Introduction
In this module, we are going to focus on how science affects our understanding of the universe and our place in it. The modern person has a very different view of the world than people held before modern science. There is evidence that the universe expanded from a singularity about 13.8 billion years ago. We now know that the Earth, once thought to be the center of the universe, is but one of other planets orbiting the sun, which itself is a star in a spiral-shaped cluster of 200 billion stars rotating in space among thousands of galaxies existing within 100 million light-years of Earth. The largest telescopes can detect billions of galaxies. In the readings, you will read the first homily of In the Beginning and chapter four of Particles of Faith. Then you will write an essay on how theology affects our view of science.
Module Objectives
Student will be able to:
- Summarize how Catholics view the universe.
- List scientific examples of how the understanding of the universe affects world views.
- Explain the kinds of proof science can provide to theology and theology to science.
- Compose a brief essay.
Assignments
Feedback
- Review any comments from the professor.
Lecture
Readings
- Pope Benedict XVI, In the Beginning, Homily 1: “God the Creator.”
- Trasancos, Particles of Faith, Chapter 4: “Does the Big Bang Prove God?”
Essay
Compose a brief critical thinking (500-word minimum) essay to respond to these prompts:
- What is the difference in “form” and “content” in the creation narrative? 20 points
- What is the criterion for unity in the Bible? 20 points
- What is the criterion for Christ? 20 points
- What is the difference in inductive and deductive proofs? 10 points
- In what way does the Big Bang prove God’s existence? 10 points
- Content (see rubric) 10 points
- Expression (see rubric) 10 points
