Friday, November 5, 2010

Science and Religion

Many might imagine themselves disinterested in a Vatican advisory council on science. But the same many may have passionate opinions on political and social issues that match exactly the very matters to which this commission devotes itself.

Amplify’d from www.foxnews.com

VATICAN CITY –  Some of the world’s top scientists gathered at the Vatican last weekend to discuss the scientific advances of the 20th century and their compatibility with religion.

Located within the Vatican garden, Casina Pio IV is a 16th century villa that houses the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

Located within the Vatican garden, Casina Pio IV is a 16th century villa that houses the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

The scientists are members of the Roman Catholic Church's papal advisory council known as the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Pope Benedict XVI praised the achievements of modern science. He said that the Catholic Church "both encourages and benefits from" scientific research and told his audience that people must neither fear science nor hold it up as a panacea capable of answering all of our deepest existential questions.

But some scientists present said the Catholic Church must do more to convince people that it is not anti-science.

The existence of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, however, allows the Catholic Church to interface with modern science. Set up originally by Roman prince Federico Cesi in 1603, the academy was reinstated in its current form in 1936 by Pope Pius XI to ensure that the Catholic Church is kept up to speed with modern science and briefed on topics of particular interest to the Vatican. 

Read more at www.foxnews.com
 

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