Why did the scientific method often lead to conflict with the Roman Catholic Church?

Answer 1

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Catholic AnswerThe Catholic Church never had any conflict with the scientific method, many of the scientists who developed it and used it were Catholic priests, monks, or friars. Science, and scientific research is covered in several areas in the the Catechism. The Catechism, however, points out that the scientific alone cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress. In other words, science, and the scientific method are good, but they must be recognizing for what they are and what their limitations are.

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from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, English translation 1994

2293 Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant expression of man's dominion over creation. Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. By themselves however they cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress. Science and technology are ordered to man, from whom they take their origin and development; hence they find in the person and in his moral values both evidence of their purpose and awareness of their limits.

2294 It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its applications. On the other hand, guiding principles cannot be inferred from simple technical efficiency, or from the usefulness accruing to some at the expense of others or, even worse, from prevailing ideologies. Science and technology by their very nature require unconditional respect for fundamental moral criteria. They must be at the service of the human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the plan and the will of God.