Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr

But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,

he will guide you to all truth.

As I understand the philosopher/scientist Francis Bacon developed the scientific process. It is a rigorous procedure to develop knowledge from hunches and hypotheses to theories and facts using experiments. The experiments must be precisely designed with strict controls so that anyone anywhere, regardless of his beliefs or opinions, can conduct the same experiment and arrive at the same conclusion. The scientific process aims to produce facts which, one by one, are added to humankind’s pool of knowledge. Eventually this knowledge pool grows exponentially into a massive ocean of which we are absolutely, even infallibly, sure.

That’s the theory. Early in the 20^th century the seeds of doubt germinated and scientists discovered in many fields principles of uncertainty. Even the precision of mathematics is not as certain and unyielding as our grade school teachers taught. Eventually the scientific age yields to the post-modern age and we still are trying to figure out where we go from there.

Meanwhile our faith teaches as it always taught -- wisdom comes from God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Knowledge is revealed to us by a merciful and generous God. The Enlightened attempt to know the truth without knowing God is another Tower of Babel.

Fortunately, many scientists now understand that infallibility is neither possible nor desirable. There is no need for it and only a fool would expect it. Although some patients want an infallible doctor to cure them of their life-threatening illnesses – most of which were brought on by poorly chosen life styles – they must be content with doctors who hope to do more good than harm.

Jesus’ Spirit of Truth guides the honest disciple in the way of truth. That truth is more than facts, it is a consecrated life. It is a curious wisdom born of compassion that addresses the whole person and the whole earth. Whether we work in medicine, mathematics, ecology or astrochemistry, we search for a revealed wisdom that will guide us in all truth.

Because there is only one Truth, there can be no conflict between science and religion for mystery saturates all creation.  The priest and the scientist work together in search of that Holy Grail, from which we drink healing, humility and integrity.

I confidently believe that today’s sciences and religions will form a new consensus in the next century or two. The fundamentalists will not have to wrap themselves in absurd interpretations of the scriptures, nor will conceited scientists scorn religious doctrines. The Wisdom of Jesus will reappear, as it often has, as the Spirit guides us to all truth.