Faith and Science in the Classroom: Class Six - The Catholic Contribution To Science.

Monsignor Georges Lemaitre

What is the best way to promote a healthy relationship between faith and science? There are many directions we can take when trying to answer this question. In my opinion, one of the clearest ways is to explore Catholics who were and are active in the sciences.

When most people think of people in faith and science, most gravitate toward Galileo and Bruno (topics we will explore in future “classes”). Much could and will be said of these two figures, but what I find interesting is how there are far more examples of Catholics in science that were embraced by the Church as scientists than those who were criticized. Whether it be the “Father” of the Big Bang, Monsignor Georges Lemaitre, or the man whose garden became the crib of modern genetics, Gorger Mendel, what is found in the study of the “Catholics of Science,” both clergy and lay person, is a rich history of key figures that have left lasting marks on science.

Below are videos that explore Catholics who work in science. The first will be the video I did on Monsignor Georges Lemaitre and the development of the Big Bang Theory. The second video is of a series of scientists that are explored by Fr. Paul Mueller, member of the Vatican Observatory staff, and The Catholic Astronomer’s own Christopher Graney at the University of Louisville’s rare books library. The third video is a rundown of ten Catholic scientists that you may have never heard of or knew were Catholic. The fourth video is of The Catholic Astronomer’s own Brenda Frye. Brenda was part of a team that discovered the oldest observed star at 9 billion years old (click here to read about it). The video below is of Brenda discussing Dark Matter and Dark Energy. Last, but definitely not least, the final video is of Br. Bob Macke explaining what the scientists of the Vatican Observatory do for the Church.

Happy Monday!