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DRAPER — Is there a war being waged between science and religion? The head of the Vatican Observatory has an opinion on the issue. Brother Guy Consolmagno visited Utah to talk about the relationship between science and faith.
"The message is always the same. First of all, we're all searching for truth. And secondly, it's a lot of fun," Brother Guy said.
As the director of the Vatican Observatory, Brother Guy shares his passion for astronomy with audiences of all faiths. "I don't use science to prove religion but rather religion gives me the confidence to do my science," he explained.
In Brother Guy's unique role as priest and scientist, it's his belief there's no conflict between faith and science. "We admire the creation and we get to know this creation precisely because we love the creator," he said.
"It's because I believe in a universe that is real and not just an illusion that I can do science."
At the Skaggs Catholic Center on Sunday, Brother Guy shared his love of faith and science with students and teachers.
"The science tells us why things are the way they are and how they work and our faith tells us what's the greater meaning," said Dr. Christine Celestino, a science teacher at Juan Diego Catholic High School.
Seth Jarvis, director of the Clark Planetarium, said, "Brother Guy is making it OK to be an astronomer and extolling the virtues of science education."
Exhibits from the Clark Planetarium stoked the interest of future scientists who came to hear Brother Guy speak at the Skaggs Center. On a big video screen, blowing up imaginary asteroids before they hit earth was a popular game.
It's also "real" research being done by Vatican astronomers. "When an asteroid is discovered, within a few days, we can get our telescope on it to look at the colors to try and figure out what type it is," said Brother Guy.
Most people don't know there is a Vatican Observatory just outside Rome. It's been around since 1891. Vatican astronomers also operate a high-powered telescope in southern Arizona where they study and share research on things like near-earth asteroids.
"Brother Guy is doing research that helps us understand things about asteroids that will be useful when it's necessary to move one out of the way," Jarvis said.
When answers to important questions about the universe are needed, Brother Guy is confident both faith and science will guide us to them. "It's because I believe the universe is good that I can justify spending my life looking for the laws and understanding how the universe works."
Brother Guy is also an author of such popular books as "Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?" Email: solney@ksl.com
