"It
seems probable to me that God in the beginning formed matter in solid,
massy, hard, impenetrable moving particles of such sizes and figures and
in such proportions to space as most conduced to the end for which He
formed them ... And ... that nature may be lasting, the changes of
corporeal things are to be placed only in the various separations and new
associations and motions of these permanent particles ...."
Isaac
Newton
Excerpts
from The Catechism of the Catholic Church
Faith
and Science
#159.
Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy
between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries
and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God
cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth. [Dei Filius 4 DS 3017.] Consequently, methodical research in all branches
of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and
does not override moral laws, can never conflict with faith, because the
things of the world and the things of faith derive from the same
God. The humble and persevering investigator of the secrets of
nature is being led, as it were, by the hand of God in spite of himself,
for it is God, the conserver of all things, who made them what they
are. [GS 36; Paragraph 1.]
Respect
for the integrity of creation
#2416.
Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential
care. By their mere existence, they bless him and give him
glory. Thus men owe them kindness ...
#2417.
God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his
own image. Hence, it is legitimate to use animals for food and
clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and
leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals, if is
remains within reasonable limits, is a morally acceptable practice since
it contributes to caring for or saving human lives ...
#2418.
It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die
needlessly ...
Related
links:
