London, England, Sep 17, 2010 / 06:37 am
Benedict XVI stressed the need for open minds in science on Friday, adding that researchers must be ready to consider religious and ethical perspectives. His words came as the U.K. prepares to pass provisions protecting sex changes next month.
The Holy Father told students in a live broadcast that reached every Catholic school in the U.K. that they must "always remember" to maintain sight of the "bigger picture" in their studies. "Never allow yourselves to become narrow," he told them.
"The world needs good scientists, but a scientific outlook becomes dangerously narrow if it ignores the religious and ethical dimension of life, just as religion becomes narrow if it rejects the legitimate contribution of science to our understanding."
Ethics, especially sexual ethics, have been on Catholics' minds lately as the U.K.'s Equality Act will enact new provisions on Oct. 1. Among other proposals that seek to protect the disabled and breastfeeding mothers are others concerning sexual themes.