As the world embraces technology as the
answer to all questions, and the solution to most all our problems, a common
criticism of the Catholic Church is that, at a minimum, it stands in opposition
to most technological progress, if not acting in a belligerent and
obstructionist manner. But does this charge have any basis in truth? Here is a
question worth considering today:
Is the
Catholic Church anti-science and anti-reason?
How do we respond to such charges as,
“The Catholic Church is anti-technology! The Church is anti-progress!” The
secular media, seemingly, starts every technology story with, “The Pope speaks
out against (insert scientific topic of choice here.)”
A brief, but nevertheless revealing 8-point
list of the historical record of the relationship between the Church and
technological progress will immediately dispel any such thinking, or at least
give the other party some food for thought.
1. The treatment of Galileo is constantly used as a nightstick
against the Church’s involvement with technology. However, when you explain and
clarify in full context the treatment of Galileo by the Church, this particular
beating ends.[1]
2. Cite the pro-science views of the Church as expressed by
scientifically educated members of the Church, such as Fr. Stanley Jaki, who
holds a doctorate in physics from Fordham University and studied under Nobel
laureate, Victor Hess (co-discover of cosmic rays,) Roger Bacon (among other
priest-scientists, such as Fr. Boscovich) who is considered the forerunner of
modern scientific method.[2]
3. Point out how the laws of science were particularly
developed under a fundamentally Catholic setting, as opposed to development
under Babylonian, Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Hindu, or Mayan cultures.[3]
4. Comment through the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas that
the universe God created is a physical universe that is governed by scientific
rules and an orderliness God holds stable, and wished us to discover. Hence, by
furthering such opinions the Catholic Church is pro-science and pro-discovery.
5. Credit early discoveries of science to their original
source, such as 14th century Catholic professor Jean Buridan, whose
writings on inertia and planetary movement would later influence Sir Isaac
Newton. Likewise, credit the Cathedral School of Chartres, which furthered the
development of logic, reason, and science and supplied the world with many
scientists.[4]
6. Point out the impact on opening up the study of science
beyond the confines of Aristotle, through the so-called “Condemnations of
1277.”[5]
7. Present the overwhelming scientific influence and
contributions of the Jesuits.[6]
8. Note for your audience that Catholic Church cathedrals
were designed to function as solar observatories.[7]
Why would the Church accept this design if it were anti-science?
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