Kuruvilla Pandikattu SJ

Sir Derek H.R. Barton (1918, England— 1998, , U.S.) is a joint recipient, with Odd Hassel of Norway, of the 1969 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his work on “conformational analysis,” the study of the three-dimensional geometric structure of complex molecules, now an essential part of organic chemistry.

Although Barton is most often remembered for his Nobel Prize-winning work on conformational analysis, he made considerable contributions to the art and science of organic chemistry. Barton regularly traveled, accepted many lectureships and visiting professorships, and often worked as an industrial consultant. He adamantly believed in the sharing of knowledge and the importance of exposing one’s ideas to critical review.

As a believer in God he holds that God is truth, which can be found by science and religion. “God is Truth. There is no incompatibility between science and religion. Both are seeking the same truth. Science shows that God exists.” He adds further: “The observations and experiments of science are so wonderful that the truth that they establish can surely be accepted as another manifestation of God. God shows himself by allowing man to establish truth.”

Most of the prominent scientists, including some atheists, refer to God When Sir Derek Barton was asked about his God he gives clear answer: “As I have already stated, God is Truth. But does God really have anything to do with man? Certainly, I cannot believe that God accepts only one religion, or one sect, as the only group authorized to speak for man. I would believe that God accepts all, even those who pretend not to believe. Morality and religion interact and much beneficial human behavior results from this interaction.”

For him religion is about establishing a personal relationship through prayer. “So religion is finally about the relationship of the individual and God. Can one speak to God? Prayers to God to advance one’s personal welfare, at the expense of the less righteous, are surely not welcome. Prayers to God to let one discover truth might be acceptable. Certainly, it is remarkable how we have been able to understand so much in our environment. God permits man to make observations and experiments which can be interpreted by logical thinking.”

Finally, he believes in the ultimate Truth of everything as God: “Our universe is infinitely large and infinitely small. It is infinite in time past and in future time. We can never understand infinity. It is the ultimate truth, which is God.”

kuru@jdv.edu.in