Should a priest reject relativity because it contains no authoritative exposition on the doctrine of the Trinity? Once you realize that the Bible does not purport to be a textbook of science, the old controversy between religion and science vanishes . . . The doctrine of the Trinity is much more abstruse than anything in relativity or quantum mechanics; but, being necessary for salvation, the doctrine is stated in the Bible. If the theory of relativity had also been necessary for salvation, it would have been revealed to Saint Paul or to Moses.

Summary

This quote suggests that a priest should not dismiss scientific concepts like relativity simply because it does not provide an authoritative explanation of religious doctrines. It argues that the Bible should not be treated as a scientific textbook and that the conflict between religion and science disappears when this is understood. The quote further emphasizes that while scientific theories like relativity may seem complex, the doctrine of the Trinity, which is crucial for salvation, is even more intricate but is explicitly stated in the Bible. Therefore, if relativity was a necessity for salvation, it would have been revealed alongside religious teachings.

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