A Reflection Through the Lenses of Biblical Exegesis
The modern world often sets religion and scientific thinking in opposition, to the extent that believers feel
sometimes compelled to choose between traditional belief in God and a more rational, more modern,
and more intelligent viewpoint that rejects this belief. It might seem as though belief in God is hardly
consistent with the choice of being an intelligent person. This conflict is especially dire in the field of biblical
studies, for example in the recent debate on archaeology. But perhaps this is a false dilemma?
Drawing on his experience as a biblical scholar; Fr. Hervé Tremblay, O.P., believes that it is possible
to develop a balanced approach that respects the merits of both faith and reason.
Father Hervé Tremblay Examines Faith, Scripture, and the Ongoing Tension Between Belief and Modern Scholarship
In his Mahoney Library Lecture at St. Peter’s Seminary, Father Hervé Tremblay, O.P., reflected on a lifetime of faith, scholarship, and teaching, exploring the enduring tension between religious belief and modern scientific inquiry. Using the story of Father Lagrange—founder of the École Biblique in Jerusalem—as a starting point, he described how the rise of modern science in the 19th century confronted believers with difficult questions about the historical accuracy of Scripture and forced many to choose between faith and intellectual honesty. Tremblay traced this struggle through the modernist crisis, the cautious openness of mid-20th-century magisterial documents, and the renewed skepticism toward biblical scholarship in some contemporary circles. He urged listeners to reject simplistic, literal readings of ancient texts and instead embrace the Catholic tradition’s long history of interpretation, which recognizes Scripture’s complexity while affirming its enduring meaning. Human intelligence and faith, he argued, must work together—not against each other—if believers hope to read the Bible responsibly in the modern world.
By Yves Bériault
