Source: Lariat Online
Dr. Guy Consolmagno, a meteorite curator at the Vatican Observatory, gave a lecture Tuesday titled "The Virtuous Astronomer: How the Work of Science is Shaped by the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Love."
Consolmagno, a member of the Jesuit faith. is a world-famous astronomer who had an asteroid named after him by the National Astronomical Union.
In the lecture, Consolmagno, who specializes in asteroids and meteorites, explored the broad connection between faith and astronomy.
Dr. Gerald Cleaver, associate professor of physics, said the purpose of the lecture was simple.
"The purpose was to help students see the connection between faith and science and to realize that they are complementary," Cleaver said. "Brother Guy does a great job as a speaker and scientist."
Consolmagno said the concept of faith and astronomy's connection is broad and needs much explanation.
"When we study astronomy, we want pretty pictures, but there is something that's so much more powerful," Consolmagno said. "I see the world of Astronomy as a microcosm for us humans to work together and motivate ourselves."
He believes that astronomy is based on three virtues: faith, hope and love.
However, for Consolmagno, the greatest of these is love.
"Science is done through love, and you have to love what you do in science to be successful," Consolmagno said. "It's a labor of love, essentially."
Consolmagno also said that science and religion intersect within the human being.
"If those who don't believe that God created science and the laws, theories and principles we study in our modern society, those humans don't intersect," Consolmagno said.
He believes truth is the primary foundation for studying scientific applications and faith.
"We have to have truth in order to broaden our understandings. Good scientists worship at the altar of truth," Consolmagno said. "Without truth,
understanding and developing science would not be possible, and understanding our faith would be difficult, even though faith is difficult to understand."
China Spring sophomore, Erica Wilson said the lecture helped put everything into perspective.
"I enjoyed the fact that it connected faith and science so well," Wilson said. "Science is reliant on faith."
For Consolmagno, faith and science are true observations.
"[Astronomers and religious people] are no different than a scientist who observes and tries to make sense of what he observes. We all have faith we
observe. It's just like science," Consolmagno said.
Round Rock junior, Robby Prybyla was moved by Consolmagno's words.
"I like how science is not feared, but embraced by worshipers alike," Prybyla said.
Consolmagno mentioned Kepler, a famous astronomer and physicist who developed Kepler's three Laws of Plannetary Motion.
"Kepler referred to the mathematical motions of the planets and stars as echoing of the music," Consolmagno said. "The Book of Genesis said that the
morning stars were harmonious."
Consolmagno said that science and Astronomy should remind us that creation is a source of joy.
"The scientific work of astronomy demonstrates that the universe operates on divine laws. It's an expression of that joyous harmony that motivates everything we do," Consolmagno said.
These virtues are what astronomers like Consolmagno consider an essential part of their work.
"Many Jesuits built the telescope. The Vatican supports the observatory because it supports the Jesuits and does not fear science. It embraces science and sees the path to the creator. The reasons why we are astronomers are as round as stars themselves. It's in season every year," Consolmagno said.
