Science and Religion in the Catholic Doctrine: Coadaptive Trends

Abstract

Theoretical approaches to the co-adaptation of science and religion in Catholicism are revealed. The metaphysical substantiation of the existence of the supernatural is shown. The multifaceted arguments for the defense of the idea of creation are based on references to the limited and historical underdevelopment of human practice, evidence of the presence of uncontrolled, almost undeveloped, and therefore incomprehensible phenomena of nature, society and the human psyche. A characteristic feature of theological knowledge is not systematic, but spontaneity, at their basis is the rational substantiation of the irrational. The process of cognition for Catholic theologians presupposes the dominance of faith and the silence of reason. This understanding of the process of cognition and the role of science has changed over the course of historical time. Under the influence of the growing role of science, Catholic theologians began to highlight in certain issues not only the possible combination of religion with scientific knowledge, but also to prove the beneficial influence of religion on science. In the Catholic understanding, this points to the leading role of religion in the emergence of science. At the same time, scientific knowledge strives for objective significance and maximum accuracy. The Catholic doctrine of creation not only recognizes subjectivism, but also identifies theological faith and inner experience with the criterion of truth. A comparative analysis of scientific and theological knowledge shows that their purpose, methods and criteria of knowledge are essentially opposite.