Stephen Barr is an eminent American physicist. He is Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of Delaware, where his life’s work has made original contributions to our understanding of theoretical particle physics and cosmology. In 2011 Professor Barr was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society.
Professor Barr is also co-founder and president of the Society of Catholic Scientists. During a visit to Hillsdale College in Michigan in May 2023, he generously took the time to speak to the Diocese of Lansing about the harmony that exists between Catholicism and science.
The interview took place at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Hillsdale. The interviewer is David Kerr, director of communications for the Diocese of Lansing. The questions posed to Professor Barr are as follows:
00:00: Professor Barr introduces himself.
00:22: Tell us a bit about yourself and your scientific career?
02:32: Which two theorems or observations are named after you?
04:54: What is the relationship between faith and science?
07:41: What has been the relationship between Christianity, and especially Catholicism, and science over the past 2000 years?
13:29: Why do you think these things aren’t better known?
16:46: To what extent is this common misconception, which faith and science contradict, a stumbling block for the modern person who comes to know Christ and His Church?
6:22 p.m.: Tell us about the founding of the Society of Catholic Scientists. How did it happen?
9:18 p.m .: As an organization trying to show harmony between faith and science, do you feel that you are at the forefront or doing a rearguard action?
24:33: Has the Church in the present day done enough to show the compatibility of modern scientific learning with Christian orthodoxy?
27:28: If there is a Catholic scientist watching this who is interested in your work and the Society of Catholic Scientists, what should he do?
* For more information on the Society of Catholic Scientists, visit: https://catholicscientists.org/
