Editorial Note: This post is part of our #FaithAndScience series exploring the relationship between science and religion, and is excerpted from the author's textbook Faith, Science, & Reason: Theology on the Cutting Edge, 2nd edition (Midwest Theological Forum, 2019).
Perhaps there is no better way to see the witness of Sacred Tradition regarding science than to observe how many great scientists the Church has had within her ranks throughout history. Stretching back to ancient times and forward to the present day, Catholic men and women have understood God’s call to include investigating the natural world, and have made major contributions to science. An impressive number could even be considered game changers, scientists who either founded whole branches of science or whose original discoveries advanced understanding for all ages to come. Here are just a few stories of some of the lesser-known heroes of Catholic science:
