E101 - Evolution and Faith

The world often paints faith and reason as opposing forces.  Yet throughout Christian history, the Catholic Church has been at the forefront of scientific development and exploration, and the intellectual traditions of the Catholic faith have encouraged believers to pursue new ideas and greater depths of inquiry.This week, Nicholas speaks to Fr. Joseph Fortier SJ, who shares the insights he has gained into the world of the divine from his work as an entomologist and professor of biology.  His book, Confluence of Evolutionary Science and Christian Faith, touches on such topics as the evolutionary roots of life and the science behind the Book of Genesis, as well as the work of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin to bring together the threads of evolution and faith.Fr. Fortier traces the ways in which an understanding of the natural world deepens our relationship with God - not as opposing forces, but as two complementary facets of an entire worldview.  As we contemplate the supernatural gift of creation, we can gain a greater appreciation for God's work and the mysteries of life.