The unity of science and faith is a big topic these days:
A major reason that many young people are disaffiliating from our churches is the supposed conflict between science and the faith … This “war” is in fact a fantasy, an illusion, the fruit of a tragic misunderstanding.
Bishop Barron wrote those words a few years ago in an article called Why the Supposed Conflict between Science and Religion Is Tragic Nonsense, and clearly it still stands. Our young people need to know that Catholicism is wonderfully compatible with science and reason. (Just look at all the Catholic scientists!)
If you’re one of the many Catholic parents, grandparents, or educators wanting to show kids how faith and science go together, check out these science resources for young Catholics.
1
God Made That! Catholic Nature Field Guide
Explore our world and encounter God through his creation with this nature field guide by Catholic ecologists Kathleen Hoenke and Bill Jacobs of the Saint Kateri Conservation Center.
This illustrated guide introduces children to the science and wonder of the created world, plus topics in Catholic social teaching and environmental stewardship, through descriptions of the biomes and species of the United States and Canada, nature journal prompts, hands-on activities, saint profiles, prayers, and more.
Each science lesson ties in saint stories, feast days, and other delightful Catholic details. This excellent little book could be a complete year’s science curriculum for an early elementary homeschool or classroom.
2
Albert’s Expeditions
Albert’s Expeditions is a YouTube show for children bringing together faith and science. Two episodes each month lead children to discover their Creator and his divine imprint that is found all around them:
Come along with Albert, named after St. Albert the Great, on scientific expeditions all over the globe! From the depths of the ocean to the stars in the sky; discover God’s creation that is full of wonder all around you!
Watch the trailer here:
3
Dive Deep: 40 Days With God At Sea
What if cool science facts could help kids understand the Bible? That’s the premise of this clever and delightful children’s devotional book.
Dive Deep introduces children ages 9-12 to the epic story of salvation history — from Creation, to Christ, to today — through Bible stories that take place at sea.
This one-of-a-kind devotional by Sister Orianne Pietra René Dyck, a Daughter of St. Paul, teaches children how to pray with God’s word and encounter God in his creation through 40 days of Scripture reflections, fun facts, and trivia about animals and the sea, profiles of the saints, “Sailor’s Log” prayer and journaling prompts, and practical ways to live the faith in daily life.
This fun and engaging book would be a great one for Lent, for the home or classroom.
And today we celebrate...