Chapter 1 The Navigation Process Faith and Science

Chapter 1 The Navigation Process

Faith and Science Already Co-Exist Hospitably Chapter 1: The Navigation Process ● The harmony of faith and science is the harmony of blessings and meals. ● Science can be the very venue through which we reach out into the world and shine our faith to illuminate the path to truth. ● “Far from making us inflexible, the security of faith sets us on a journey; it enables witness and dialogue with all. ” – Pope Francis ● Faith first and science second! ● “These thy atoms. ”

Chapter 1: The Navigation Process The False Dichotomy: Accepting Science While Rejecting Faith ● There are controversies between faith and science. ● The well-known Galileo affair teaches us an important point: Faith and science are two different manifestations of the same reality. ● When they seem to have conflicting conclusions, it is because our knowledge is not complete.

Three Steps for Discussing Science in the Light of Faith Chapter 1: The Navigation Process ● Science is provisional. ● See creation as God’s handiwork. 1. Know what the Church teaches. 2. Begin to learn the science. 3. Sort out the “system of wills. ”

1. Know what the Church teaches. Chapter 1: The Navigation Process ● The Magisterium defines dogmas and doctrines derived from divine revelation. ○ de fide divina et catholica ○ fidei proxima ○ theological opinion ● Dogmas are lights along the path of faith.

1. Chapter 1: The Navigation Process Know what the Church teaches. ● Doctrines in science and faith are objective statements. ● Sources for looking up doctrines are: ○ Catechism of the Catholic Church ○ Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma ○ The Sources of Catholic Dogma ● Respect the real theologians and exegetes.

2. Chapter 1: The Navigation Process Begin to learn the science. ● Science is never complete. ● Read about science in textbooks, journals, conference proceedings. ● Chart your course through science based on your interests. ● Respect the real scientists.

2. Chapter 1: The Navigation Process Begin to learn the science. ● Science has changed the way we view our place in the universe. ● Science needs philosophy and theology. ● Form your opinions carefully.

3. Chapter 1: The Navigation Process Sort out the “system of wills. ” ● Supreme law is God’s law. ● The physical realm (laws of nature) is God’s creation. ● Rational created beings (human persons, angels) have free will and can cause motion in limited ways.

3. Chapter 1: The Navigation Process Sort out the “system of wills. ” ● Free will and miracles do not break the laws of physics, but rather are at home in them. ● The total system of reality includes nature and supernature (the supernatural). ● Understanding this hierarchy in reality helps sort out the faith and science questions.