P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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INTENTION : |
That scholars and intellectuals, by sincere search for the truth, may come to know the one true God.
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The beauty and the extent of scientific knowledge in this age allow us to be filled with wonder at learning the bounds of the universe and examining the smallest and most essential details of matter.
But science loses it proper role when it raises itself up as the only valid and legitimate knowledge, disqualifying others. Even in our time voices are heard, coming particularly from scientific circles, which come to doubt that it is possible to affirm God's existence without failing to be rigorous in scientific discovery. Not long ago Stephen Hawking said 'Science does not leave much room for God.'
From a renewed theology we have learned that there is no contradiction between science and faith, as both bring different perspectives, complementary to one another. Both ways of knowing have their own autonomy, which is to be respected. Both are at the service of human life to the full, and of the wellbeing of all. Science needs to stay open to guidance from an ethical reason illuminated by faith, which will direct its advances in accordance with the criteria of justice and the common good. There are sad examples in history of things going badly wrong when scientific knowledge was not accompanied by ethical judgement.
What follows is a true event, which happened in 1892, now part of a biography.
A gentleman aged about 70 was travelling by train, and beside him was a young university-student reading his scientific book. The gentleman (GM), in his turn, was reading a book with a black cover. Then the young man (YM) realised that it was a Bible, open at St. Mark's Gospel.
Without much ceremony the young man interrupted the old man's reading, and asked,
"Sir, do you still believe in that book full of fables and stories?"
GM: "Yes, but it isn't a story-book, it's the Word of God. Am I wrong?"
YM: "But of course you are. I think you ought to study world history. You would see that the French Revolution, more than 100 years ago, showed the blindness of religion. Only uneducated people still believe that God created the world in six days. You ought to know a little more of what our scientists say about all that."
GM: "And…. Is that the same as our scientists say about the Bible?"
YM: "Well, as I'm getting out at the next station, I haven't time to explain to you, but give me your card, with your address, so that I can send you scientific material by post as soon as possible."
So the old man, very patiently, opened the right-hand pocket of his bag with great care and gave the young man his card. It read:
Professor Dr. Louis Pasteur
Director General of the Inst of Scientific Investigation
National University of France
'A little science separates us from God.
A lot of science brings us closer.' Louis Pasteur
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