Contrary to popular belief, God and science are not irreconcilable opposites and the Catholic Church is not in conflict with scientific theories on creation. Far from seeing science and faith as incompatible, the Church considers that they can and should coexist, illuminating different aspects of the same truth.

In fact, the Big Bang theory was first proposed by a Catholic priest and astronomer, Georges Lemaître, in 1927.  And the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth.”

Join Terry Lees in Silver Linings as he takes us on a journey to the stars and explores why science may be able to give the answer and explanation of how the world and universe was created and why “the heavens declare the glory of God.”

Listen to the episode below, or continue on to read the transcript.

Episode Transcript:

In secondary school, chemistry and physics were amongst the subjects I studied. However, I was only an average student with those disciplines. Although I can recall being in awe of the outcomes of some chemical experiments performed, I had no desire to pursue a career in science.

So, by what authority do I write about creation and science? Well, I am a co-creator in partnership with the Creator of all things, and the Holy Spirit is my mentor and guide. Besides, there is a vast resource of writings done by true scientific and theological experts, that I unashamedly draw upon!

There was a long-held belief that science and faith were incompatible and irreconcilable. Faith, it was claimed, rejects the rational, while science restricts us to a life with no meaning beyond the physical. two polar-opposite ways of thinking and living.

Through the wise Apostle Paul, God gives proof of his existence: Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and clearly seen in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse [Romans 1:20]. 

Perhaps God is telling us that the best way to know about the Creator God is through the scientific study of God’s creation! Even though God is by nature “invisible,” God’s existence can be known “through the things that are made.” Humanity and the physical universe are among the things that are made, and these realities point to God as the Creator of all things, visible and invisible.

Contrary to popular belief, God and science are not irreconcilable opposites and the Catholic Church is not in conflict with scientific theories on creation. Far from seeing science and faith as incompatible, the Church considers that they can and should coexist, illuminating different aspects of the same truth.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: Faith and science: “Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth.”

In a truly revolutionary statement, Pope John Paul II claimed that both sides can benefit from a dialogue! He said: “Science can purify religion from error and superstition; religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world, a world in which both can flourish…”

Science may be able to give the answer and explanation of how the world and universe was created.

In an article titled Religion and Science, the Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy claims: “Indeed, some scientific theories, such as the Big Bang theory, first proposed by the Belgian Roman Catholic priest and astronomer Georges Lemaître in 1927, look congenial to the doctrine of creation.”

Its only within the last 50 years that scientists have accepted what the Bible claimed about 3500 years ago!

One of the world’s leading scientists Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project, is author of The Language of God – A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief.  Collins grew up an agnostic, then became a committed atheist until he witnessed the true power of religious faith amongst medical patients. Now a man with an unshakeable faith in God, Collins demonstrates that faith is not the enemy of scientific rationality, but its perfect complement. He wrote, “Science is not threatened by God; it is enhanced. God is certainly not threatened by science; He made it all possible.”

Launched on Christmas Day 2021, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, humanity’s leading instrument in space exploration, is already making discoveries of newly discovered galaxies from close to the beginning of time and to life shortly after the Big Bang itself, billions of years ago. What is surprising to many is that the data collected by the Webb suggests more design and less chaos than expected, underscoring an interesting balance between the two forces.

Farouk El-Baz, a professor in the departments of archaeology and electrical and computer engineering at Boston University, says most of his scientific colleagues see no conflict between science and religion. For El-Baz, the marvel of the Webb telescope’s discoveries deepens both. “Science actually underlines the importance of religion because God told us that He created the Earth and the heavens,” says El-Baz.

As we look at the stunning images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, we cannot help but echo the words of the psalmist, The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands [Psalm 19:1].

Faith and reason go together to form a deep understanding of the presence of God. Every time we look at the stars, we can marvel and give thanks to God. Engaging the head and the heart to experience God is a beautiful thing.

 

Look for the Silver Lining.

This is Terry Lees

[Music: When You Wish Upon a Star (From “Disney 100”) – Sara Bareilles ]