciences.

- CCC 282-289, YouCat 42

A Christian can accept the theory ofevolution as a helpful exploratorymodel, provided he does not fall intothe heresy of evolutionism, which

views man as the random product ofbiological processes.

- YouCat 42

Charles Darwin

Origin of the Species

Can someone


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Can someoneaccept the theory

of evolution andstill believe in theCreator?

EVOLUTION presupposes the existence of something that

can develop. The theory of evolution says nothing aboutwhere this something came from. Furthermore,questions about the being, essence, dignity, mission,meaning, and wherefore of the world and man cannot beanswered in biological terms.

Just as the heresy of evolutionism oversteps a boundaryon the one side, so does the heresy of creationism on theother. Creationists naively take biblical data literally (e.g., to calculate the

earths age, they cite the six days of work in Genesis 1).- YouCat 42


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What is the task of the scientist?

He, in so far as being man, has the task of:

avoiding the risk ofdegradation while dealing withother human beings.

remembering that he is not theabsolute owner of himself and

of his life. respecting the psycho-physical

integrity of himself and that ofothers.

taking into account the role,the goals and limits of science.

respecting the abovementioned moral principles, by

realizing his ethicalresponsibility, rememberingthat he is a man before being ascientist.


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He, in so far as being man, has the task of questioning:

the final result andconsequences achieved byknowledge at the applicationlevel;

the moral validity of ones task;

creation as a trace of God, theplace where the greatness, thegoodness and the providenceof God are revealed.

the general sense andmeaning of ones researchwork;

the method followed (the enddoes not justify the means);


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He, in so far as being man, has the task of avoiding thespecialized breaking up, but researching the synthesis: by connecting the plurality of acquisitions;

integrating them with the general meaning of life;

harmonizing them with the ethical and moral vision.


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The segmentation of knowledge with itssplintered approach to truth and

consequent fragmentation of meaning,keeps people today from coming to aninterior unity (Fides et Ratio, n. 85)


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What is the task of public authoritiesas regards science?

Public authorities, like guardians of the common good,commit themselves to: Assuring that research be directed towards the good of the

persons and of society and to the protection of the environment; moderating and reconciling the pressures of divergent interests enacting just laws that safeguard the good of the person and of

society in respect of moral principles; controlling the effects of technological and scientific discoveries.


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What is the task of public authoritiesas regards science?

Public authorities, like guardians of the common good,commit themselves to: publishing guidelines, so as to even respect the integrity and the

rhythms of nature, since natural resources are limited and somecannot even be regenerated;

actively sustaining those fields of research, which are notfinanced by private interests, by making use of public funds inconformity with the principles of subsidiarity.

impeding research that damages life and human dignity or thatignores the needs of poor people of the world, who are

generally less equipped for scientific research.


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What is the role of the church withregard to science?

To announce the contribution which Faith offers toscience.

To form qualified consultants, either in the field ofphysical sciences or of life, either in technology or

philosophy of sciences, capable of intervening as muchin Internet as in the radio or in television, and capable ofdealing with points of friction, which could arise betweenscience and Faith.


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What is the role of the church withregard to science?

To create communication networks among Catholicstudents, appreciated for their professional capacitiesand their fidelity to the Magisterium, as well as amongscientific academies, associations of experts intechnology and Episcopal Conferences.

To promote Catholic publications with a great diffusionwhich benefit from the contribution of persons trulyqualified in these fields.

To carry out pastoral work that gives rise to and

nourishes a deep spiritual life in the scientists.Pope John Paul II HonorsUC San Diego Scientist &

appoints him to thePontifical Academy ofSciences


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The Christians belief in God gave them confidence thatthe physical world, in all its complexity and vast extent,could be understoodAs a matter of historical fact,

modern science has developed from an understandingof the world as Gods ordered Creation, with its owninherent rationality.

Roger Trigg, Does Science Need Religion? Faraday Papers,no. 2 (April 2007)

The Christian worldview played a significant rolein nurturing the development of modern science:

T k H M


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Observation is not explanation

Science is the how and what realm whereas faith,

metaphysics, philosophy, and religion are the whyrealm.

Science is an observation of everything around us, but itcannot explain in the fullest philosophical and religious

sense; it cannot provide meaning and purpose. Conversely, just because religion/faith can provide

why, does not mean that those are the same tools thatwe use to describe the how, or what of our natural

world.

Take Home Message

T k H M


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Science and Faith

Can be thought of as two sides of thesame coin, and to only acknowledgeone is to limit the dimensions of theuniverse in which we exist.

Take Home Message

No one can arrive at the knowledge of divine and human thingsunless he has previously and thoroughly learned mathematics.

- St Augustine (354-431)

Mathematics is the alphabet with which God wrote the world.

- Galileo Galilei (1564-1642, mathematician, philosopher, & physicist)


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References

Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church (YOUCAT). 2011, Ignatius Press, San Francisco Vatican Council I, Dei Filius (DF) Vatican Council II, Gaudium et spes (GS); John Paul II, Fides et ratio, 1998; Catechism of the Catholic Church, nn. 159; 2293-2294; Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Summary of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 2004, nn.

331-363; 456-473.

Raffaello Martinelli. Science and Christian Faith: How are they

reconciled?http://www.sancarlo.pcn.net/argomenti_inglese/pagina45.htm

Karl Giberson & Francis Collins. (2011). The Language of Scienceand Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions. InterVarsityPress, http://vialogue.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/the-language-of-science-and-faith-notes-review/

Francis S. Collins.(2009) Can Science and Religion Co-Exist inHarmony? The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life's Faith AngleConference on religion, politics and public life.http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1259/can-science-and-faith-be-reconciled/

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