Dr. B, despite having an Phd. in anthropology, proved quite tactless in our first meeting. The first lesson discussed a range of topics from religion, to a recent suicide of a prominent general, and even to sex! Honestly, I am both impressed and entertained- having experienced teaching first hand, I know that getting your student's attention while sticking to the lesson plan can be quite a chore.
There are quite a few things that struck a nerve in the discussion. I am a devout catholic, despite being a computer scientist, and I have had many sleepless nights and heated discussions with my fellow professionals about the age-old debate concerning “Science vs. God”. On one hand, science, or as Dr. B have discussed, the scientific method, relies on proof. Even knowing something a priori, science still needs at least logic and reason. Faith, on the other hand, relies on belief without proof, about hope and the inherently unexplainable miracles.
In my opinion, Science is just a way of comprehending God's ways- an instrument from Him, through our scientists. Its a lot like the Bible in some ways, an instrument written by (divinely-inspired) humans, open to interpretation. A few examples: The Bible tells the story of genesis eg. “God created the world in six days, rested on the seventh”. When taking into consideration who wrote that story, even if he/she is divinely inspired, it would be impossible to measure time and translate it to something that we can comprehend. Maybe the writer simplified it, or maybe not- something to think about.
Another example: From year 2000 to 2005*, several scientific journals was published that confirms the existence of a single Creator. Of course, the scientists did not name who (God, Allah, etc.) but still- these journals have NOT been reverted yet. Several journals have tried to disprove these, the latest of which is Stephen Hawking's The Grand Design (2010). A good read, to be sure.
I find it distrubing when people generalize scientists to be godless heathens- people who rely on proof only. I'd like to believe, that I'm not the only Catholic Scientist/Skeptic here. Also, if I may offer a friendly advice from one (former) professor to another: Respect your student's beliefs. It would also be wise assume that there are catholics in a catholic college- not everyone would be devout, of course, but it would help to take care, none the less.
My two cents.
* related: Cosmic Microwave Background Theory
This whole post is my reaction paper for my first meeting with Dr. B, my current professor in "Theories in Research". This was written with only my stock knowledge (minimal to no references) and my opinions: read with a grain of salt.
