The conflict between religion and science is one that has come to define modern society. From Galileo to the present, astrophysics has been marching forward, with groundbreaking discoveries on the origins and composition of the universe. These discoveries are fascinating but create tension within long established religious traditions. For example, it was believed that the Sun revolved around the Earth, which was the fixed center of the universe. then it was later discovered that Earth actually revolved around the Sun. As new discoveries are continually made, questions have been raised on how religions should handle and address new, disruptive scientific discoveries.
In this video, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and journalist Bill Moyers discuss several topics, one of which is the application of religious beliefs in modernity. Neil deGrasse Tyson strongly supports science, saying that it is wrong to insert religious beliefs into something whose truth is scientifically undisputed, such as an epilepsy being confused as demonic possession. To this, Gaudium et Spes agrees with Tyson, declaring that “there are ‘two orders of knowledge’ which are distinct, namely faith and reason; and that the Church does not forbid that ‘the human arts and disciplines use their own principles and proper method, each in its own domain’…this Sacred Synod affirms the legitimate autonomy of human culture and especially of the sciences”(59).
Another topic that the video addresses is how we justify the existence of our faith in God. Tyson says that if a person’s faith in God exists only because of the “gaps” in human knowledge, that God is located in these pockets of unknown science, then that particular faith is unsustainable. Tyson says that eventually these pockets of scientific ignorance will be filled with knowledge and understanding, resulting in God being defined as an “ever-receding pocket of scientific ignorance”. To this, Gaudium et Spes asserts that these new discoveries will not destabilize faith. Gaudium et Spes says that the faithful should “blend new sciences and theories and the understanding of the most recent discoveries with Christian morality and the teaching of Christian doctrine, so that their religious culture and morality may keep pace with scientific knowledge and with the constantly progressing technology”(62). There is a historical precedence for this type of teaching. Georges Lemaître was both a priest and astronomer who proposed the Big Bang theory and the theory of an expanding universe. Gaudium et Spes seems to settle the question on faith and scientific discoveries. New scientific theories and truths are not something that the Church should push away, but accept and affirm. The church affirms that “within the limits of morality and the common utility, man can freely search for the truth, express his opinion and publish it”(59). Inquiry and investigate into the universe should not be deterred, but be encouraged, so that the Church can continue to be relevant with the changing of times.
It is very interesting that our society seems to be so set on the fact that science and religion oppose each other, when there are still so many unanswered questions about both. As with the sun and the moon discovery, humans were so quick to fight the other on who was right, without enough evidence to actually prove it. It is interesting that Tyson believes that eventually all these little gaps will be filled with scientific knowledge, because I don’t think that will ever be possible. I believe there will always be unanswered questions that only religion can satisfy. However, I also agree that Christians should blend a Christian and scientific understanding of the world.
ReplyDeleteI also find it hard to imagine a time when every question will be answered with scientific knowledge and understanding. I believe both scientific knowledge and the Church are continuously progressing. There will never be one final or exact truth or understanding. I agree there should be a blend of understandings. The Church can learn from scientific progress just as much as scientists can learn from religious or Christian progress.
ReplyDeleteI think that the position Tyson takes on religion is one that is very dangerous to the people who are on the fence about religion. There will always be gaps between scientific and religious knowledge, regardless where technology takes us. When a person believes that science explains every aspect of the world, they create a close-minded culture. Belief in God, whether Christian or other, broadens our minds to other worldly possibilities. It is our duties as Christians to allow science and religion to coexist and help each other out.
ReplyDeleteI like how you decided to talk about the dialogue between science and religion in a blog about intercultural dialogue because, in many senses, science does have its own culture. I also think it is important to note, like Bridget did in her comment, that both the Church and the scientific community can learn from eachother.
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