“Science and religion are two essential components in the search for truth. Denying either is a barren approach.” Martin Nowak
“I would contend that our openness to seeing impacts both scientific observation and religious experience. Thus, there can be significant amounts of commonality in the views of a tolerant scientist and a tolerant believer.” ~ Dr. Michael Cherney, physicist, Creighton University
“Lord, that I may see.” Luke 18:41
Faith and the Scientific Method
The scientific method proceeds from observations–from recording and describing what we see. The beginning of the scientific method is often described as springing from Enlightenment thinkers and scientists: Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), Galileo (1564-1642), and Isaac Newton (1642-1726). But some three hundred years before, during a frequently misunderstood period in history, the work of two Medieval clerics contained the seeds of the scientific method: Friar Roger Bacon (1214-1292) and St. Albert the Great (1200-1280), the teacher and friend of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Friar Bacon’s study of optics eventually led others to the invention of eyeglasses. He even proposed the possibility of creating a telescope!
For we can so shape transparent bodies, and arrange them in such a way with respect to our sight and objects of vision, that the rays will be reflected and bent in any direction we desire, and under any angle we wish, we may see the object near or at a distance. . . So we might also cause the Sun, Moon and stars in appearance to descend here below. . .
St. Albert equated the study of Nature with seeking causes:
"The aim of natural science is not simply to accept the statements of others, but to investigate the causes that are at work in nature." —De Mineralibus ("On Minerals")
According to one summary of St. Albert’s life:
He was the first man in 1500 years to study the physiology of plants. He described bees, ants, spiders, eels, salmon–and their habits. He knew as much as or more than the doctors and dentists of his day about medicine, surgery and dentistry. He had a great fund of knowledge about herbal remedies. . . an expert on horses and their diseases. St. Albert knew that gunpowder could be made from sulphur, saltpeter and charcoal. He conducted chemical experiments and held the possibility. . . that synthetic metals..could be made. —Fr Christopher Rengers
But another unknown early practitioner of the scientific method is Theodoric of Freiberg (c. 1250-1310). Charles Brockhouse, a biologist at Creighton University, mentions “the charming story” of Theodoric's investigation of the nature of a rainbow, as reported in Jacob Bronowski’s Ascent of Man, and points to it as the first example of the scientific method.
First the observation: rainbows are seen when both sun and rain occur together, and are viewed from the correct angle. Second, the hypothesis: the raindrops are scattering and reflecting the light in such a way as to produce the concentric colored arcs.
Although Friar Roger Bacon, too, had examined the nature of rainbows, Theodoric did not stop at “proposing a reasonable explanation” or even at a geometric model describing the interaction of light with raindrops. He created his own rainbow.
Theodoric had glass spheres of various sizes made in an abbey workshop, and used them to simulate raindrops, producing his own rainbow. He tested his hypothesis and theoretical model, and in the process set the standard for the scientific method. All this took place not by some alchemist in dark cellars, hiding away from the authorities, but by a noted scholar at the behest of the Pope, literally in the light of day.
In addition to the historical reality of the genesis of the modern scientific method, it should be noted that, whether a forerunner or founder, there is no question about the religious faith of these men.
The Role of Imagination and Awe in Science
So, in the pursuit of scientific knowledge, a rigorous method to determine “the causes” of things is necessary. But science isn’t only about a methodology for examining nature’s inner workings. Curiosity and imagination play significant roles. As Aristotle stated over 2000 years ago in his Metaphysics: all humans have the desire to know. Our curiosity caused us to wonder about the qualities and attributes of all that we could see, from the plants and animals before us to the sun, the moon, and the stars in the night sky. Then, we began to seek connections and causes. But there is more. The role of the imagination cannot be overlooked. Albert Einstein’s well-known “thought experiments” produced his general and special theories of relativity. In more recent times, Sara Walker, astrobiologist and physicist at Arizona State University, contends that the imagination played a key role in her scientific career:
And this idea deeply perplexed me, that the human mind could come up with an idea of something that might be physically real and not know if it’s real or a real description of nature and then go out and look for it.
She continues:
[T]he idea that our minds are capable of comprehending reality, [and that] we can test our comprehension gave me such an anchor and a security in my curiosity that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. (edited for clarity)
A sense of awe can also motivate scientists to pursue a deeper understanding of nature’s secrets. According to psychologist Dacher Keltner, awe arises when we encounter “vast mysteries” that transcend our current knowledge of the world. But this encounter fuels the desire to know more. As Brett Robinson from the University of Notre Dame expresses it in his article, “What Stars and Saints Reveal About Awe”:
No matter how scientific or technological we become, we are still drawn to mystery. Even if that mystery can eventually be known by the laws of physics, we want to know that there is always more to know.
As our Advent journey continues, may the Light of Christ lead us to the awe and wonder of Christmas.
An Advent Reflection on Peace
I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:6
During this end-of-year season, there are many causes of busyness. It’s the end of the year at work; there are holiday preparations and shopping to be done, the end of the semester, and various school events––– it’s hard not to get wrapped up in it all. However, one of the most important gifts of the Holy Spirit we can receive during this season is peace. Peace is the tranquility of order and the quiet confidence that all shall be well in God. It’s the reassurance through faith that Christ has already won the victory, and all we need to do is let Him love us the way we need to be loved. As St. Paul writes in the 2nd reading this Sunday: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Let us be confident that all shall be well and that everything that needs to be completed will be according to God’s will. Let us be confident that even in suffering, God is bringing about some perfection in us. If we can do that, we can receive the gift of peace. We can place ourselves by the infant Jesus, who quietly rests in the arms of his Mother and the love of God the Father on that peaceful Christmas night.
A Call to Peace and Discovery: Support Our Mission
As we reflect on the harmony between faith and science, we see a profound truth: the Creator invites us to explore the mysteries of the universe with wonder, curiosity, and awe. From the brilliance of Friar Bacon’s optics to the rainbows of Theodoric, these seekers of truth remind us that faith and science are not adversaries but partners in revealing the beauty and complexity of creation.
In a world often divided, we are called to emulate the peace and perseverance of these early thinkers—to marvel at the cosmos and trust in the light of Christ, who guides us through every discovery. This Advent season, let us embrace the tranquility of divine order, where faith reassures us that the good work begun in us will be brought to completion.
With your support, we can continue this vital mission: fostering a dialogue where science and faith illuminate one another, inspiring minds and hearts toward truth and peace. Every gift helps us share these timeless stories, reach new audiences, and deepen understanding in a world yearning for both knowledge and grace.
Will you join us in this sacred pursuit? Together, let us seek and share the awe-inspiring connections between faith, science, and the divine.
Give today, and let the light of your generosity spark discoveries that bring peace to the world.
