In my mind, it is never "God vs. science." God created everything in the universe - He created everything that science examines. As long as scientists know the limits of science, there is no problem. It's when scientists make philosophical/theological claims (like, "There is no God.") that they overstep their abilities.
In the words of my hero and yours, Pope Benedict (from this article): "Man cannot place in science and technology so radical and unconditional a trust as to believe that scientific and technological progress can explain everything and completely fulfill all his existential and spiritual needs. Science cannot replace philosophy and revelation by giving an exhaustive answer to man's most radical questions: questions about the meaning of living and dying, about ultimate values, and about the nature of progress itself."
Also, I find that image on the Time cover very explanatory. Truth is truth. God reveals certain things, but leaves much for us to figure out. It is one seamless whole and when we reach Heaven, we'll see how ridiculous it was to try to push the two apart.
3 comments:
Hello Mike,
Here's my two bits on this intractable debate. Hope you and others can appreciate my efforts to provide a key to a true solution for humanity's seemingly never-ending cycle of struggle and despair.
Analyzing the Creator Debate
Did you ever consider that atheism arose because certain people saw that religious characterizations about the nature of an omnipotent "God" were seriously flawed and then concluded that religion and the Creator were the same things? This is the exact same conclusion at the base of religious beliefs; namely that the Creator and religion are inseparable. Consequently, both atheists and religious followers are arguing over a flawed assumption without considering that other possibilities negate the common core conclusion of both groups. These arguments are actually over religion and whether it represents a reliable model of reality. The answer to this question is of course not. Religion is not only flawed, it is purposely deceptive! Though atheists are certainly sincere in their conclusions, the fact remains that they and religious followers are locked in a debate that cannot be won by either side because both base their positions upon whether the same flawed premise is the truth. In order for this debate to conclude with a truthful answer, a greater level of discernment is required.
One apt clarifying question is, if someone tells lies about you, does that negate you or make you a liar or a lie? Certainly, the image cast about you would be a false one, but that is their image, not the real you. Consequently, faulty religious assertions about the Creator of this universe do not negate the existence of a Creator. Considering the possibility that this universe is not by chance leaves the door open to how it arose, which leads us to seek what could have created and maintained it. Since neither religion nor science has yet adequately answered this question, it is safe to conclude that those who argue about the Creator based on either are most certainly wrong about one or more aspects. Therefore, another point of view and additional knowledge are required.
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Hi SSH,
Thanks for commenting!
I did read your post, but I'm afraid I won't be able to comment much. We disagree on some basic principles that are at the foundation of the discussion of faith and reason.
1. I believe in a religion (Roman Catholicism), so I obviously disagree with you that all religions are deceptive and flawed visions of God. No, I (or we the Church) do not know everything about God, but I do believe that God revealed Himself through Jesus, His son, and Jesus founded the Church that I believe in.
2. You seem to be advocating some kind of natural religion. I do believe that God reveals Himself through nature by use of our reason, but only through revelation can we come to a true knowledge of God. I believe that this revelation lies in the Church that Jesus founded.
3. Though religion has been used to decieve and control, I do not believe that it is, at it's core, a deception. I do not believe that the founder (Jesus) and early leaders of Christianity were out to deceive people. They honestly believed what they preached.
So ... feel free to comment some more.
You use the Holy Spirit and write well...you will most likely make a wonderful and holy priest. I will pray for you very much. Last night a good and holy priest came to speak to our young people...he has been a priest a short time...they love him...they love his honesty...they know he cares...God bless you! Amen!
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