Day 4: The Theology and Science Divide

[Michie]

I can see now that there is a divide between theology and science, and it's called philosophy, or rather the lack of it.​

For the last ten years, my work has been focused on dispelling the faith and science conflict myth. “Chemistry led me to Christ!” I say to audiences when I speak. “Science is the study of the handiwork of God!” I tell hesitant chemistry and physics college students. I am proud of my book Particles of Faith: A Catholic Guide to Navigating Science. It’s provided me with the opportunity to speak to thousands of people.

“Goodness,” I say, “there is no faith and science divide.” I tell myself I’ve got it all figured out. Just pray the Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Come on, atheists. Can’t you see it?”

But philosophers, both Catholic and atheist, side-eye me. No, it’s true. I’m not being over-sensitive, and I don’t think they are being supercilious. I could tell that I have been jumping over a bridge I ought to be walking slowly across.

It isn’t funny anymore to say I am forever a recovering materialist. I knew it wasn’t going to work to keep brushing philosophy off as something on the level of interpretive dance class in college. So, here I am finishing a MA in systematic philosophy, writing a thesis on elements. I thought “systematic philosophy” would sound good next to “dogmatic theology” and my beloved chemistry. Go me!
I can see now that there is a divide between theology and science. That divide is philosophy, or rather the lack of it. As scientific discovery took off after the 1600s, confidence in the physical sciences took over, and Aristotle and Aquinas got dismissed. I’ve heard that narrative a million times, but I didn’t really think it was so hard to fix. “Oh cool! Learn Aristotle. Read Aquinas. Be a Thomist.”

Why am I blaming philosophy? Because it is human. It is the history and great effort of us trying to figure out truth. It is what binds the discoveries we make digging around on planet Earth with the transcendence we reach when we look to the Heavens and thank God. Philosophy is what adds reason to divine revelation and what brings the machinery of nature to life.

Continued below.

Day 4: The Theology and Science Divide

I can see now that there is a divide between theology and science, and it's called philosophy, or rather the lack of it.

stacytrasancos.substack.com

 

[AlexB23]

I can see now that there is a divide between theology and science, and it's called philosophy, or rather the lack of it.​

For the last ten years, my work has been focused on dispelling the faith and science conflict myth. “Chemistry led me to Christ!” I say to audiences when I speak. “Science is the study of the handiwork of God!” I tell hesitant chemistry and physics college students. I am proud of my book Particles of Faith: A Catholic Guide to Navigating Science. It’s provided me with the opportunity to speak to thousands of people.

“Goodness,” I say, “there is no faith and science divide.” I tell myself I’ve got it all figured out. Just pray the Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. Come on, atheists. Can’t you see it?”

But philosophers, both Catholic and atheist, side-eye me. No, it’s true. I’m not being over-sensitive, and I don’t think they are being supercilious. I could tell that I have been jumping over a bridge I ought to be walking slowly across.

It isn’t funny anymore to say I am forever a recovering materialist. I knew it wasn’t going to work to keep brushing philosophy off as something on the level of interpretive dance class in college. So, here I am finishing a MA in systematic philosophy, writing a thesis on elements. I thought “systematic philosophy” would sound good next to “dogmatic theology” and my beloved chemistry. Go me!
I can see now that there is a divide between theology and science. That divide is philosophy, or rather the lack of it. As scientific discovery took off after the 1600s, confidence in the physical sciences took over, and Aristotle and Aquinas got dismissed. I’ve heard that narrative a million times, but I didn’t really think it was so hard to fix. “Oh cool! Learn Aristotle. Read Aquinas. Be a Thomist.”

Why am I blaming philosophy? Because it is human. It is the history and great effort of us trying to figure out truth. It is what binds the discoveries we make digging around on planet Earth with the transcendence we reach when we look to the Heavens and thank God. Philosophy is what adds reason to divine revelation and what brings the machinery of nature to life.

Continued below.

Day 4: The Theology and Science Divide

I can see now that there is a divide between theology and science, and it's called philosophy, or rather the lack of it.

stacytrasancos.substack.com

Why should a divide exist? The Bible says that faith and science go hand in hand.

Psalm 111:2 (ESV): Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.

Psalm 111:2 expresses wonder at God's great works or deeds, which are studied by all who delight in them. Scientists engage with these works through their research and discovery. Faith and science complement each other, as both acknowledge God's presence and power in the natural world. Scientific inquiry is driven by a belief in a deeper meaning to the universe and a recognition of God's involvement. The verse affirms that studying God's works deepens our appreciation for and connection to the LORD.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

Why should a divide exist? The Bible says that faith and science go hand in hand

Only a divide for those who hold to literal interpretation of the Pentateuch.

 

[AlexB23]

Only a divide for those who hold to literal interpretation of the Pentateuch.

Bro, this is an old post. God bless.

 

[The Barbarian]

Why should a divide exist? The Bible says that faith and science go hand in hand.

Psalm 111:2 (ESV): Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

 

[AlexB23]

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Awesome. This ties in perfectly with Psalm 111:2.