“They say there’s no atheists in foxholes, but there’s probably no atheists in rockets,” -Catholic Astronaut Col Mike Good, who believes his faith in God was solidified by the awe-inspiring views he saw from space.
NASA employees fill pews in churches surrounding Johnson Space Center, including Webster Presbyterian Church, called the “Church Of The Astronauts” when John Glenn, Buzz Aldrin, Jerry Carr, Charlie Bassett & Roger Chaffee were active members of the congregation.
“The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has a special appreciation for all the people who work in the space program,” said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo
“As the space shuttle program comes to a close, the archdiocese is appreciative of the opportunity to join our Holy Father in commending the tireless work of NASA employees and affirming" as St. Paul says, "CHRIST FILLS ALL THE HEAVENS"
"Although NASA does not provide spiritual resources, religious objects—crosses, Bibles, icons, prayer cards—are among the most common personal items taken into space" said Johnson Space Center spokesman James Hartsfield.
“NASA people are more faith-filled, and this is their vocation, They have a position that pastors don’t have and can talk about the glory of God’s creation as seen from space” -Matt Walden, A worship leader who has worked at St. Paul’s.
Its shakeup with Galileo aside, the Catholic Church has historically affirmed astronomy and space exploration as a means to better know the universe, believed to be wholly good, majestic and made by God.
“The church is very open to scientific discoveries, and the Bible gives us a guide to interpret whatever science discovers,” said the Rev. Brendan Cahill, former rector of St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. “God has created the human person with the knowledge and curiosity to do this, to go to space. It affirms our Catholic faith.”
No comments:
Post a Comment