Christ, Science, and Reason: What We Can Know About Jesus, Mary, and Miracles

This is currently the only volume that not only presents but also highlights the profound significance of the scientific evidence in support of Jesus, the Eucharist, and Mary. Father Robert Spitzer, S.J., meticulously examines the scientific evidence for:

• The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus from the Shroud of Turin.
• The Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist from three recent scientifically investigated Eucharistic miracles.
• The supernatural dimensions of Mary's apparitions manifested in the Tilma of Guadalupe, the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima, and many healing miracles connected with the Grotto of Lourdes.

This work also summarizes historical and contemporary exegetical evidence for Jesus' historicity, Passion, and Resurrection. It concludes with a consideration of the Catholic Church and science—particularly the Church's contributions to science, the complementarity of science and the Bible, and the complementarity of physical evolution and the creation of a soul.

The book makes it abundantly clear that the Catholic Church is not anti-science, but quite the opposite—it is one of the most scientifically aware religious denominations in the world. This should instill a sense of pride and reassurance in our readers. It will also be clear that science is not anti-God, anti-Christ, or anti-religious. On the contrary, its tools and methods give considerable credible evidence for all of them.

• Editorial Reviews

  “Father Spitzer is a remarkable man with a remarkable breadth of knowledge and understanding.” —Stephen M. Barr, President, Society of Catholic Scientists

  “The deep foundations of the Church’s moral teachings are philosophical and theological, but in an age in thrall to scientism it is not only useful but imperative to show that those teachings are also well-supported by social-scientific and other empirical considerations. Father Robert Spitzer’s work is an important and welcome contribution to this enterprise.” —Edward Feser, Professor of Philosophy, Pasadena City College; Author, Five Proofs of the Existence of God

  “I urge all, especially science educators and professionals in science, to examine the evidence and reasoning presented by Father Spitzer and the comprehensive citations so brilliantly reviewed in his book. You will encounter essential claims to foundational questions between intellectual conversion and opportunities to use science-based apologetics to enrich one’s faith. These are the discussions our students want to have about their faith, and this book gives you the confidence to do so effectively.” —Martin Lindway, Ph.D., Science Department Chair, Cleveland Benedictine High School

  “In his unique indomitable style, Father Spitzer makes short work of the myth that the Catholic Church is anti-science. Not only does he explain how the Church has supported scientific discovery from the Middle Ages to the present, he also catalogues numerous examples of how the Church has engaged scientific researchers to investigate miracles and inexplicable religious artifacts like the Shroud of Turin. He shows how the scientific evidence regarding these miraculous events points toward God. This book is the antidote to the popular misperception that the deeper one delves into science, the further one gets from God. Rather than being an obstacle to the Faith, Father Spitzer eloquently makes the case that science and scientific discovery can actually bring one to the doorstep of God.” —Dr. Daniel Kuebler, Professor of Biology, Franciscan University of Steubenville; Vice President, Society of Catholic Scientists.