William Hemsworth's Blog, page 44

Update: Pope Francis to continue treatment at hospital, Vatican says

As of Thursday morning, the pope’s agenda lists no appointments for the day for March 30. He is still scheduled to preside over a Mass in St. Peter’s Square on April 2 for Palm Sunday and to give the usual Sunday Angelus address. “In recent days Pope Francis has complained of some difficulty breathing and […]

Update: Pope Francis to continue treatment at hospital, Vatican says

Pope hospitalized for respiratory infection, Vatican says

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After having difficulty breathing, Pope Francis went to Rome’s Gemelli hospital March 29 where he was diagnosed with a respiratory infection that will be treated in the hospital for several days, the Vatican press office said. In the past few days, the statement said, “Pope…

Pope hospitalized for respiratory infection, Vatican says

“Shocking” Eucharistic miracle being investigated in United States

A priest at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Thomaston, Connecticut, has recently claimed that a Eucharistic miracle occurred at his parish on March 5. According to WFSB News, “[Fr. Joseph] Crowley said earlier this month, as a Eucharistic minister was handing out host … a miracle happened. The number of hosts that minister had actually […]

“Shocking” Eucharistic miracle being investigated in United States

Ukrainian kids ‘stolen’ by Putin must be returned

As many as 16,221 children have been deported to Russia since the Feb 24 invasion, according to Kyiv There is a moral obligation for those who claim to be people with humanitarian values and commitments or to be Christian. They must stand for justice and truth and against evil and violence.When we are confronted with […]

Ukrainian kids ‘stolen’ by Putin must be returned

Religion, patriotism, kids becoming less important to Americans

In 1998, 62% of Americans said that religious faith was very important to them. Today, according to the Wall Street Journal, that figure has dropped precipitously – to 39%. It’s one of several “traditional values” that have seen a dramatic loss among Americans, according to the Journal, which conducted a survey of Americans on values […]

Religion, patriotism, kids becoming less important to Americans

China frees pastor jailed for Sunday service

Church of the Rock pastor, Geng Zejun, served just over a year after ‘refusing to join state-run Three-Self Church’ Pastor Geng Zejun from the Church of the Rock in in Shizuishan city of China’s Ningxia Hui province was released from prison after more than one year for allegedly conducting Sunday services. (Photo: ChinaAid via Weibo) Published: March 27, […]

China frees pastor jailed for Sunday service

How the Fifth Week of Lent focuses on Jesus’ final year

Throughout the first half of Lent, the Church covers a wide range of events that happened during Jesus’ three years of public ministry. The Gospels do not put any dates to these events, but it becomes clear when Jesus is nearing his final year of earthly ministry. During this final year of ministry, Satan began […]

How the Fifth Week of Lent focuses on Jesus’ final year

Pope Francis updates ‘vos estis’ procedures on sexual abuse, ‘culture of impunity is over’

Boston Cardinal Seán P O’Malley, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, speaks with reporters in Asunción, Paraguay, on March 13 2023, after inaugurating the Center for Studies on Human Dignity and Prevention of Abuse at the Catholic University of Asunción. (CNS photo/Courtesy of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors)Pope […]

Pope Francis updates ‘vos estis’ procedures on sexual abuse, ‘culture of impunity is over’

The Funny Relationship Of Theology, Science, and Philosophy

The relationship between theology, science, and philosophy is one that can be strained at times.  Perhaps this is putting it mildly.  There are some who see any innovation in the sciences and philosophy as an affront to faith, and to be fair, in some cases this is the case, but not in all cases.  Roger Olson lays out an interesting summation of the events that lead to our modern times, mainly that modern theology is an attempt to respond to what has happened in science [1].  There need not be a conflict between theology, science, and religion.  However this is easier said than done so to speak.  Theology once held the title of “queen of the sciences” and richly so [2].  

At the heart of theology is the study of God.  This includes His attributes, divine revelation, and it can extend to His creation.  Understanding the physical sciences, from a theological perspective, keeps us is awe at what the Lord created and puts us in touch with His majesty in a deeper way.  Theology and philosophy have always enjoyed a close relationship.  Some of the greatest theologians in the history of the church, were also some of the world’s best philosophers.  Thomas Aquinas comes to mind in the regard.  Philosophy helps us find answers in regard to to human nature, the nature of reality, and the pursuit of truth [3].  These things are not opposed to theology, but can help.  We run into trouble when we put science or philosophy in a place that informs our theology instead of the other way around.

Theology, Science, and Philosophy

In one way or another everyone is on a quest for truth.  Though Jesus is the truth, there are some who seek in in science and philosophy.  In the enlightenment some would hold a position of empiricism, that rejects the truths of reason for those proven by experimentation [4].  One can make the argument in the creation account in Genesis 1:28 that God encourages scientific exploration by the order to rule over the Earth.  The Bible speaks about the universe being fixed in Jeremiah 31.  That there are nonmaterial parts of reality and that there is a first cause.  All which science has proven, and all appear in scripture.  

Philosophy, at its root, means “the love of wisdom” [5].  Jesus is called wisdom personified in Proverbs 8, and in the prologue of John’s Gospel we read about the Word being from the beginning.  The search for wisdom is at the heart of philosophy and the Bible encourages us to grow in wisdom.  In the modern era science and philosophy have a subordinate place in the study of theology.  Theology will not change based on what one or the other says, but will be enhanced with a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the human person and natural sciences.  Some discoveries in science and philosophy can change and adapt, but the truths of theology will not.  They are not at odds with each other, but science and philosophy work to helps us with a better understanding of some aspects of theology.  

God bless you all.

Bibliography

1.  Olson, Roger E.. The Journey of Modern Theology : From Reconstruction to Deconstruction. Westmont: InterVarsity Press, 2013, 44.

2.  Ibid, 37.

3.  Schumacher, Lydia. “The History and Future of Philosophy’s Relationship with Theology.” International Journal of Philosophy and Theology 83, no. 5 (2022): 318-330.

4.  Olson, 52.

5.  Sweet, William. “Philosophy and the Love of Wisdom.” Algemeen Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Wijsbegeerte 112, no. 3 (2020): 307-323.

Regret, Nostalgia, or the Future Christ Promises

A reflection on the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 26, 2023. During my years as a high school chaplain, I would welcome the incoming freshmen with the following piece of advice: Some people look back on their high school years as the most miserable time in their lives. Whether it was bullying, […]

Regret, Nostalgia, or the Future Christ Promises