In its recent coverage of a speech Pope Francis delivered before the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Univision’s flagship national evening newscast made it seem as if the Roman Pontiff was the first in history to take science seriously.
“The Catholic Church was opposed for centuries to scientific explanations of how the universe was created,” Jorge Ramos said as he introduced the report. “But now the Pontiff admits that science is not in conflict with religion and God, he said, is not a magician,” Ramos continued in his introduction to the report by correspondent Luis Megid.
Not only is it not true that the Catholic Church has been opposed “for centuries” to the explanations that Ramos mentions, but in fact during many of those centuries devout Catholics have distinguished themselves as scientists. The Austrian monk Gregor Mendel, for example, who died in 1884, discovered the laws of genetics. It is also well known that other monks, in previous centuries, played a vital role in preserving and expanding all kinds of scientific knowledge.
In his report, Megid goes on to cite the Pope’s words connecting God to the “Big Bang.” Megid correctly noted that “experts say that on this topic, the Pope is simply reaffirming the position the Catholic Church has had since the 1940s.” But then, Megid suddenly turns his fire on another segment of Christianity, saying that “In reality, it isn’t Catholics, but Evangelical Christians, who are most opposed to modern science and biology.”
Then Megid walks back the attack somewhat, saying “other more moderate Evangelical Christians find points in common with the words of the Pope.” Megid’s parting words cast aspersions on Christians in general. With scenes of participants at a papal event and organ music in the background, Megid declares “God doesn’t have a magic wand, and neither does Pope Francis. That’s why in the 21st century no less, it is still difficult to convince many that to deny science is to live in the past.”
If indeed there are Christians who question some scientific theories, are they not free to do so? And for as much sense the theory of evolution specifically may have, does it not still remain what everyone calls it, a theory?
The great irony in all this is that those who portray religion as policing only one dogmatic line of thinking fall into the same error they so unfairly criticize. They are the ones who fail to respect those who dare question some of the new, non-religious “dogmas” that are presently prevalent in our world.
The English translation of the entire segment that aired on Noticiero Univision on October 29 appears below.
JORGE RAMOS: Pope Francis surprises again. The Catholic Church was opposed for centuries to scientific explanations of how the universe was created. But now the Pontiff admits that science is not in conflict with religion and God, he said, is not a magician. Luis Megid brings us more details on a Pope who doesn’t stop surprising.
LUIS MEGID: The Bible says God created the world in six days, and rested on the seventh. For many Christians, that is the Word of God.
WOMAN INTERVIEWED: Yes, He did it in seven days. He did it. yes.
LUIS MEGID: But this week the Pope, making the most conservative uncomfortable, said God does not have a magic wand and the theory of evolution is real. The Pope said the Big Bang, as the great explosion that gave origin to the Universe is called, required divine intervention. How revolutionary is the idea? Pope Francis has made various controversial comments, but experts say on this topic he is simply reaffirming the position the Catholic Church has had since the 1940s.
DANIEL ÁLVAREZ, THEOLOGY PROFESSOR, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY: In other words, the Pope is saying the scientific theory of the origin of the Universe needs a God, and the theory of evolution also needs a God. So in that sense, the Pope’s words aren’t as radical as they would first appear.
LUIS MEGID: In reality, it's not Catholics, but Evangelical Christians who are most opposed to modern science and biology. Convincing them that it’s not so is going to take more than a comment by the Pope. Especially those who interpret the Bible literally, word for word, as the Word of God.
LUIS MEGID, QUESTIONING WOMAN: So the Pope is wrong?
WOMAN ON THE STREET: Well, I think he is.
LUIS MEGID: Other, more moderate evangelical Christians find points in common with the Pope’s words.
OTHER MAN: I agree with the Pope. God doesn’t have a magic wand. God has more than a magic wand. God speaks, and it’s done.
LUIS MEGID: God doesn’t have a magic wand, and neither does Pope Francis. That’s why in the 21st century no less, it is still difficult to convince many that to deny science is to live in the past.
