The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 300: Science, Bodily Integrity, and the Dead (2025)

Date: October 27, 2025
Sections Covered: Catechism Paragraphs 2292–2301

Overview of the Episode’s Main Theme

On this milestone 300th day, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the Catholic Church's guidance regarding respect for the human person as it relates to scientific research, bodily integrity, and care for the dead. Drawing from paragraphs 2292–2301 of the Catechism, he unpacks the Church’s balanced approach: affirming the good of science and technology while insisting they be ordered towards the dignity and integral good of the human person. The episode also addresses past Church failings (e.g., use of torture) with honesty, discusses the morality of organ transplants, and provides clarity on topics such as cremation and autopsies. Fr. Mike’s insights ground these ethical teachings in both our current era and Church history.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Science, Technology, and the Dignity of the Person

Timestamp: 04:20–13:10

• The Church affirms scientific, medical, and psychological research as a significant and good expression of human stewardship over creation, especially when directed toward healing and public benefit.

• However, “Science and technology are precious resources… but by themselves, they cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress.” (Catechism 2293)

• Fr. Mike contrasts the search for natural truth in science with the deeper existential questions answered by faith:

  “Science is a search for truth, but it’s a search for natural truth. Faith is also about truth…and truth cannot contradict truth. But [science] asks ‘what is this?’ and ‘how did it come to be?’ Whereas faith also asks ‘why is this here?’ and ‘who did it?’”
  (Fr. Mike, 10:17)

• He warns against “scientism”—the ideology that science can provide all answers, and stresses the Church’s teaching that all research must be ordered to the good and dignity of the person.

2. Moral Boundaries in Scientific Research

Timestamp: 13:11–17:40

• There is “an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its applications” (Catechism 2294). Science always serves moral ends; it’s never ethically neutral.
• Fr. Mike draws a pop culture parallel:

  “This is the Jurassic Park thing: we’re so busy wondering whether or not we could, we didn’t stop to ask whether or not we should do this thing.”
  (Fr. Mike, 14:30)

• Research or experimentation on humans is not legitimate if it
  • Violates dignity or the moral law
  • Lacks free, informed consent
  • Exposes subjects to disproportionate or avoidable risks
• Organ donation is good when done freely and with proper risk/benefit balance. Directly causing harm or death—even for potential good—is strictly forbidden.

3. Respect for Bodily Integrity

Timestamp: 17:41–25:00

• The Church strongly condemns kidnapping, hostage-taking, terrorism, and especially torture, noting these acts violate personal dignity.

  “Torture, which uses physical or moral violence…is contrary to respect for the person and for human dignity.”
  (Catechism 2297, paraphrased at 18:30)

• Fr. Mike recalls cultural moments (post-9/11, TV show “24”) to illustrate how people can be tempted to excuse torture for a “greater good,” but reiterates:

  “Even when it seems like it could be a good, torture is not a good.”
  (Fr. Mike, 19:08)

• Medical mutilations or sterilizations not required for therapy are gravely immoral.
• He acknowledges the Church’s historical complicity in cruel practices—“a dark time in the history of the Church”—but stresses that the Church now explicitly condemns such acts, even those committed by its own members.

4. Church Teaching and Historical Failures

Timestamp: 19:45–26:40

• Reflects critically on the Inquisition and prior Church tribunals’ acceptance of torture:

  “The Church courts had less severe penalties, less severe tortures…Does that make everything all good? No. But it does demonstrate at least a little bit that the Church was trying to stand apart from the civil authorities…”
  (Fr. Mike, 22:44)

• Differentiates between infallible Church doctrine and the sinful actions of Church members. Stresses the need for honest historical understanding, not excuses.

5. Respect for the Dying and the Dead

Timestamp: 26:41–30:56

• Dying persons should receive “attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace,” including access to the sacraments and prayers from loved ones.
• The Church highly esteems the corporal work of mercy in burying the dead, emphasizing that the human body is sacred.

  “To bury the dead honors the children of God who are temples of the Holy Spirit.”
  (Fr. Mike, paraphrasing 27:15)

• Autopsies are morally permissible if done for lawful inquiry or scientific advancement.
• Organ donation after death is “noble and meritorious” (Catechism 2301), while cremation is permitted if it doesn’t signify denial of bodily resurrection.

  “Cremation is allowed, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.”
  (Fr. Mike, 29:03)

• Fr. Mike explains the historical roots of the Church’s past prohibitions on cremation, tracing them to cultural understandings of the body and soul in antiquity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Just because we can do a thing doesn’t mean we ought to do a thing.”
  (Fr. Mike, 04:10)
• “Science and technology…require unconditional respect for fundamental moral criteria. They must be at the service of the human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, and in conformity with the plan and the will of God.”
  (Fr. Mike quoting the Catechism, 14:20)
• “The Church condemns the acts of members of the Church who may have even acted in the name of the Church…It’s really important for us to understand and accept.”
  (Fr. Mike, 24:04)
• “Burying the dead is a work of mercy…thank you so much. It is incredibly important.”
  (Fr. Mike, 27:38)
• “Cremation is allowed, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.”
  (Fr. Mike, 29:03)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 04:20 — Science and its limits; contrast with faith, definition of scientism
• 10:17 — Science vs. faith: different but complementary questions
• 13:11 — Moral boundaries in research; true moral guidance is required
• 14:30 — “Jurassic Park” quote on moral discernment
• 17:41 — Informed consent, organ donation, and moral limits in medicine
• 18:30 — Church’s absolute prohibition against torture
• 19:45–24:04 — Acknowledgment of past Church complicity in cruelty; historical context
• 26:41 — Care for the dying and the dead; burial as work of mercy
• 29:03 — Cremation allowed if not a denial of resurrection

Recap and Tone

Fr. Mike’s delivery is warm, honest, and pastorally challenging. He warmly congratulates listeners on reaching day 300, offers prayers for all, and expresses gratitude for the community’s perseverance and support. The episode is both intellectually rich and personally engaging, helping Catholics and all listeners wrestle with complex moral issues while remaining hopeful and committed to the dignity of each person in every circumstance.

Summary prepared for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the episode’s content, teachings, and tone.