Science and the Holy Fathers - Hieromonk Seraphim Rose

In notes found after his repose, Hieromonk Seraphim of Platina examines the philosophy of the Holy Fathers on science, evolution, secular knowledge, and theology. As he always does, he draws on various Fathers, including St. Gregory Palamas, St. Ignatius Brianchaninov, and the disciple of the Optina Elders, Ivan Kireyevsky, while referring to St. Basil the Great and other towering Saints. His perception is nearly unmatched as he shares many key principles that not only apply to Genesis and evolution, but also to our modern world that has transhumanism and bio-tech on the tip of many tongues. This is an antidote for those longing for truth in this age of apostasy.

“Modern science thinks it is “knowledge” par excellence, and before its prestige Orthodox believers waver, often apologizing for believing what seems “unscientific,“ remaining content with the pietism or “religious feeling” which is the place where the scientific establishment allows faith today. 
      But true Orthodox Christianity is quite different. It is not bound up with any current or modern thought; it is a knowledge superior to science, and it certainly need not apologize to a lower form of knowledge.” – Fr. Seraphim Rose

“‘The Fathers said nothing about evolution’—this is used by many Orthodox as an excuse for actually believing whatever one wants or whatever “science” says on the subject. But our attitude to the Fathers must be more serious and more profound than this. Being faithful to the Fathers does not mean merely being ready to quote them or feel “free” to think as one pleases if no quotes are available. Rather, it means entering into their thought, which is the thought of the Church of Christ, and having a coherent philosophy of life derived from our life in the Church in harmony with the thought of the Fathers.” –Fr. Seraphim Rose

00:00 – Introduction
00:14 – Note 1: True Theology and Secular Knowledge
12:19 – Note 2: Science and Christian Philosophy
14:38 – Note 3: Distinguishing Materialistic Fantasies from Scientific Truth
16:30 – Note 4: Science as a Lower Form of Knowledge
19:06 – Note 5: An Alien System of Thought
20:35 – Note 6: The Lack of Philosophical Culture among Orthodox Christians
22:03 – Note 7: The Philosophy of the Holy Fathers

This is a reading of pages 501-511 from Genesis, Creation, and Early Man by Fr. Seraphim Rose, published by St. Herman of Alaska Press.

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