WASHINGTON, the UNITED STATES - Marcelo Gleiser, a Brazilian theoretical physicist took home the annual Templeton Prize in recognition of his outstanding contributions to "affirming life's spiritual dimension." Gleiser's studies demonstrate the non-opposing relation between science and religion.
Gleiser was born in Rio de Janeiro but lived in the United States since 1986. The specializations of 60-year-old physics and astronomy professor include cosmology. Since 1991, the professor taught at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire University.
As an agnostic, Gleiser claims not to have faith or any disbelief in God. Gleiser further explains the inconsistency that the scientific method has in connection with atheism. The professor prefers to keep an open mind as human knowledge, as he understands is limited.
The John Templeton Foundation, a philanthropic organization, funded the prize awarded to Gleiser. The foundation was named after an American Presbyterian who, after making a fortune on Wall Street has embarked on a mission to seek proofs of divine agency in every branch of science there is.
The prize was first awarded in 1973. At £1.1 million or $1.5 million, the prize money outshines that of the Nobels. Among the most prominent winners of the award are Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, and unorthodox Soviet author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.
The physicist has written papers regarding Einstein, the climate change, black holes, hurricanes, the human conscience in connection to science, and the humanities such as philosophy, making these complex subjects more accessible. Gleiser has also authored five English-language books and a number of blogs and press articles both in the United States and in Brazil. The professor has observed how the search for the origins of life and the universe are important studies both in science and religion.
In an interview, Gleiser explains that science does not kill God and that "new atheists" are doing science a disservice whenever they make an enemy out of religion. The professor further explains that half the world needs religion as it provides a sense of identity and community and not just as a belief system devoted to God. The physicist further explains the importance of religion in the social aspect.
Gleiser has observed this occurrence as he grew up in a Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro where organizational cultural and social events are held including sports, recreational, and health programs.
Gleiser stated his disagreement with scientists announcing the unnecessity of God in explaining the origin of the universe as the matter has not been solved at all to the present day.
