Today on Kresta in the Afternoon - December 9, 2011

Talking about the "things that matter most" on Dec. 9

4:00 – Can Science Demonstrate the Existence of God? What’s a Catholic to Think?
The Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Discovery Institute recently held a conference entitled “Can Science Inform Our Understanding of God?” Kresta in the Afternoon was there and recorded many interviews with the conference presenters. We will be bringing those interviews to you over the next few weeks and we begin today with Dr. Benjamin Wiker whose presentation was entitled “Can Science Demonstrate the Existence of God? What’s a Catholic to Think?”

5:00 – Bioethics in the Culture and the Church
The struggle between a culture of death and a culture of life has intensified in the last few decades. Bio-medical technological breakthroughs have made possible what was previously only theoretical, forcing humanity to confront questions about human life and dignity. What is a "person"? When does life begin? When does "personhood" begin? What are the ethical boundaries and expectations for medical treatmemt? What about questions about human sexuality? Recent popes have called specifically on Catholic universities to engage this conversation; to offer “serious and well documented contributions, capable of commanding general respect and interest by reason of their merit.” (John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, #98) Four years ago Franciscan University launched the Institute of Bioethics to respond to this call. In addition to an active schedule of conferences and speaking engagements, the Institute offers a bioethics concentration to our graduate philosophy students. We talk with director of the Institute Dr. Patrick Lee.