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Knowing and Believing: The Self-Emptying of God with Fr. John Klassen
Fr. John has long been studying and reflecting on the interface of questions that science brings to theology and vice-versa. Given our understanding of a universe characterized by both deep space and deep time, how do nurture a life-giving faith in God? How do we read the Bible, especially the early chapters of Genesis? Is it possible to be a rigorous scientific thinker and a faith-filled person?
Father John Klassen, OSB has completed twenty-three years of service as abbot of Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville. His educational background includes a BA in chemistry from Saint John’s University (1971), an MA in theology from Saint John’s University (1976) and a PhD in bio-organic chemistry (1985) from The Catholic University of America. From 1983-2000 taught in the chemistry department for the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. During those years he also taught and directed an applied ethics program (1986-1989), chaired the nascent Peace Studies Department, and served as the Director of Formation for Saint John’s Abbey (1993-1999).