By Kate Quiñones
CNA Staff, Jan 27, 2025 / 06:00 am
A group of Catholic scientists is organizing an event for high school students, parents, and educators to explore how faith and science can work together. This initiative, called the St. Albert Initiative (SAI), is set for March 6 at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. The event will draw around 200-250 people and feature 13 scientists and three theologians sharing insights through lectures and discussions.
Stephen Barr, who is both the president of the Society of Catholic Scientists and a professor emeritus of physics, emphasizes the significance of this gathering. He believes it’s crucial to help young Catholics understand that faith and science are not enemies but can coexist beautifully. Barr hopes the event will spark interest in scientific careers among attendees and provide a platform for their questions.
The St. Albert Initiative started in 2021, thanks to collaboration between the Society of Catholic Scientists and the Science and Religion Initiative at the University of Notre Dame. After its first event at Catholic University of America (CUA), it has traveled across the country, aiming to connect youth with scientists who share their faith.
Young people often face doubts about the compatibility of science and faith. Barr highlights that many are influenced by the idea that these two realms are at odds, which can lead to a crisis of faith. This growing concern has caught the attention of U.S. bishops as they seek to find solutions.
To counter this trend, the initiative provides education and direct interaction with scientists. Barr reminds us that Catholics shouldn’t shy away from science. The Church has a strong history of supporting scientific inquiry, and many renowned scientists throughout history have been devout Catholics. He believes that, contrary to popular belief, modern discoveries can actually bolster the reasons for believing in God.
Kate Bulinski, an associate professor at Bellarmine University, adds that society often presents faith and science as fundamentally conflicting. She will present a talk on “The History of Life in Deep Time” at the event. Bulinski notes that with the rise of misinformation on social media, discerning truth becomes more challenging, especially for young Catholics who may feel confused about the relationship between faith and science.
The St. Albert Initiative seeks to clear up misunderstandings by showcasing real Catholic scientists who explain how faith and science can complement each other. Positive feedback from past attendees underscores its success; a vast majority reported a newfound understanding that faith and science can indeed coexist.
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US, Catholic News, Faith and Science, Catholic education, Society of Catholic Scientists, McGrath Institute for Church Life
