On Science-Theology: An Early Battle

Battles between religion and science are not new, so let’s go back in time. Using newly-discovered knowledge, Nicholas Copernicus (1473-1543), Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), and Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) challenged the Church’s longstanding view of earth (and its humans) as the center of the universe.

Copernicus, a loyal Catholic and canon at the Frauenberg Cathedral, determined the earth revolved around the sun, yet no matter the evidence, the church resisted his explanation for over 100 years.

Galileo, an acclaimed astronomer, physicist, mathematician, and philosopher, supported Copernicianism, yet the church forced him to recant his observations and analysis because they were contrary to the church’s teaching. Nonetheless, Galileo’s 1615 response seems applicable today.

Showing a greater fondness for their own opinions that for truth they sought to deny and disprove the new things which, if they had cared to look for themselves, their own senses would have demonstrated to them. …. I hope to show that I proceed with much greater piety than they (church leaders) do, when I argue not against condemning this book (the Bible), but against condemning it in the way they suggest that is without understanding it, weighing it, or so much as reading it. For Copernicus never discusses matter of religion and faith, not does he use argument that depend in any way upon the authority of sacred writings which he might have interpreted erroneously.

Kepler, a mathematician, astronomer, and faithful Lutheran, determined the laws of planetary motion supporting Copernicus. Even though the church harassed him, he ended on of his astronomy papers with the following prayer:

I give thee thanks, O Lord and Creator, that thou hast gladdened me by thy creation, when I was enraptured by the work of thy hands. Behold, I have here completed a work of my calling, with as much of intellectual strength as thou hast granted me. I have declared the praise of thy works to the men who will read the evidences of it, so far as my finite spirit could comprehend them in their infinity …. Have I been seduced into presumption by the admirable beauty of thy works, or have I sought my own glory among men, in the construction of work designed for thy honor? O then graciously and mercifully forgive me; and finally grant me this favor, that this work may never be injurious, but may conduce to thy glory and the good or souls.

Whenever I read these quotes, a side of me sees that times haven’t changed much since 1615. I know part of that is an exaggeration on my part, but do you see Galileo’s quote still  applicable to discussions today about issues involving science and theology?

On Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 31

On Tom Watson
To some, Tom Watson’s run at The Open was bad for the game. To others, it was great. Although I find it hard to believe that some would be rooting against him, they were clearly not the majority. Given the competitive nature of any athlete at that level, the loss must be tearing through him. And to think that after a good tee shot on 18, the second shot landing 5 feet shorter would probably have produced a different result. Although I congratulate Stewart Cink for the win and being a class act, my heart sank too.

On Walter Cronkite
Last night CBS preempted 60 Minutes for a tribute show to Walter Cronkite. Now that was great hour about the genuine newsman oozing with integrity.

On Sotomayor
The recent hearings did confirm that Washington is not about the people. Let’s face it, Republicans main opposition is for 2 reasons: the Democratic nominator and the judge may rule against their special interests – similar Democrats previously opposed President Bush nominees. Given the way opposition came out before her nomination, continued a short time after the nomination, and committee senators proclaiming their position before the hearing, one thing is confirmed – the pathetic nature of senators acting in accordance to their special interests.

On Abortion
Abortion is always a hot topic and there’s nothing like a Supreme Court opening to stimulate the emotions; so here’s something to consider. Regardless if Roe v Wade remains or is overturned; regardless of the national or state legislation, mandating morality through either the courts or legislation doesn’t make people more moral.

On a Second Stimulus Bill
Some politicians and economists are considering a second stimulus bill. Even though the economy continues to struggle and unemployment continues to rise, it’s time to chime in. The second would actually be the third; that is if one recalls President Bush’s last one late in his term. Since Congress didn’t come close to my suggestions on the last stimulus, odds of my support would be slim.

On Krathhammer
I enjoy a range of columnists, but I’ve been wondering if Washington Post columnist Charles Krathhammer is sleeping well. Since the election he seems in continual misery with President Obama. Since he’s more of a partisan than a voice of reason, I’ve scratched him from my preferred columnist list.

On Healthcare Reform
What a mess! Unfortunately, there’s probably a decent compromise bill that would work that neither party will support.

On Religion and Evolution
My personal growth on this topic continues. Although I’ve also studied position statements and articles, I’m currently reading Can You Believe in God and Evolution?: A Guide for the Perplexed by Ted Peters and Martinez Hewlett. The bibliography on this journey is well onto a second page.