Pop-Up Catechesis: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Faith

Joe Paprocki Catechetical Issues & Topics

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki

Once, after teaching sixth graders about the Creation story in the Book of Genesis, I asked my students if this is what they learned in science class—knowing full well it wasn’t! They looked very uncomfortable. Several finally shared that they learned a very different story. I asked them, “Well, then, who’s telling you the truth? Your science teacher or me?” They looked even more uncomfortable. Before anyone could attempt to answer, I said, “OK, that was a trick question! You don’t have to choose. We both are teaching truth. Your science teacher is teaching scientific truth about how the world came to be, and I’m teaching you religious truth about God’s relationship to all of creation.” There was a sigh of relief, for sure. In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore bridging the gap between science and faith.

For more information about the relationship between science and faith, check out the following links:

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About Joe Paprocki 2742 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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