This argument meets both of those qualifications: READ HERE
It is written by my brother, who is a talented writer, thinker, and artist (check out his awesome drawings on Instagram)
The mini essay is entitled "Catholicism and Science," and while I like it immensely, I have a few thoughts on the matter and some critiques of his thinking.
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| 'Allegory of The Five Senses' by Willem van Herp Since we're talking about human knowledge it seemed appropriate [-: |
1. Overall, I believe the author's intent is that, as Catholics, we are quick to bring up Catholic scientists and theorists to clear our name of being anti-science, but that this is not necessary. Instead, we should focus on doing science, then our name will be cleared.
While I agree with this in part, I also think that in a way we are already doing it.
I have noticed that the intensely "Catholic" colleges and universities tend to focus heavily on the Liberal Arts, almost to the exclusion of the "hard sciences." This is a shame, as our Catholic faith pushes us to use our intellects to their fullest capacity to understand our reality. However, it can also be seen as an attempt to save knowledge from being lost, as the Liberal Arts are fading in state schools. They are like the monks of the middle ages, keeping the Liberal Arts from going extinct.
On the other hand, there are many Catholic scientists and researchers working quietly, not making a fuss that they are Catholic and scientific. I think this is a greater witness to the fact that there is no divide between Catholicism and science: the fact that we do it without making a show of it.
But, as the author states, perhaps we should. While the middle ages were far from pretty, it is kinda cool that the Catholic Church did so much to promote the sciences and arts. Perhaps we should be doing that again. The poor and oppressed will always be our first priority, but the advancement of human understanding and knowledge also helps the poor and oppressed.
2. Number 1 was mostly my thoughts in general, but here's my main critique: atheists have much more to give them worth than just their grasp on science.
Firstly, they have worth because they are people. Secondly, they have worth because, for the most part, they have put thought into what they believe. Third, they have worth because they offer a valuable perspective on religion. And forth, we need their help as disinterested parties in testing miracles. [-; (just a little joke)
Summary:
- Catholics are already doing a lot to be Catholic and scientific, but maybe we should be making it more pronounced
- Atheists have worth outside of their scientific proclivity
-sDB