Statements on science and faith,
from the Catechism of the Catholic Church

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From: SEDWilkins@aol.com
Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 03:20:02 -0500 (EST)
To: scichr-list@eskimo.com (the Science and Chriatianity mailing list)

On the subject of statements of belief, I thought some members might be
interested in the following:

"Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant
expression of man's dominion over creation.  Science and technology are
precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral
development for the benefit of all.  By themselves, however, they cannot
disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress.  Science and
technology are ordered to man, from whom they take their origin and
development; hence they find in the person and in his moral values both
evidence of their purpose and awareness of their limits.

"It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its
applications.  On the other hand, guiding principles cannot be inferred from
simple technical efficiency, or from the usefulness accruing to some at the
expense of others, or, even worse, from prevailing ideologies.  Science and
technology by their very nature require unconditional respect for fundamental
moral criteria.  They must be at the service of the human person, of his
inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the
plan and the will of God.

"The question about the origins of the world and of man has been the object
of many scientific studies which have splendidly enriched our knowledge of
the age and dimensions of the cosmos, the development of life forms and the
appearance of man.  These discoveries invite us to even greater admiration
for the greatness of the Creator, prompting us to give him thanks for all his
works and for the understanding and wisdom he gives to scholars and
researchers.  With Solomon they can say, 'It is he who gave me unerring
knowledge of what exists, to know the structure of the world and the activity
of the elements, . . for wisdom, the fashioner of all things, taught me.'
(Wis. 7:16-22)

"The great interest accorded to these studies is strongly stimulated by a
question of another order, which goes beyond the proper domain of the natural
sciences.  It is not only a question of knowing when and how the universe
arose physically, or when man appeared, but rather of discovering the meaning
of such and origin: is the universe governed by chance, blind fate, anonymous
necessity, or by a transcendent, intelligent and good Being called "God"?
 And if the world does come from God's wisdom and goodness, why is there
evil?  Where does it come from?  Who is responsible for it?  Is there any
liberation from it?

"Human intelligence is surely already capable of finding a response to the
question of origins.  The existence of God the Creator can be known with
certainty through his works, by the light of human reason, even if this
knowledge is often obscured and disfigured by error.  This is why faith comes
to confirm and enlighten reason in the correct understanding of this truth:
'By faith we understand that the world was created by the word of God, so
that what is seen was made out of things which do not appear.' (Hebrews
11:3)"


All of the above are from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, #'s 2293,
2294, and 283, 284 and 286.  There's lots more, but I think the Commission
did an excellent job of making a simple statement on a very nuanced
subject--the whole question of faith and reason as it bears on the subject of
scientific study.  I wonder how the non-Catholics on this list react to this
statement: does it accurately reflect the way you approach your work?  Would
you be comfortable giving assent to such a statement? Might it provide a
framework within which your faith and your professional commitment to the
 scientific "skepticism" Steve Smith wrote of?

-Sally  (SEDWilkins@aol.com)