2008 Woodie Awards
Vatican astronomer discusses "God's Mechanics"
Carli-Rae Panny
Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Is religion and science, like oil and water?
For hundreds of years it was believed that these two terms were contradictory of each other. People viewed them as complete opposites with nothing in common.
In an effort to spread his ideas and promote his latest book, "God's Mechanics - How Scientists & Engineers Make Sense of Religion," Brother Guy Consolmagno, Vatican Astronomer at the Vatican Observatory, shared his beliefs about the connections that link science to religion.
The presentation took place on Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. in the University Commons.
"Believing in science is being religious. The fact that God created the universe is the reason the Vatican researches and is incorporated with science," said Br. Consolmagno.
While researching for his book, Br. Consolmagno had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of "techies."
This is the term he uses to describe himself and other people who make a living by dealing with technological activities.
"Jesus, himself was a techie," he said.
Br. Consolmagno also said that in the past, most of theology was based on trying to make comparisons to religion; however, this was impossible since science wasn't advanced enough.
"The idea that there is a war going on between religion and science is a 19th century lie. There are people out there who want you to believe there's this wall that divides the two," he said.
According to Br. Consolmagno, the big bang theory was invented by a priest, and other scientific discoveries came about because of Vatican and or religious investigations.
He said that in order to believe in science, one must have a religious orientation. A misconception, he said, was the idea that techies don't have religion in their lives; because of this notion, they are often alienated.
"Techies do have religious lives," said Br. Consolmango.
"When asked why they go to church, many people say it is for the feeling of community and that they want to find a place that gives them a sense of values. The real reason is that they want to feel their existing values being confirmed," he said.
For Br. Consolmagno, the church is the only place that is big enough to support his techie views. He wanted to make it clear that the opinions, which he displays in his book, aren't proof for his beliefs; instead they are a way for him to justify these ideas to himself.
Audience members enjoyed Br. Consolmagno's humor and overall presentation.
Sister Marie Julianne Farrington, special assistant to Dr. Anthony J. Cernera, thought it was excellent.
"He is obviously very knowledgeable and in touch with this type of crowd," said Sr. Farrington. "I don't know very much about this topic, but I think that true religion supports science and true science supports religion."
For hundreds of years it was believed that these two terms were contradictory of each other. People viewed them as complete opposites with nothing in common.
In an effort to spread his ideas and promote his latest book, "God's Mechanics - How Scientists & Engineers Make Sense of Religion," Brother Guy Consolmagno, Vatican Astronomer at the Vatican Observatory, shared his beliefs about the connections that link science to religion.
The presentation took place on Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. in the University Commons.
"Believing in science is being religious. The fact that God created the universe is the reason the Vatican researches and is incorporated with science," said Br. Consolmagno.
While researching for his book, Br. Consolmagno had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of "techies."
This is the term he uses to describe himself and other people who make a living by dealing with technological activities.
"Jesus, himself was a techie," he said.
Br. Consolmagno also said that in the past, most of theology was based on trying to make comparisons to religion; however, this was impossible since science wasn't advanced enough.
"The idea that there is a war going on between religion and science is a 19th century lie. There are people out there who want you to believe there's this wall that divides the two," he said.
According to Br. Consolmagno, the big bang theory was invented by a priest, and other scientific discoveries came about because of Vatican and or religious investigations.
He said that in order to believe in science, one must have a religious orientation. A misconception, he said, was the idea that techies don't have religion in their lives; because of this notion, they are often alienated.
"Techies do have religious lives," said Br. Consolmango.
"When asked why they go to church, many people say it is for the feeling of community and that they want to find a place that gives them a sense of values. The real reason is that they want to feel their existing values being confirmed," he said.
For Br. Consolmagno, the church is the only place that is big enough to support his techie views. He wanted to make it clear that the opinions, which he displays in his book, aren't proof for his beliefs; instead they are a way for him to justify these ideas to himself.
Audience members enjoyed Br. Consolmagno's humor and overall presentation.
Sister Marie Julianne Farrington, special assistant to Dr. Anthony J. Cernera, thought it was excellent.
"He is obviously very knowledgeable and in touch with this type of crowd," said Sr. Farrington. "I don't know very much about this topic, but I think that true religion supports science and true science supports religion."
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