The Myth of an Anti-Science Church: Galileo, Darwin, Teilhard, Hawking, Dawkins

In this outstanding work, geneticist and philosopher of science Gerard Verschuuren responds to the popular myth that the Catholic Church is “anti-science.” Clearly distinguishing between research and ideology, he probes the scientific discoveries and the non-scientific convictions of five major (and controversial) figures: Galileo Galilei, Charles Darwin, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Stephen Hawking, and Richard Dawkins. His well-researched analysis and precise conclusions show that whereas the Catholic Church stood in substantial agreement with the scientific discoveries of each, it had good reason to disagree with their unsubstantiated and frequently self-refutational ideological assertions.

This book will prove an invaluable resource for those confused by the cultural myth of an “anti-science Church,” as also for high school and university students seeking the truth about science, philosophy, and faith—which are shown to dovetail felicitously when understood through the methodological lens appropriate to each. (FR. ROBERT SPITZER, from the Foreword)