b'Let the Church SpeakPope Saint John Paul II, in his Address to thenot intend to say. In order to delineate the Pontifi cal Academy of Sciences (October 22,fi eld of their own study, the exegete and the 1996) concerning the theory of evolution, gavetheologian must keep informed about the a landmark affirmation to the complementarityresults achieved by the natural sciences.of biblical truth and science when he said, WeIn other words, the biblical expert and know, in fact, that truth cannot contradict truth. theologian must communicate with the scientist In that same talk, Pope Saint John Paul II briefl yin order to come to a proper understanding reminded the scientists of the Galileo question,of Gods work in the universe. In this kind in which the Church condemned Galileo for hisof communication, the role of the Catholic discovery that the Earth revolved around thescientist, or any scientist who believes in God, sun, and not the other way around. (In 1992,is particularly important. Because most people Pope Saint John Paul II officially apologizedseem to assume (as the high school student for the Churchs condemnation of Galileo.)quoted previously did) that all scientists are This unnecessary clash between scientifi catheists, it is up to scientists who believe in truth and the Bible resulted from an incorrectGod and who believe in biblical teaching to interpretation of Gods word. As Pope Saintmake their profession as scientists known John Paul II reminded the scientists: It isto their church-going friends and neighbors. necessary to determine the proper sense ofScientists are not always isolated in labs; some Scripture, while avoiding any unwarrantedof them are likely sitting next to us in church! interpretations that make it say what it does Catholic Scientists Explore It!The Catholic Exploring the question of science and the Bible can be done within yourYouth Bibleown faith community and can connect the youth with local people whoConnectionsaccept both science and faith. Use The Catholic 1. Ask the teens to identify professions that they wouldYouth Bible in identify as scienti c in nature: medical professions, math teachers,your consideration of science and the biologists, and so on. Facilitate a re ection on the ways faith can alsoBible in the local community. The shape these professions. following elements from it are just 2. Challenge the young people to identify members of their parish some of many that are helpful:who work in the above named scienti celds and see how manyHeart and Head, near Mark 16:20people they can identify. Core Catholic Understandings about 3. Organize a panel discussion on the topic of the Bible and science. Biblical Inspiration and Interpretation, Invite your pastor, a local scientist, a Catholic school science teacher, a memberin the Being Catholic section (p. 1720 of a local religious community, and a thoughtful parishioner to sit on the panel. CYB NABRE or p. 1502 CYB NRSV)4. Invite the teens to choose one of the named professions andHow Do Catholics View the World? in explore the daily activities of thateld. Facilitate a discussionthe Being Catholic section (p. 1722 to identify what activities would be diffi cult for a person of faith. CYB NABRE or p. 1504 CYB NRSV) 37'