Dialogues with science. Theology standing up to the challenge of Covid-19

What is the relationship between science and faith? The Covid-19 pandemic has been construed through the lens of science. Governments have based their decisions on the conclusions of scientific technical committees. Yet during these times that struck at the heart of our globalised contemporary world, major questions about God, time, man, the Church and life have resurfaced. Why is there this mystery of evil? What is the reason for so much suffering? How does God’s plan unfold in history? Which hopes are proclaimed by the Christian community? How can just communities of women and men be formed around selfishness and the common good? In response to these questions, the Faculty of Theology of the Pontifical Gregorian University launched the course: Theology facing the challenge of Covid-19. Dialogues with science; encouraging open, unprejudiced dialogue between science and the “science of faith.” 

Dialogue as method

The online course, open to the public, brought together a group of experts in the various branches of theology - Biblical Theology, Theology of the Fathers, Fundamental Theology, Dogmatic Theology, Moral Theology - with Dr. Ernesto Burgio (ECERI, Brussels - ARTAC). In the first semester Theology confronted Science, tackling questions from original angles, both in terms of method and perspective. In the second semester, Science confronted Theology, focusing on the impact of the pandemic on physical and mental health, notably on children, and exploring the implications for future generations. 

“Science and theology have agreed to engage in dialogue”, explained Fr. Dario Vitali, coordinator of the course and director of the Department of Dogmatic Theology at the Gregoriana, “in the awareness that they can learn from mutual listening. From theology, science can learn not to be self-referential, for just as theology constantly questions reality on the basis of the Otherness of God and His Revelation, in the same way science must learn to address the question taking the human person and his/her complexity as its starting point, while respecting human dignity and history” 

Cultivating critical thinking

Twelve online lessons, open to the public, were held from November 5, 2020 until April 15, 2021, amidst the changing phases of the pandemic. Those were months of heightened uncertainty, amidst rapidly changing social and political scenarios and a flood of information in the media resulting in widespread sensationalism. Fake news and conspiracy theories invoking even religious dimensions pressed their grip, while lockdowns forced us to view the real world through the small window of our television, telephone and computer screens. At a time of widespread confusion, the Faculty of Theology of the Gregorian University decided to teach students to think critically, in terms of science and faith. This is also why the lessons will be made available to everyone on the playlist of the YouTube channel.