From the Seton Hall University website:
Rev. Stanley L. Jaki, the world-renowned Hungarian-born author, physicist, philosopher and theologian died April 7 in Madrid, following a heart attack. Known as a leading thinker in areas at the boundary of theology and science, Jaki was awarded the Templeton Prize in 1987. He was cited for delineating "the importance of differences as well as similarities between science and religion, adding significant, balanced enlightenment to the field."
He had traveled to Spain from Rome where he had lectured last week on his latest book at the Renaissance-era Casina (Garden House) of Pope Pius IV, headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, of which he was an honorary member since 1990. He was 84 years old.
Father Jaki belonged to the Benedictine religious order, having joined as a novice in 1942, professed his solemn vows in 1944 and been ordained a priest in 1948. Survivors include two brothers, both also Benedictine priests: Rev. Zeno Jaki, O.S.B., and Rev. Theodose Jaki, O.S.B., who reside at St. Martin's Archabbey in Pannonhalma, Hungary.
He had traveled to Spain from Rome where he had lectured last week on his latest book at the Renaissance-era Casina (Garden House) of Pope Pius IV, headquarters of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, of which he was an honorary member since 1990. He was 84 years old.
Father Jaki belonged to the Benedictine religious order, having joined as a novice in 1942, professed his solemn vows in 1944 and been ordained a priest in 1948. Survivors include two brothers, both also Benedictine priests: Rev. Zeno Jaki, O.S.B., and Rev. Theodose Jaki, O.S.B., who reside at St. Martin's Archabbey in Pannonhalma, Hungary.
Was able to hear Fr. Jaki speak the week before he passed away in Rome. He spoke on the very topic he gave so much of his life to- the boundary of science and religion. His definitely deserves to be read. He was a gifted man.
Posted by: Adam | Wednesday, April 08, 2009 at 11:57 AM
I don't know much about this many-faceted man, and I haven't read much of what he wrote. But I have read one of his books--Chesterton, A Seer of Science--one of the best books on Chesterton I've ever read.
M. L. Hearing
Posted by: M. L. Hearing | Thursday, April 09, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Departing in early March for a lengthy vacation, at the last moment I stuffed into my suitcase a copy of Stanley Jaki's Patterns or Principles which had been sitting unopenned on my library shelf for some months.
A collection of essays on science and philosophy,it is not easy going, but rewards a serious effort. Once started it was hard to put down and I read and took notes on all 12 entries, completing it on April 7, the day Fr Jaki died.
I am now looking foreward to enlarging my collection of his publications. It will be a long term undertaking undertaking. Amazon.com alone contains no fewer than 109 entries.
Posted by: John Bryson | Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 07:39 AM