This essay places Pope Francis's Laudato Si' in dialogue with the emerging reality of digital sovereignty, especially in its military dimension. The encyclical's critique of the technological paradigm operates on two levels: a normative, theological critique of modernity's fixation on control and efficiency, and a descriptive level tracing its concrete manifestations, such as ecological exploitation. When this framework is extended to the domain of digital sovereignty-an increasingly decisive form of political, economic, cultural, and military control over digital infrastructures-it reveals new patterns of domination, vulnerability, and inequality. The unequal distribution of digital domes and other defense-related technologies generates systemic disparities in security, raising urgent questions for Catholic social thought concerning justice, solidarity, and the common good.
Thomas Aquinas's account of instrumental causality is central to his understanding of divine action, yet his terminology often appears fluid. This paper investigates the metaphysical coherence of Aquinas's theory, addressing how created agents produce effects transcending their natural powers. After analyzing principal and instrumental agency and the mechanism of elevation via virtus fluens, we propose a threefold typology of instrumentality: Universal Metaphysical, Natural and Artistic, and Supernatural. Engaging the Scotistic critique of "dual agency," we defend Aquinas's elevation model through the analogy of being, demonstrating its unique explanatory power in maintaining the ontological distinction between Creator and craftsman.
The Scopes Trial resulted from repugnant attempts by religious fundamentalists in the 1920s to criminalize the teaching of human evolution. However, the aftermath of Scopes saw the promulgation of negative "Inherit the Wind" stereotypes depicting evolution-opponents as bigoted, ignorant, anti-science zealots. Prejudicial views towards Darwin skeptics have resulted in many instances of discrimination. Case law has created a legal landscape where in many school districts only the pro-evolution viewpoint is permitted. Meanwhile, mainstream scientists are critiquing neo-Darwinism, and intelligent design has developed a vibrant research program. ID groups have thus found it vital to protect academic freedom to critique mainstream evolutionary biology.
This article explores how Lament Psalms offer a theological framework for engaging scientific uncertainty, especially amid global suffering and existential crises. Focusing on Psalms 13, 73, and 88, it argues that lament models epistemological humility, emotional honesty, and faithful protest, which are-virtues shared with scientific inquiry. Rather than resolving tension, lament sustains faith within it, offering a spiritual posture for navigating the unknown. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the relevance of lament for Christian education, scientific vocation, and theological reflection. Ultimately, lament invites science and faith into dialogue marked by patience, integrity, and the courage to confront mystery without denial.
