Science and religion are not seen by the church as opposing forces, but distinct and valuable approaches to understanding the universe and our place in it.
An in-depth 2017 survey from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University found that Catholics are generally more accepting of science than other religious groups.
The Bible is a love letter from God to humanity, not the final thoughts of scientific progress.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Catholic scientists and students of science, did you know there is an international organization of Catholic scientists?
Founded in 2016, the Society of Catholic Scientists is an international lay organization created to “foster fellowship among Catholic scientists and to witness to the harmony of faith and reason,” as stated on its website.
The society is a response to St. John Paul II’s call that “‘members of the church who are active scientists’ be of service to those who are attempting to ‘integrate the worlds of science and religion in their own intellectual and spiritual lives.'”
In only two years membership has grown to 750 and its members span six continents.
At the society’s most recent conference, “The Human Mind and Physicalism,” held June 9 at The Catholic University of America, more than 100 professionals and students gathered to hear experts speak about physics, ecology, free will and the human mind.
Many of the conference participants and organizers told Catholic News Service they see no conflict between science and their faith.
“Part of why the sciences are so interesting is precisely because of the knowledge that we are created by God in his image. So when we’re talking about studying psychology or neuroscience they are the mechanism by which we understand the world, almost like we’re interacting with God’s creation. It demonstrates the awe of creation,” said Vanessa Chan, a doctoral student studying cognitive neuroscience at the University of Toronto.
Read the story: https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2018/06/11/catholic-scientists-find-camaraderie-when-discussing-faith-research/
The Society of Catholic Scientists’ website is: www.catholicscientists.org.
