A space of freedom in the French clergy: Natural science (late 19th to early 20th century)

Members of the French clergy showed considerable enthusiasm for the natural sciences during the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century. Hundreds of priests and friars were practising entomology or ornithology, with the intention of contributing to scientific progress and shedding light on Creation. Natural science was both an extension of apostolic action and a hobby, which explains why the Catholic Church hierarchy was ambivalent to these activities, which were tolerated more than they were encouraged. This enthusiasm for the natural sciences was a grassroots trend, which also conveyed meaning about how the institution functioned. It was a sign that clergy members could build their own paths and develop activities that partially evaded supervision by the Church hierarchy. Hence the natural sciences were also seen as a space of freedom, allowing clergy members to be partially freed from the weight of the institution.