"Every Thing to Everyone"

 

This week we have the last of  'The Science and Faith Columns' in the Catholic Peace Weekly. 

The reverse side of the Nobel Prize medals in Physics and Chemistry depicts the Goddess of Science gazing at the Goddess of Nature as she lifts her veil. This symbolizes that science is humanity's intellectual endeavor and effort to perceive nature's proper form. 

Throughout history, countless individuals have strived to understand humanity, the world, and the universe through science. In 1543, Copernicus recognized the flaws in the geocentric theory that placed Earth at the center of the universe and published 'On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres'. In 1610, Galileo observed Jupiter's moons through a telescope, proving Copernicus's heliocentric theory. In 1687, after studying gravity, Newton mathematically explained what moves the universe in his “Principia,” while Darwin ignited the debate on evolution with his 1859 publication, “On the Origin of Species.”

Einstein, who ushered in modern physics, presented a new paradigm in 1915 with his general theory of relativity, replacing Newton's law of universal gravitation. The cutting-edge science of 21st-century quantum mechanics has empowered humanity to reach the moon and beyond. One cannot help but marvel at the power of science that transformed the world and admire the extraordinary brilliance of human intellect.

Nature and the world viewed through science are mysteries in themselves. Science seeks out nature's hidden principles and rules, proving them mathematically. Yet while science explains the principles governing all things, it cannot explain their reasons or essence. This is because natural phenomena transcend universal laws. When science's perspective on the universe and world differed from religion's, conflicts large and small arose between them.

But differing perspectives do not imply incorrectness. ‘Different’ and ‘wrong’ are distinctly separate. Different means not the same; wrong means mistaken. Perceiving ‘different’ as ‘wrong’ is a product of human prejudice and ignorance. We have witnessed such examples throughout history across various domains—race, ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, values—and observed the tragic consequences of misunderstanding and conflict that followed. Recognizing difference as diversity, rather than viewing it as wrong, is precisely what aligns with the nature of the universe.

Science and religion may differ in perspective and method, but their ultimate goal of pursuing absolute truth is the same. This Sunday, November 16th, is UNESCO's designated ‘International Day for Tolerance’. Tolerance is the recognition of mutual difference and a prerequisite for progress. Einstein said, ‘Science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind.’ Pope Saint John Paul II demonstrated tolerance when he pardoned Galileo, excommunicated by the Church, 359 years later, stating, 'Thanks to science, religion was freed from error and superstition. Thanks to religion, science was freed from idolatry and false absolutes.'

Pope Francis stated, “For believers, the two paths of science and faith can harmonize because they are both grounded in God's absolute truth.” Science and faith are gifts and blessings for humanity, capable of offering “everything to everyone (Omnibus Omnia).” 

Pope Francis stated, 'For believers, the two paths of science and faith can harmonize with each other, as both are grounded in God's absolute truth.' Science and faith are gifts and blessings for humanity, capable of offering ‘everything to everyone (Omnibus Omnia)’. As he concludes this year-long series of writings, aiming toward the ultimate goal of harmony between science and faith, he asks himself and the world: 'Where did we come from? Where are we now? Where should we go?'