Father Stanley Jaki, priest and scientist, died today in Madrid at the age of 84. A leading philosopher, theologist and sciencist, Fr. Jaki was the author of forty books, focused primarily on the relation between modern science and Christianity. The Hungarian-born Benedectine was a longtime professor of physics at Seton Hall University.
Fr. Jaki's life's work focused on the compatibility of science and Christianity, despite the differences between them. Through his study of modern science, theology and history, he successfully proved that St. Thomas Aquinas was right that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, modern science could only develop because of the Judeo-Christian belief that the Creator is rational, and that He created a rational universe, the laws of which are thus discoverable by man through reason. As a historian of science, Fr. Jaki, who held doctorates in both theology from the Pontifical Institute and physics from Fordham University, wrote of the numerous modern scientists who were also men of faith.
Fr. Jaki's most significant contribution to cosmology is his application of Godel's mathematical theorem to physics. Godel's theorem holds that any significant mathematic theory must be incomplete or inconsistent. Fr. Jaki drew a parallel with physics, which is reliant upon mathematics, in theorizing that no theory of physics which is intended to explain the all-encompassing nature of the universe could ever be complete or consistent. In other words, one could never be certain of any "Theory of Everything."
A member of the Pontifical Academy of Science and the National Academy of Science, Fr. Jaki lectured at Oxford, Yale and Edinburgh Universities. In 1987, he was awarded the Templeton Prize for furthering the understanding of science and religion.
May the soul of Fr. Stanley Jaki rest in peace.
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