Scholars call for continued dialogue between Science and Faith
Published on: December 21, 2010 - 00:27
PONDA: Rev Dr Basilio Monteiro, ex-alumni of the Rachol Seminary, now a
professor at St John’s University, New York, on Monday, on the
concluding of the four-day conference on ‘Catholicism in the World of
Science said that "There is a need for bold minds and bold ideas to face
the tremendous challenges of the modern world."
The international conference on Science and Faith held at the Rachol
Seminary ended with the scholars calling for a continued dialogue
between Science and Faith.
Scholars were unanimous that Science and Faith have to work together for
the betterment of humanity.
Fr Monteiro called for an Indian response to the new challenges.
Dr Chae Young Kim, a Protestant scholar from the Sogang University,
Korea speaking on the occasion said that the "Religious Values in a
Pluralistic Age" was all praise for the Catholic Church.’’
"I really admire your Catholic intellectual tradition," he said adding,
"whether we like it or not, scientists and religious people are
neighbours and we have to co-operate."
The Catholic Church has understood this all along", he added.
Dr Gennaro Auletta, from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome,
explained as to how research strategy is in transformation.
Dr Auletta called upon the Church to draw up a method to promote both
Science and Faith together.
"India can give an impulse to the West in this direction", he said. At
the closing ceremony at which Rev Dr Anthony Da Silva, SJ, Provincial of
Goa was the chief guest, Dr Orla Hazra presented a report on the
seminar. Seminarian Dylon Clive D’Costa proposed a vote of thanks.
Dr Da Silva congratulated the Rachol Seminary for carrying on the
intellectual apostolate started by the Jesuits in Goa.
Fr Donato Rodrigues invoked God’s blessings to the delegates for the
upcoming celebrations of Christmas and New Year.
During the four days of the conference, delegates listened to
well-presented lectures and participated in group discussions.
According to the delegates, this conference was a ground breaking event.
They hoped that the Rachol Seminary and the Archdiocese of Goa would
organise more similar programmes.
Sr Luiza, president of the Pilar Sisters, speaking about the conference,
said, "the profound and the thought-provoking insights have deepened my
understanding of the relationship between Religion and Science."
Ms Maria Magdalena Almeida e Vales, a lay woman said that the conference
was, "overwhelming, interesting, informative, enlightening and motivating."
For her it was "an outcome of the grace of God for modern times driven
by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Fr Joseph Salema, Director of Pastoral Institute, admired the
organisation of the seminar and expressed his happiness that this
conference had put the Rachol Seminary on the world stage.
Professor Kamladevi Kunkolienkar, PES College, Ponda said, "Definitely
it was an eye-opening experience. We had new insights on various issues.
Though the forum began from the Catholic point of view it embraced the
points of view of other religions."
Ms Rakhee Sharma, a postgraduate in bio-technology said "being a part of
this conference was a fruitful and enlightening experience. I got an
insight on the various disciplines of Science and its relationship to
Religion. Science and Religion complete each other when they go hand in
hand."
http://www.navhindtimes.in/goa-news/scholars-call-continued-dialogue-between-science-and-faith
