Physicist Cristian Presură reflected on the relationship between science and faith in a Facebook post, starting from a definition of scientific knowledge formulated by St Gregory Palamas: “It is the most beautiful definition of science that I know, and the finest praise that can be given to it.”
The researcher begins with a passage by St Gregory Palamas on the limits of rational knowledge, which he quotes in full.
“Wisdom derived from science, even if it contains something true, is uncertain and unstable, often warring against itself. How could this unstable wisdom lead to the knowledge of the unchanging original patterns of things?”
Commenting on the passage, Presură argues that science’s changing nature is precisely what confirms its value: “For even if its mathematical models change from one century to another, no one doubts its usefulness.”
The relationship between science and faith
At the same time, the scientist speaks of faith as an indispensable inner reference point: “Is faith (and I am not speaking only of religious faith) not a compass that helps one navigate the troubled waters of life?”
Presură notes that the opposition between science and faith is often artificial.
“Science and faith may be at war in the public sphere, but in the human heart they keep alive the fire of this great mystery of existence: why is there something rather than nothing? Who are we? Where do we come from and where are we going?”
“There is no person born today who knows the answers to these questions. If you think you do, reader, think again before commenting!” the Romanian researcher concludes.
Physicist Cristian Presură
Cristian Nicolae Presură is a Romanian physicist, inventor and researcher. He is known for inventing the optical heart-rate sensor used in smartwatches. He has also authored several popular science books aimed at a general audience.
Presură frequently addresses the relationship between science, faith and the great questions of existence, advocating an honest dialogue between reason and the human spiritual dimension.
In an appearance on the “Fain & Simplu” podcast, the physicist spoke about belief in God, saying it brings him peace and spiritual fulfilment.
Photo: Fain & Simplu cu Mihai Morar / Jul. 10, 2025
