Brilliant: 25 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People

by David Michael Warren

Think faith and science don't go together? Think again! It's important to teach children at a young age that faith and science are complementary! Too many people today--adults and children--think that faith and science don't go together. In fact, many people who leave the Catholic Church report that they don't believe faith is compatible with science. Sadly, one study found that the median age of people who leave the Church is surprisingly young: thirteen. In an effort to help children learn about the relationship between faith and science, the Daughters of St. Paul, a premiere publisher of Catholic children's books for over seventy years through Pauline Books & Media, have partnered with the Word on Fire Institute to present an exciting new book for children: Brilliant! 25 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People. The book introduces children to many of the Catholics who have been behind groundbreaking discoveries in science and math for centuries. Children will embark on an adventure through history where they'll meet faith-filled pioneers in every field from anatomy to astrophysics. They'll walk in the footsteps of these supersmart Catholics who changed the world and learn how brilliant they can be when they unite faith and science! Features & Benefits - Twenty-five biographies of some of the greatest Catholic scientists, mathematicians, and inventors - Writing is not dry and textbook-like but fun and inviting - Gorgeous illustrations for each person highlighted - For children ages 7-11 - Includes a helpful Glossary of both scientific and religious terms

Genres: Nonfiction, Catholic, Faith, Biography, Childrens, Science, Spirituality

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting! I want to find longer biographies for several of the people in this book.

[Tammy Schilling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could really have done without the modernist nonsense that invaded this book. Poor Francis is not a scientist just because he supports environmental stuff. And several of the women scientist chapters have some version of "and women weren't allowed to be scientists" type stuff. It's unnecessary, over simplified, and, most importantly, not what the book is supposed to be about.

If you are looking for something I suggest 1000 years of Catholic Scientists by Mary Daly.

[Jason Zimdars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and an interesting selection of subjects—many were new to me! This is a great tool for teaching kids that faith and science aren't enemies and that your Catholic faith can be a great benefit to a successful career.

[Olga Mosner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Shows that scientific reason and Catholicism go hand in hand.

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book showcasing Catholic scientists. Proving that religion and science are not at odds. Beautiful artwork highlights the pages.

[Amy Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a very interesting story collection of saints

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really made me feel like I was in good company because I'm a supersmart Catholic. I taught myself hoe to read when I was 4 despite people's expectations when they saw my wheelchair. I already knew how to use computers as an adult when I got the Internet, so I taught myself how to use it. I give God the glory, not myself.

[Pat Trattles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brilliantly shows how science and belief in a God are not contradictory but in fact many important scientific breakthroughs were made by people of faith.

[Mary Duda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little book that shows that science and religion ARE compatible, with lots of good examples of saints and regular people who are faith-filled scientists.

[Eduardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another one of the three books I picked up from the Pauline bookstore the day it closed. It’s a children’s book, meant to clear up some misconceptions–mostly the idea that religious people can’t also be scientists, by listing famous Catholic scientists throughout history who contributed meaningfully to the understanding of the world.

I will admit that while I knew it was a children’s book, I didn’t realize that it was for young children? There are ways that things are phrased and defined that made me think, “Oh, we’re working under the assumption that you know nothing about some of these topics,” which I think someone in middle school might already know. That’s not bad at all, but it does mean that this is far from an all-ages book. It’s an early introduction to some of these figures and histories.

Also I have some questions about oversimplification. In Saint Hildegard’s chapter, it refers to Frederick Barbarossa as an “anti-Catholic” ruler, which, uh… is something considering he’s most famous in the Anglophone world for getting himself killed on the way to Crusade (at a time when the entire country was Catholic). As an introductory book for children, again, it’s a good start, but after a certain age they’ll need something more detailed.

The art’s very nice too, and it includes very stylized art for quotes by many of them. So that’s cool.

[Joseph R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book of biographies is focused on Catholics who have made contributions to our scientific advancement, starting with Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) and ending with Pope Francis and Karin Oberg, both still living as I write this.

The book's audience is children, so the biographies are short (three or four pages) and include a lot of nice art (similar to what's on the cover). Each bio gives, in addition to the person's scientific contributions, some historical context and how their faith influenced their lives. The breadth of discplines is impressive, including physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, genetics, computer science, and astrophysics. Many were religious who were supported in their scientific vocations by their orders or their dioceses. Many are also lay Catholics, often parents who balanced faith, family, and career successfully. This book is a great introduction to these people and puts the lie to the supposed division between faith and science.

Recommended, highly for kids.

[Bébhinn Ní Riain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. The biographies of the people mentioned are just the right length to keep you interested without overwhelming you. The art is stunning, with each biography commencing with an illustration of the person being discussed. The people discussed are from a wide range of scientific backgrounds: astrophysicists, mathematicians, biology and medicine etc. The female representation is surprisingly good, with 9 out of the 25 people mentioned being women. This book was also incredibly easy to read. Definitely would read again.

[Bice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a high quality beautifully illustrated book. ( Middle School?)
I was drawn to the Title. At first I thought it would have been better if Author had not put “Catholic “ in the title. After reading it so glad he did.
The book begins with Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). The rest run chronologically with the last being Karin Öberg (1982-).
A great mix of widely known individuals and those I “met” for the first time. I was especially intrigued by Sister Mary Kenneth Keller
Pioneer in Computer Science (December 17, 1913-January10, 1985).

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mainly for kids but still a great collection of 25 micro biographies of devout Catholics who made significant contributions to science. I must question the inclusion of Pope Francis. If you were including Popes who made science supporting statements, you could have put in the last five Popes at least.

[Sarah Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a BEAUTIFUL book and I learned a lot of new catholic scientists. Being a Catholic scientist myself, I appreciated the storytelling.

The sketches are visually stunning but the lack of color and wordy nature of the entries makes this a great read for adults or older kids.

[Valerie Kolbinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great for bedtime stories with my kids, ages 9 to 13.

[Jurene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. Catholic is questionable for some who lived before the reformation, yet it's very cool to see women listed in the line-up.

[Roxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting!

[Reanne - (Faith, Fiction, Fact and Fluff) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far too often, we hear the lie, “You cannot be a true scientist and believe in God.”

History proves that men and women throughout the centuries have devoted their lives to both science and religion. These two things are not opposed, but rather different ways of learning about the truth of who God is and the world he created.

This middle school book provides short biographies and beautiful illustrations to share the stories of Catholic men and women who were on the forefront of scientific discovery. It’s inspiring to read about these pioneers in genetics, astrophysics, microbiology, anatomy, geology, medicine, computer science, and mathematics.

If you are a homeschooling parent or have young kids at home, this is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the wonders of science and math and how each person is called to pursue their God-given passions and seek the truth.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRILLIANT! is a compendium of short biographies of 25 scientists and mathematicians whose work enriched humanity. In addition to being passionate about learning and discovery, these men and women were (and are!) also passionate about their faith in God. Their stories are beautiful examples of faith and science serving each other in harmony. The book is written for middle grade readers, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was introduced to several scientists, including some amazing women, whom I’d never heard of before. Now, I’m inspired to do some additional research!