The Thomistic Institute The Making of Another Catholic Scientist – Prof. Jonathan Lunine
Mar 3, 2026
Prof. Jonathan Lunine, NASA JPL chief scientist and Caltech planetary scientist, speaks about his journey from a Jewish upbringing to Catholic baptism and public advocacy for science-faith harmony. He discusses encounters with Jesuit astronomers, critiques the conflict narrative, traces its 19th-century roots, and explores how evolution, providence, and Aquinas' ideas intersect with modern planetary science.
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Jesuit Colleagues And Church Community Shaped His Conversion Path
- Lunine describes meeting his wife Cynthia, attending an intellectually rich Methodist church, and friendships with Jesuit astronomers at the Vatican Observatory.
- Those relationships and sabbaticals in Rome exposed him to faithful scientists and Catholic liturgy, influencing his eventual choice to join RCIA.
Science Faith Conflict Is Largely An American Narrative
- Lunine argues the perceived science–faith conflict is largely an American cultural phenomenon, not universal.
- He cites Elaine Eklund's research showing the conflict narrative is much less prominent outside the U.S.
Conflict Narrative Rooted In 19th Century Simplifications
- The historical 'war' between science and religion traces to 19th-century books by John Draper and Andrew Dixon White, which simplified complex episodes.
- Lunine points to caricatures like the Galileo trial as examples of that simplification.
