Can science and Catholicism co-exist?

The relationship of science and Catholicism have been at odds through history, at times even causing
the death of many who were undeserving of such a cruel fate. 1 Science is a systematic enterprise that
builds and organises knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the
universe. With this definition it comes as no surprise that it causes friction with Catholicism where its
core beliefs are intrinsically unprovable by scientific methods. However this relationship should not
be cause for discord but rather for unity and mutual understanding of the world around us.
2 One footnote in time where science came into conflict with Catholicism is the case with the notable
Galileo and Italian society during the 16th century. It is important to understand that during this time;
Italian society believed the teachings of the Bible with resolute and obeyed the authority of the Pope,
and so the conception of an idea that inherently went against Catholicism would be viewed with
skepticism and accusations of heresy. As such was the case with Galileo who hypothesised that the
earth revolved around the sun (heliocentric model) and not vice versa which was the widely accepted
belief since it was consistent with teachings of the Old Testament. 3 Galileo was found “vehemently
suspect of heresy” for his views and was required to “abjure, curse and detest” his opinions. He was
later sentenced to house arrest with his texts being ultimately banned in the region. However it is
important to note that if his discovery was brought into the public eye, it would call into the question
the authority of the Bible and as such the authority of the Pope thus leading to instability within Italian
society. Therefore the ramifications of his findings on the people of Italy trumped Galilee’s scientific
expertise, as unfair as it may seem.
While there may be plenty of examples of discord amongst the two spheres of thinking, there are also
a plethora of examples that prove otherwise. 4 Georges Lemaître was a Belgian mathematician and
astrophysicist who has been credited with the theory of the Big Bang. What many people fail to realise
was that he was also a practicing catholic priest. Some people may question the apparent
contradiction between his theory and his faith – to this he suggested that 5 the methodology for
understanding the physical cosmos; revealed religion taught truths important for salvation. He was
quite content to observe that the findings of science were in no way discordant with scriptural
revelation, and vice versa, but neither should overreach. Therefore we can understand from him that
both religion and science have the ability to walk hand in hand with each other to provide spiritual
fulfilment and reinforce mankind’s nature to develop; to quite fittingly, “reach for the stars”.
It may be true that some religions are in conflict with some kind of scientific findings. But In
Catholicism, there is an enduring tradition of science and religion operating in accord, compatible
and complementary, elating humanity towards the truth like the two sides of a coin.
Martin Luther King, Jr once said…Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man
knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with
facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.” So it is about looking at both science
and faith with two different eyes rather than separating each other to help maintain a balance
between them while remaining true to our faith. This approach might help to ease any internal
conflict if there is any.
Although, historically both disciplines may have collided at every junction, but one thing that is for
certain is the luxury that we have as a society today to use both spheres to better ourselves and
society.

6 The question about the origins of the world and of man has been the object of many scientific studies
which have splendidly enriched our knowledge of the age and dimensions of the cosmos, the
development of life-forms and the appearance of man. These discoveries invite us to even greater
admiration for the greatness of the Creator, prompting us to give him thanks for all his works and for
the understanding and wisdom he gives to scholars and researchers. With Solomon they can say: “It
is he who gave me unerring knowledge of what exists, to know the structure of the world and the
activity of the elements. . . for wisdom, the fashioner of all things, taught me.”121
6 The Catholic Church’s current stance on science is clearly defined in the CCC (Catechism of the
Catholic Church), “Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between
faith and reason”. This is clearly evident in the catholic churches long lasting sponsorship of research
institutions throughout the Middle Ages and so forth. The field of astronomy is a prime example of
the Church’s commitment to science. 7 J.L. Heilbronn in his book The Sun in the Church: Cathedrals as
Solar Observatories writes that “the Roman Catholic Church gave more financial aid and support to
the study of astronomy for over six centuries, from the recovery of ancient learning during the late
Middle Ages into the Enlightenment, than any other, and, probably, all other institutions.”
8 In the words of Jennifer Wiseman (Astrophysicist and practicing Christian), “In Christian faith, our
significance is given as a gift of love from God, who’s responsible for the universe”.

References
1 : Science (Disambiguation)
28/05/2020
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science

2: Galileo Galilei
28/05/2020
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_Galilei

3: Persecuted Scientists
22/06/12 11:30 AM
Wired.com
https://www.wired.com/2012/06/famous-persecuted-scientists/

4: Georges Lemaitre
28/05/2020
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Lemaître

5: The faith and science of Georges Lemaître, father of the Big Bang
Sean Salai
25/05/2016

https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2016/05/25/faith-and-science-georges-lemaitre-father-big-bang

6: Catechism of the Catholic Church: references to science
CCC
29/05/2020
https://www.vofoundation.org/faith-and-science/catechism-catholic-church-references-science/

7: The Sun in the Church: Cathedrals as Solar Observatories.
Heilbronn, J.L.
Cambridge: Harvard University Press, (p. 3)
1999

8: Are religion and science always at odds?
ABC Science / By Anna Salleh
24/05/2018
https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2018-05-24/three-scientists-talk-about-how-their-faith-fits-with-their-work/9543772