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Scholars Gather in Madrid to Explore Science-Engaged Theology in Catholic Tradition

by Isaiah Voss on 06/30/2025

06/30/2025

A two-day workshop at Saint Louis University-Madrid brought together scholars to examine science-engaged theology — a growing field that considers science not just a dialogue partner, but a source of theological knowledge.

Held on June 24-25, the event was titled "Science-Engaged Theology in the Catholic Tradition." It featured presentations on how Catholic theology can meaningfully incorporate insights from disciplines such as cosmology, biology and metaphysics.

The workshop addressed key questions: Can science inform theology? What role does Catholic tradition play in shaping that engagement? And how should sources of theology be interpreted in light of contemporary science?

Nine individuals look at camera for group photo with building entrance in background.

Workshop attendees pose in front of the Manresa Hall entrance. Attendees (from left to right): Amerigo Barzaghi, Steven Hill, Mariano Asla, Gonzalo Villagrán Medina SJ, Jaime Tatay Nieto SJ, Javier Sánchez Cañizares, Simon Maria Kopf, Alessandro Mantini and Ignacio Silva.Submitted photo.

Keynotes were delivered by Javier Sánchez Cañizares, Ph.D. (Universidad de Navarra), and Jaime Tatay Nieto, Ph.D., (Universidad Pontificia Comillas). Sessions included case studies on figures like Augustine, Teilhard de Chardin and Georges Lemaître, as well as talks on Thomistic approaches to ethics, evolution, and personhood.

Organized by Amerigo Barzaghi, Ph.D. (SLU-Madrid), Simon Kopf, Ph.D. (ITI Catholic University), and Ignacio Silva, Ph.D. (Universidad Austral), the event was open to the SLU-Madrid community.

Learn more about SLU-Madrid's Center for Theology and Philosophy