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The Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology (ITEST) is an association of theologians, scientists, technology specialists, clergy, teachers, students, and others committed to a Catholic world view in...
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The Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology (ITEST) is an association of theologians, scientists, technology specialists, clergy, teachers, students, and others committed to a Catholic world view in which faith and science collaborate in exploring the truth. ITEST explores truth theologically in the wisdom traditions of the human community and in the data studied in the sciences.
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Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
18 APR 2026 · The New Genetic Medicine: Miraculous Cures, Ethically Challenging Advances, or Both?
This webinar was presented on April 18, 2026
Our presenters
Fr. Kevin FitzGerald, SJ, PhD, PhD
The New Genetic Medicine: Miraculous Cures, Ethically Challenging Advances, or Both?
Kevin T. FitzGerald, S.J., Ph.D., Ph.D., is the John A. Creighton University Professor and chair of the Department of Medical Humanities in the School of Medicine, at Creighton University. He received a Ph.D. in molecular genetics, and a Ph.D. in bioethics, from Georgetown University. His research efforts focus on the utilization of the Humanities in medical education, on the investigation of abnormal gene expression in cancer, and on ethical issues in biomedical research and medical genomics. He has published educational, scientific, and ethical articles in peer-reviewed journals, books, and in the popular press.Fr. FitzGerald has given presentations nationally and internationally, and has often been interviewed by the news media, on such topics as human genetic engineering, cloning, stem cell research, and personalized medicine. He is a founding member of Do No Harm, and a member of the Genetic Alliance IRB. In addition, he has been a Corresponding Member of the Pontifical Academy for Life since 2005.
Abstract
This webinar explores the rapidly evolving field of genetic medicine, examining its promise of life-altering cures alongside the profound ethical questions it raises. Fr. Kevin FitzGerald, SJ, of the Creighton Institute brings theological, medical, and moral insight to discern whether these advances represent unqualified progress, serious concern, or a call to careful ethical stewardship.
Fr. Dennis Billy, CSsR
Navigating the Murky Waters of the New Genetic Medicine
Rev. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R. is Professor Emeritus of the Alphonsian Academy of Rome’s Pontifical Lateran University. From 2019-2025, he served as Professor and holder of The Robert F. Leavitt Distinguished Service Chair in Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. From 2008-2016, he was scholar-in-residence, professor, and holder of the John Cardinal Krol Chair of Moral Theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Fr. Billy holds advanced degrees from Harvard University, The Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum, Rome), and the Graduate Theological Foundation. Father Billy has authored more than 65 books and published over 400 articles in a variety of scholarly and popular journals. He is also very active in retreat work and in the ministry of spiritual direction.
Abstract
This presentation will look at the various areas of genetic medicine: those compatible and those not with Catholic teaching. It will go on to explore the liabilities of utilitarianism, deontology, and even virtue ethics when applied to genetic medicine, and then explore how Catholic ethical principles such as the dignity of the human person, natural law, totality, social justice, cooperation with evil, double effect, and scandal, can help Catholic institutions and medical personnel to navigate the turbulent ethical waters that genetic medicine presents to them both now and in the future. It will conclude by presenting a theonomous ethics coupled with rigorous case study by Catholic ethicists as a way of finding answers to the tension between autonomy and heteronomy, as well as a reminder that true justice must reach a common, universal understanding of rationality that embraces a sound Christian anthropology, the inherent dignity of all human life, and the common good for all human society.
https://faithscience.org/the-new-genetic-medicine/
Transcribed
10 FEB 2026 · Robert Kurland, Ph.D.
Can AI Have a Soul? What Science Fiction Says
Dr. Robert Kurland, a convert to Catholicism in 1995, is a retired physicist who has applied magnetic resonance to problems of biological interest in his research (web search: “Kurland-McGarvey Equation”). Dr. Kurland is a graduate of Caltech (BS, 1951, “with honor”) and Harvard (PhD, 1956). His scientific career at Carnegie-Mellon, SUNY/AB, Cleveland Clinic, Geisinger Medical Center, has focused on biological applications of magnetic resonance, including MRI. Since his conversion to Catholicism, he has tried to spread the message that there’s no war between Catholic teaching and science.
Abstract
Much before AI tools became available, science fiction stories had shown how it might be manifested in computers, robots, and humanoid androids. As with other Speculative Fiction (Tolkien, C.S. Lewis) one takes the contrapositive beings and situations in such tales not as possible reality, but as parables illustrating the human condition. Three stories will be discussed:
- “Deus X” in which human consciousness can be transplanted to computers as life after death
- “The Measure of a Man—Star Trek, Next Generation,” a trial to determine whether the android Data is more than a machine
- “Our Lady of the Artifacts,” a novel in which an android with superhuman capabilities is possessed by a devil
Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D.
Why AI Can’t Have a Soul: The Transphysical Paradox
For more on Magis AI, see https://wcatradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MagisAI.pdf
Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. is President of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith (magiscenter.com), one of the largest science, faith, and reason apologetics institutes in the world. He was President of Gonzaga University from 1998 to 2009, where he increased the student body by 75%, oversaw the construction of 20 new facilities, and raised $200+ million for scholarships and buildings. He is the author of nineteen books, including the award-winning books New Proofs for the Existence of God and Science, Reason, and Faith: Discovering the Bible. He has also authored many scholarly articles on faith and science, metaphysics, and happiness and ethics. Father Spitzer has his own weekly EWTN television show called Fr. Spitzer’s Universe. He has appeared on the Larry King Show (in discussion with Stephen Hawking and Deepak Chopra), the History Channel, the Today Show, and a PBS series. He started seven institutes dedicated to faith and reason and happiness/purpose in life. He was a professor at Georgetown University, Seattle University, and Gonzaga University and was awarded the teaching medal at both Georgetown University and Seattle University. He has held two major academic chairs—the Frank Shrontz Endowed Chair in Professional Ethics (Seattle University) and the John L. Aram Chair of Business Ethics (Gonzaga University), and has won multiple academic and professional awards including the DeSmet Medal (Gonzaga University’s highest award), the Aquinas Medal (for Catholic philosophical scholarship), honorary doctorates, Phi Beta Kappa (honorary), and professional society awards.
Abstract
The human soul performs five functions that cannot be reduced to physical processes and structures: (1) Self-consciousness, (2) Abstract intellection through conceptual ideas, (3) Conscience and moral awareness, (4) Transcendental awareness, and (5) Spiritual-numinous awareness. Since AI is reducible, and will always be reducible to physical processes and structures, AI will not replace a human soul – or be like a human soul.
Transcribed
10 DEC 2025 · In this webinar sponsored by the Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology, Randal Mandock and Francis Etheredge present on Why the Unborn Matter.
Our presenters
Randal Mandock, PhD
A Rational Case for Life
Dr. Randal Mandock balanced careers in science and religious education. With a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech, he worked as a geophysicist, professor, and researcher. Simultaneously, he served over 40 years as a Catholic catechist and apologist. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he remains active in parish ministry and faith formation. Abstract As a free agent (i.e., not officially representing any Church, ecclesial body, or religion), I choose to propose a method of revising definitions and terminology in the area of human pregnancy. I believe the changes inspired by this method will better serve the pro-life cause than the continued adoption of and acquiescence to popular notions about certain definitions and terminology used in popular accounts. My only authority in proposing these changes rests on reason and a desire to assist medical personnel, lawyers, judges, legislators, and the devoutly religious to better position themselves to defend mothers and their unborn children. It is evident that the Magisterium of the Catholic Church has charted for two millennia a masterful path between authority and reason in pursuit of expanding the Kingdom of God on earth. This is evident very recently in its recognition, once again, of the virtue of prudence in assessment of the start of an individual person’s life.
Francis Etheredge
The Catholic Faith’s Contribution to Understanding the Moment of Human Conception
Francis Etheredge is a Catholic married layman, with eleven children, three of whom he hopes are in heaven and the rest of whom are alive and well and stepping through life’s stages of school, university, and career. In the last ten years, he has returned to being a self-employed writer. Find some of his books listed in the resources section below. Abstract On the one hand it would seem that Faith has no contribution to make to an investigation of the beginning of human personhood in that it is a matter of what embryologists can discover, although embryologists do not necessarily recognize that the beginning of the human person transcends the biological action of sperm and egg-cell. On the other hand, then, while Scripture is ordered to our salvation in Christ, we cannot overlook that the question of conception is not without salvific significance. Thus the Scripture speaks of conception, while the dogma of the Immaculate Conception speaks of both the conception of Mary and implicates us. At the same time, the Second Vatican Council, in Gaudium et spes, speaks of both the unity of the human person (14) and the mystery that “For by His incarnation the Son of God has united Himself in some fashion with every man” (22). What, then, are we to make of these contributions to understanding the beginning of human life? https://faithscience.org/why-unborn-matter/
Transcribed
20 OCT 2025 · In this webinar hosted by the Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology and the Magis Center, Fr. Robert J. Spitzer introduces the Magis AI app.
Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, SJ, PhD
Challenges and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence: The MagisAI App
Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. is President of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith (http://magiscenter.com/), one of the largest science, faith, and reason apologetics institutes in the world. He was President of Gonzaga University from 1998 to 2009, where he increased the student body by 75%, oversaw the construction of 20 new facilities, and raised $200+ million for scholarships and buildings. He is the author of nineteen books, including the award-winning books New Proofs for the Existence of God and Science, Reason, and Faith: Discovering the Bible. He has also authored many scholarly articles on faith and science, metaphysics, and happiness and ethics.Father Spitzer has his own weekly EWTN television show called Fr. Spitzer’s Universe. He has appeared on the Larry King Show (in discussion with Stephen Hawking and Deepak Chopra), the History Channel, the Today Show, and a PBS series. He started seven institutes dedicated to faith and reason and happiness/purpose in life. He was a professor at Georgetown University, Seattle University, and Gonzaga University and was awarded the teaching medal at both Georgetown University and Seattle University. He has held two major academic chairs—the Frank Shrontz Endowed Chair in Professional Ethics (Seattle University) and the John L. Aram Chair of Business Ethics (Gonzaga University), and has won multiple academic and professional awards including the DeSmet Medal (Gonzaga University’s highest award), the Aquinas Medal (for Catholic philosophical scholarship), honorary doctorates, Phi Beta Kappa (honorary), and professional society awards.
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence, no doubt, presents many challenges – hallucinations, fraud, privacy issues, skewing of truth, and even the “dumbing” of America. Furthermore, there is considerable confusion about whether AI will become sentient, self-conscious, and intelligent. Fr. Spitzer will discuss these challenges and confusing issues, and will then examine the opportunities that AI presents for evangelization, noting specifically his MagisAI App which can help young people to maintain and defend their faith. This App is capable of answering literally thousands of questions about the confluence between science, reason, faith, scripture, and morality for a modern secular audience. With rapid distribution, it could become a premiere tool of evangelization for Christianity and the Catholic Church.
Thomas P. Sheahen, PhD
AI Comprehension: Sure Things, No-Chance Topics, and Maybes
Dr. Thomas P. Sheahen, director emeritus of ITEST, earned BS and PhD degrees in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. During his 45-year career as a research physicist, predominantly in energy sciences, he worked for various industrial and national laboratories. In the 1990s, Sheahen wrote the textbook Introduction to High-Temperature Superconductivity. More recently, he wrote the book https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/everywhen/, which stands at the intersection of faith and science, and explains how mankind’s limited capabilities have led to a deficient and weak perception of God.
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly improving and expanding into many fields, and the AI App of the Magis Center is part of that. As a search-aide to locating information about the Catholic Church, especially for persons conflicted about the alleged struggle between faith and science, it will be hard to beat. But creative thinking and the transcendental characteristics that make us truly humans won’t fit into even very advanced machine learning. The question is about where the boundary (however foggy and ill-defined) lies. Can we expect to reach an asymptotic limit of AI content? Will AI no longer be helpful beyond some level? This presentation explores some parameters of such uncertainties.
Christopher M. Reilly, ThD
AI as a Medium for Truth
Christopher Reilly, Th.D. is editor of the journal for ITEST and a board member. He writes and speaks about a Christian response to technology, bioethics, moral theology, and philosophy, and is author of the book https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/aiandsin/.
Abstract
MagisAI is an extraordinary vehicle for teaching the Christian truth. AI, however, poses broader challenges to our understanding and expression of truth. How can we best meet these challenges with the help of such tools?
Transcribed
1 SEP 2025 · The Holy See and the United Nations: The International Conference on Population and Development (Cairo, 1994) as a Case Study
Presenters:
Jane Adolphe, LLB/BCL/JCL/JCD
Dr. Jane F. Adolphe is a professor of law at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida (2001-present), with degrees in common law, civil law (LLB/BCL), and canon law (JCL/JCD). She is also a lawyer qualified to practice law in Alberta, Canada and New York, USA, with an expertise in international human rights law and the Holy See. She is a former external advisor (2002-2011) and internal advisor (2011-2020) to three Popes: John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis through her work with the Papal Secretariat of State, Section for Relations with States. Jane is Founder and Executive Director of the International Catholic Jurists Forum.
Abstract
Professor Adolphe will discuss the nature and mission of the Holy See within the international community and its status within the United Nations Organization (UN), with an overview of the Holy See’s role during the 1990’s when the UN launched a series of international conferences that form the basis of the current UN document: https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda, and the Holy See’s extensive https://holyseemission.org/contents/statements/5806914667987.php.
John Klink, M.A.
Former Papal Diplomat and Chief Negotiator for the Holy See over UN World Summits in mid-1990s Gift of Divine Providence: My Role as a Papal Diplomat under Saint John Paul II
John Klink holds a BA from Santa Clara University and an MA from Georgetown University in English Literature. John was an executive with Catholic Relief Services serving in underdeveloped countries in North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. He was recruited by the Vatican, and subsequently the White House, to serve as a diplomat/negotiator for scores of United Nations World Summits and Conferences during the critical period of the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of the European Union. He became an advisor to Popes and Presidents, was elected President of the International Catholic Migration Commission, and with his wife Patricia began a sovereign securities firm on Wall Street.His distinctive honors include Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Knight of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, Knight of Columbus (3rd Degree), and a Knight of Sts. Maurice and Lazarus. Royal Thai Armed Forces Award for Humanitarian Assistance to Displaced Persons in Thailand; 41st CRS Anniversary Award for Humanitarian Assistance; Legatus Ambassador Award.
Abstract
The Population World Battle of Cairo
While the Holy See’s Mission to the United Nations observer status normally precludes its active participation in member state negotiations, the creation in the 1990s of UN world conferences/summits allowed for the Holy See’s delegations to participate as Conference state members. Thus, when a gauntlet was thrown by the draft document for the Cairo Population Conference of 1994 prepared by the Secretariat of the infamously “progressive” UN Population Fund and the nomination of its Director, Dr. Nafis Sadik as the President of the Cairo Conference, the Holy See actively intervened. Pope St. John Paul II, who providentially had taken the time to read the draft document, confronted Dr. Sadik at her private Papal audience, and he issued a clarion call to his fellow heads of state to be aware of the dangers to humanity that lurked in the Cairo draft declaration pages. In my remarks, I will recount some of the background history of how John Paul’s inspiration led to the blocking of attempts by the “progressive” governments of the US and EU to create an international right to abortion.
Transcribed
14 JUN 2025 · In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know This, Too, ITEST presents a webinarentitled "Bioethics & AI as Human Flourishing: Where Catholic & Orthodox Social Teaching meet in One Christian Social Ethos" (June 14, 2025)
Dr. Constantine Psimopoulos
BIOETHICS AND AI AS HUMAN FLOURISHING: WHERE CATHOLICS AND ORTHODOX MEET IN ONE CHRISTIAN SOCIAL ETHOS
Constantine Psimopoulos is a Professor (Adj.) of Bioethics at Hellenic College https://www.hchc.edu/faculty/constantine-psimopoulos-phd/, teaching Christian Ethics and Social Ministries and is on the faculty at https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/rshm, of which he is also Senior Program Administrator, and the https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/people/constantine-kosti-psimopoulos. He has another Academic research appointment in Global Health and Social Medicine and the Center for Bioethics at Harvard Medical School. At Harvard, he co-teaches the course Religion and Public Health and a new required module taught to all MD/PhD students. Constantine serves as the https://www.oac.gr/el/epikaira/enimerwtika-deltia/vioithiki-kai-orthodoxia-p706.html (Ecumenical Patriarchate), and as an Invited Member to the Inaugural https://www.goarch.org/-/a-report-from-the-ai-and-theology-working-group
Abstract
This presentation draws a comparison between Catholic social teaching and the Social ethos of the Orthodox church. Both traditions have some parallels in the way they approach AI, from a bioethical perspective that addresses social justice. The document ‘https://holycrossbookstore.com/products/forthelifeoftheworldtowardasocialethosoftheorthodoxchurch?_pos=1&_sid=4d8839ebf&_ss=r’ (F.L.O.W.) of our Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, emphasizes that science and technology are a wonderful product of a God-given human creativity, and that “the desire for scientific knowledge flows from the same wellspring as faith’s longing to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of God.” It is an imperative to use AI for Human Flourishing. From a Christian bioethical lens, science and technology, and in particular Artificial Intelligence (AI), can serve as one concrete example of how this can be addressed.
Fr. Michael Baggot, LC
Programming with Purpose: Guiding AI through Catholic Social Teaching
Fr. Michael Baggot is Legionary of Christ, an Associate Professor of Bioethics at the https://www.upra.org/ateneo/docenti/michael-baggot/, and an Invited Professor of Theology at the https://angelicum.it/teologia/professor/baggot-michael/ (the Angelicum) and the https://catholic.tech/academics/faculty/michael-baggot (CatholicTech). He also serves as a professor for the Joint Diploma in https://www.upra.org/offerta-formativa/facolta/teologia/joint-diploma-in-leadership-service-through-virtues/ and the https://catholicworldview.com/staff/ summer program. In addition, Fr. Michael is a Research Scholar at the https://www.unescobiochair.org/ and a member of the Scholarly Advisory Board for Magisterium AI. He is also a fellow of the https://dornsife.usc.edu/iacs/gid/ at the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California.
Abstract
As an expert in humanity, the Catholic Church is deeply interested in the AI technologies that are shaping family life, education, medicine, religious practice, and other key aspects of social life. The presentation draws on the social doctrine of the Catholic Church to highlight the virtues and social structures most conducive to using AI tools to promote human flourishing. It gives special attention to the influence of AI companion systems on the loneliness epidemic and the quest for social connections. The conference also examines the significance of ecumenical dialogue, interreligious dialogue, and dialogue with secular traditions in addressing the perennial philosophical questions that emerging technologies raise.
https://faithscience.org/bioethics-and-ai/
Transcribed
6 APR 2025 · In this webinar entitled AI and Sin: Medieval Robots and the Theology of Technology, hosted by the Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology, Dr. Chris Reilly and Dr. Jordan Joseph Wales offer their insights into the promises and challenges of Artificial Intelligence. (April 5, 2025)
Christopher M. Reilly, ThD
AI and Sin: How Today’s Technology Motivates Evil
Christopher M. Reilly writes and speaks in regard to a Christian response to advanced technology, and he has written numerous articles on bioethics and moral theology and philosophy. Chris holds a doctor of theology degree and three masters degrees in philosophy, theology, and public affairs. He resides in the greater Washington, DC region. His website is https://christophermreilly.com/. Chris is Associate Director of ITEST.
Abstract
Artificial intelligence technology (AI) motivates persons’ engagement in sin. With this startling argument drawn from Catholic theology and technological insight, Christopher M. Reilly, Th.D. takes on both critics and proponents of AI who see it as essentially a neutral tool that can be used with good or bad intentions. More specifically, Reilly demonstrates that AI strongly encourages the vice of instrumental rationality, which in turn leads the developers, producers, and users of AI and its machines toward acedia, one of the “seven deadly sins.”
Jordan Joseph Wales, PhD
Response: Medieval Robots and the Theology of Technology
Jordan Wales is the Kuczmarski Professor of Theology at Hillsdale College. With degrees in engineering, cognitive science, and theology, his scholarship focuses on early Christianity as well as contemporary theological questions relating to artificial intelligence. He is a member of the AI Research Group for the Holy See’s Centre for Digital Culture, under the Dicastery for Culture and Education; a fellow of the Centre for Humanity and the Common Good; and a fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion.
Abstract
Medieval theologians and storytellers grappled with humankind’s tendency to confine our aims to what a technology can represent rather than to situate that technology within the wider horizon of the human journey to God. Responding to Dr. Reilly, I draw on legends of robots that illustrate a theological approach to AI as a perilous but also potent instrument mediating between human volition and our natural and social environment. In their diverging outcomes, these texts suggest paths toward a more humane positioning of AI within our lives.
Webinar resources
Chris Reilly’s Resources
Radio interview on Relevant Radio, Trending with Timmerie: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ai-reason-acedia--64575876
Book – AI and Sin: How Today’s Technologies Motivate Evil: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/aiandsin
Chris Reilly’s website: https://christophermreilly.com/
Chapter – “Seven Christian Principles for Thriving with Artificial Intelligence”: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/66bb63fdcdba62679b200277/1723556861413/Artificial+Intelligence-1.pdf
Jordan Wales’ Resources
“What Will a Future with Androids among Us Look Like”: https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/what-will-a-future-with-androids-among-us-look-like/
“The Image and the Idol: A Theological Reflection on AI Bias”: https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/the-image-and-the-idol-a-theological-reflection-on-ai-bias/
“Encountering Artificial Intelligence: Ethical and Anthropological Investigations”: https://jmt.scholasticahq.com/article/91230-encountering-artificial-intelligence-ethical-and-anthropological-investigations
Transcribed
23 FEB 2025 · Bob Kurland's Slide Links
In all protein functions, parts of the proteins bind loosely to other parts of the protein and thus form appropriate structures that are essential to their function. This is shown very nicely in this TED YouTube video, by Professor Ken Dill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm-3kovWpNQ Here is another nice YouTube video showing protein flexibility https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ2aY5lxEGE
Webinar Title
The Anthropic Principle: “Are We Special?”--Did God make our “Goldilocks Universe” for man?
Abstract
The universe in which we live and came to be is not ordinary, but unusual. As the Church Lady in Saturday Night Live of old would say, “Now, isn’t that special!” Or is it? Some scientists would agree with Roger Penrose – that if it weren’t special, we wouldn’t be here to remark on it. Many other scientists and philosophers would agree with Thomas Nagel that an explanation giving only the result is not an explanation. (And, of course, if it is special, then there is the implicit conclusion that this is so because of a Creating Intelligence, which we Catholics recognize as the Trinitarian God.) In my presentation I will discuss some of the so-called “anthropic coincidences” necessary for carbon-based life. Although some examples from cosmology and particle physics will be included, I’m going to focus on the wonderful parts of chemistry and molecular biology, processes that point to the hand of a Creating Intelligence. And of course the prophets of the Old Testament and saints of the early Church knew this all along, without the benefit of science.
Dr. Robert Kurland, a convert to Catholicism in 1995, is a retired physicist who has applied magnetic resonance to problems of biological interest in his research (web search: “Kurland-McGarvey Equation”). Dr. Kurland is a graduate of Caltech (BS, 1951, “with honor”) and Harvard (PhD, 1956). His scientific career at Carnegie-Mellon, SUNY/AB, Cleveland Clinic, Geisinger Medical Center, has focused on biological applications of magnetic resonance, including MRI. Since his conversion to Catholicism, he has tried to spread the message that there’s no war between Catholic teaching and science.
Respondent:
William M. Briggs, PhD Against the Anthropic Principle Dr. William M. Briggs, the Statistician to the Stars, has a background in statistics, philosophy, meteorology, and cryptography. Born in Detroit, he left the city when it was at its peak, which some might jokingly suggest led to its decline. Briggs holds a PhD in Mathematical Sciences and an MS in Atmospheric Physics, and has served in various roles including professor, consultant, and statistician. He is known for his work in probability and statistics, as well as his cultural commentary on various social and scientific issues.
Transcribed
17 NOV 2024 · Christ, Science, and Reason: What We Can Know about Jesus, Mary, and Miracles.
Our presenters
Christ, Science, and Reason: What We Can Know about Jesus, Mary, and Miracles
Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, SJ, PhD
Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. is President of the Spitzer-Magis Center of Reason and Faith (www.magiscenter.com). He was President of Gonzaga University from 1998 to 2009. He is the author of fifteen books, including the award-winning New Proofs for the Existence of God, and most recently, Science, Reason, and Faith: Discovering the Bible. Father Spitzer has his own EWTN weekly television show called Father Spitzer’s Universe. He has appeared on the Larry King Show (debating Stephen Hawking), the History Channel, the Today Show, and PBS. Father Spitzer has partnered with Sophia Institute in publishing apologetics courses for middle and high school students, arming them with contemporary science-based evidence of the complementarity of faith and science.
Abstract
Father Robert Spitzer, S.J., closely examines the scientific evidence for: The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus from the Shroud of Turin The Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist from three recent scientifically investigated Eucharistic miracles The supernatural dimensions of the apparitions of Mary manifest in the Tilma of Guadalupe, the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima, and many healing miracles connected with the Grotto of Lourdes. This work also presents a summary of contemporary historical and exegetical evidence for the historicity, Passion, and Resurrection of Jesus, and concludes with a consideration of the Catholic Church and science—particularly the Church’s contributions to science, the complementarity of science and the Bible, and the complementarity of physical evolution and the creation of a soul. The book makes clear that the Catholic Church is not anti-science, but quite the opposite—it is one of the most scientifically aware religious denominations in the world. It will also be clear that science is not anti-God, anti-Christ, or anti-religious. On the contrary, its tools and methods give considerable credible evidence for all of them.
The Importance of Fr. Spitzer’s Christ, Science, and Reason
Thomas P. Sheahen, PhD
Dr. Thomas P. Sheahen, director emeritus of ITEST, earned BS and PhD degrees in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. During his 45-year career as a research physicist, predominantly in energy sciences, he worked for various industrial and national laboratories. In the 1990s, Sheahen wrote the textbook Introduction to High-Temperature Superconductivity. More recently, he wrote the book https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/everywhen/, which stands at the intersection of faith and science, and explains how mankind’s limited capabilities have led to a deficient and weak perception of God.
Abstract
Long ago it was recognized that, outside of mathematics, no one can prove a proposition. The nearest thing to a proof is to assemble evidence which is strongly convincing and then draw the most reasonable and responsible conclusion. This was termed an “informal inference” by Cardinal Newman in the 19th century. With this book, Fr. Spitzer has examined a number of miraculous events over many centuries and has provided the detailed evidence necessary to draw the reasonable and responsible conclusion that they are truly supernatural occurrences. He devotes attention to the scientific instruments and techniques used to research these miracles, and therefore, the attentive reader is much better able to counter the superficial dismissive arguments put forth by atheists and secularists. For example, in 1988 a carbon-dating measurement seemed to indicate that the Shroud of Turin was of medieval origin, which delighted the atheists. Father Spitzer looked carefully at many other kinds of experimental evidence that has been found in more recent decades, and he demonstrates why the 1988 measurement was incorrect. In reality, the shroud dates from the first century AD. Similarly, Fr. Spitzer takes on the critics of the Tilma of Juan Diego in the 16th century, the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima in the 20th century, and several Eucharistic miracles in the modern age where scientific evidence shows that there is NO naturalistic explanation. In all cases, what differentiates this book from other authors is Fr. Spitzer’s commitment to following the Scientific Method to test each hypothesis and his excellent knowledge of both the capability and the limitations of science. Consequently, “Christ, Science, and Reason” is a major contribution to our understanding of miracles and gives the reader great confidence that the asserted claims of the Catholic Church are the most reasonable and responsible position to hold. Once again, Newman’s “informal inference” is that Catholicism is verified by these miracles.
Transcribed
12 OCT 2024 · In this ITEST webinar, Dr. Rob Koons and Dr. Terrence Lagerlund deliver talks on Brain and Artificial Intelligence: A Tale of Two Computers, but Only One Made in the Image of God (October 12, 2024)
AI and Aristotle: Why No Artifact could ever be Conscious
Robert C. (“Rob”) Koons is a professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. He holds an M. A. from Oxford and a Ph.D. from UCLA. He is the author or co-author of five books, including https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Reality-Comprehensive-Guide-Metaphysics/dp/1119116260/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1SQPRALFACSM5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9vzJz0aak88SeNCidOfyhg.WR_J-AmhGFL8NiD-N8XIiqLEOKVxwIh0dDsQ_2DT_Lg&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Atlas+of+Reality%3A+A+Comprehensive+Guide+to+Metaphysics&qid=1720481794&s=books&sprefix=the+atlas+of+reality+a+comprehensive+guide+to+metaphysics%2Cstripbooks%2C260&sr=1-1 with Timothy H. Pickavance (Wiley-Blackwell, 2017) and https://www.amazon.com/Thomass-Aristotelian-Philosophy-Nature-Obsolete/dp/1587314320/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2POH03P516MCI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kvZDNP1mGLtT4isD6_FxSA.1mvGW06u3ZdJdTGWzewr-ZEbAOYsLPjOfe1ypgf0dpk&dib_tag=se&keywords=Is+Thomas+Aquinas%27s+Philosophy+of+Nature+Obsolete%3F&qid=1720482110&s=books&sprefix=is+thomas+aquinas%27s+philosophy+of+nature+obsolete+%2Cstripbooks%2C174&sr=1-1 (St. Augustine Press, 2022). He is the co-editor of four anthologies, including https://www.amazon.com/Waning-Materialism-Robert-C-Koons/dp/0199556199/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JB9A5ER3WRZH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.b5C1FVUVC2OyTg9aFBUb-73GLcNcFX5g5oLVmxENNPxWsodEu-1ry6sjTCfd6YCu.HL9fqPmfMEzACK_h6W61SZXtfkRnUM8V0bhFmRvhoF8&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Waning+of+Materialism&qid=1720481891&s=books&sprefix=the+waning+of+materialism%2Cstripbooks%2C224&sr=1-1 (OUP, 2010) and https://www.amazon.com/Classical-Routledge-Studies-Philosophy-Religion/dp/1032060646/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30W0ONWOQ9WII&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ue5M3S9PqoHEsxLfebh8bk-u-f8fZhtuPUDhCIlU2NiwqArlQ9lRfpd4eKdcj9nfsaxWF9PWW8LHbc7jAMfubX268FCe8HDzfCVW7HMMRS90X6bOu2YyJeCBGqNJcv2Y94LU939Q0gRbpI1aELdsQTTW5EOX8f6NfCCqMaE_2Y4.LE3JfvHZ2Y-xtWfWobiUXWE9T80PCodo6Qb5Ytqq4SQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Classical+Theism+%28Routledge%29&qid=1720482199&s=books&sprefix=classical+theism+routledge+%2Cstripbooks%2C135&sr=1-1 (Routledge 2023). He has been working recently on an Aristotelian interpretation of quantum theory, and on defending and articulating hylomorphism in contemporary terms.
Abstract
The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle developed a comprehensive philosophy of nature that laid the foundations for all subsequent scientific inquiry. A central notion of Aristotle’s notion is that of a substance (ousia in Greek)—an essentially independent entity that has the highest possible degree of unity (what Thomas Aquinas called ‘per se unity’). Living organisms have this kind of unity, which explains their possession of essentially unified causal powers, like nutrition, growth, and sensation. Simple, homogeneous inorganic substances also exist, like drops of water or quartz crystals. However, all human artifacts, including all robots and computers, are mere “heaps” of inorganic components, lacking the sort of unity required for life, sensation, and consciousness. AI programs can emulate the behavior of conscious organisms, but there is an irreducible gap between appearance and reality.
Terrence Lagerlund, MD, PhD
Brain, Soul, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Mystery
Dr. Terrence Lagerlund has been a neurologist in the Division of Epilepsy at Mayo Clinic for 35 years, treating patients with epilepsy and interpreting their electroencephalograms. He also lectures to residents and fellows on electroencephalography including basic principles of electricity and neurophysiology. He has published papers and authored book chapters on electroencephalography and epilepsy, particularly regarding quantitative analysis of electroencephalograms. Prior to becoming a neurologist, he obtained a Ph.D. in physics and worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the MIT Laboratory for Nuclear Science (doing research at Brookhaven National Laboratory and CERN) and as a term physicist at Fermilab.
Abstract
Some computer scientists claim that artificial general intelligence systems will soon be created which can duplicate and eventually far exceed the intellectual abilities of humans. In this presentation we will compare the architecture and learning ability of artificial neural networks implemented on an electronic digital machine and the neural networks of the human brain (of which Professor Marvin Minsky of MIT once pronounced that “the brain is merely a meat machine”). We will demonstrate by philosophical arguments and a mathematical theorem involving Turing machines that understanding abstract concepts, abstract reasoning to ascertain truth, and making free decisions are powers of the human mind that exceed the capabilities of any physical system whether made of electronic circuits or of biological neurons; rather, these capabilities require a nonphysical soul that tightly integrates with the human brain, because of which we can truly say that humans are made in the image and likeness of God. We will also discuss a new theory of how the soul may interact with the brain by influencing the outcome of quantum processes involving passage of ions through neuronal ion channels within the brain’s neural networks synchronized by the 40-70 Hz oscillation, and thereby continually influence retrieval of memories and behavioral choices occurring in these networks so as to allow the soul’s choice based on rational deliberation to cause a neuronal network undergoing chaotic behavior to converge upon a different final state (attractor), thereby allowing the soul’s choice to be implemented in the brain and body.
https://faithscience.org/tale-of-two-computers/
The Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology (ITEST) is an association of theologians, scientists, technology specialists, clergy, teachers, students, and others committed to a Catholic world view in...
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The Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology (ITEST) is an association of theologians, scientists, technology specialists, clergy, teachers, students, and others committed to a Catholic world view in which faith and science collaborate in exploring the truth. ITEST explores truth theologically in the wisdom traditions of the human community and in the data studied in the sciences.
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