Why Do We Study Science? (circa 1999)

Why do we study Science?

The most important thing to remember about science is that it is the study of God's creation.

In the expanse of God's creation, from the world around us, to the depths of the universe, from the flowers of the field to the distant planets and stars, we find indescribable beauty, order, mystery, intricacy, vastness, wonder...

Even the simplest soul or one not ordinarily inclined to contemplation looks in awe upon a starry sky. Just a few moments spent gazing upon this awesome sight gives man a sense of how small he is... give shim some perspective on "what life's about."

We need to give our children this opportunity to dwell on God's wondrous creation on a regular basis. If the flowers God made are beautiful, how much more beautiful is God? If the universe is endlessly fascinating, capable of occupying man's attention for a lifetime and more, how much more great is God?

Although we can and should gently guide our children to these eternal truths found in Science, Nature is a most wonderful teacher... [more later]

"In studying nature we have not to inquire how God the Creator may, as He freely wills, use His creatures to work miracles and thereby show forth His power: we have rather to inquire what Nature with its immanent causes can naturally bring to pass. "
(St. Albert the Great circa 1200 AD)

"Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth.' 'Consequently, methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and the things of faith derive from the same God. The humble and persevering investigator of the secrets of nature is being led, as it were, by the hand of God in spite of himself, for it is God, the conserver of all things, who made them what they are."
(The Catechism of the Catholic Church 159)