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Science vs. Creationism

Evolution Weekend 2009 shows growth in participation and media coverage     [3-2-09]

We have reported before on the continuing effort of TheClergyLetterProject.org to encourage reasonable discussion on the perceived tensions between science and faith – especially the efforts of various conservative religious groups to require the teaching of “creation science” in the schools.

Here is part of a report from Michael Zimmerman, of Butler University, on recent observances of “Evolution Weekend,” and a couple related matters.

Zimmerman’s note to members of the group:

Now that Evolution Weekend 2009 has successfully passed, it seems a good time to catch up on events – as well as to present a fair bit of additional news.

An Update on Evolution Weekend 2009

I think it is fair to say that the success of Evolution Weekend 2009 exceeded even my most optimistic expectations. Our latest count shows that 1,045 congregations from 15 countries participated (www.evolutionweekend.org). Because the media coverage was so extensive, with reports ranging from NPR to Fox News, we reached a huge number of folks. Most importantly, because of your efforts, the nature of the discussion about the relationship between religion and science has begun to change. Please check out some of the media coverage on our web site (http://www.butler.edu/clergyproject/Resources/Related_news.htm). If you have links to reports that are not listed there, please send them to me.

Additionally, our list of sermons (http://www.butler.edu/clergyproject/Resources/Res_Sermons.htm) continues to grow. If you have one that you would like me to list, please send it along as well.

Finally, and I know that this might sound crazy, but I am beginning to build our list of participants for Evolution Weekend 2010 (12-14 February 2010)! If you sign up now, you’ll help us enormously because we’ll be able to focus our efforts on expanding our list of participants. So, if you plan to participate again in 2010, please let me know now. Remember that while your signature on The Clergy Letter remains good forever, you must sign up to participate in Evolution Weekend each year. To sign up, simply drop me a note at mz@butler.edu.

An Introduction to The Evolutionary Times

Michael Dowd (Thank God for Evolution) has a new on-line publication, The Evolutionary Times (http://evolutionarytimes.org/index.php) that might interest many of you. The February issue has a story about Evolution Weekend in it. If you have pictures of Evolution Weekend events that you would like to share, or if you have an article you would like to be reviewed for publication in The Evolutionary Times, please send them to Paul West at paul@thankgodforevolution.com.

An Update on our Clergy Letters

Our three Clergy Letters continue to gather signatures very nicely. Our original Christian Clergy Letter now has amassed 11,870 names while our Rabbi Letter has 452 signatures and, our newest effort, our Unitarian Universalist Clergy Letter, already has 196 signatures. Please help us expand our base of support by sending a note to a colleague asking her/him to sign on.

Please take a minute and ask a friend or colleague who has not yet signed one of The Clergy Letters to do so. This simple effort means an enormous amount to the long-term success of The Clergy Letter Project.

Final Thoughts 

Thanks to your efforts, The Clergy Letter Project has had a phenomenal year. We reached unprecedented numbers of people with our message that religion and science can be compatible and we’ve raised the quality of the discourse on this important topic. With the Texas State Board of Education scheduled to meet in three weeks to decide upon science standards across the state and with anti-evolution legislation being introduced in a number of states, typically in the name of religion, our work is far from over. 

Please sign up now for Evolution Weekend 2010 and please pass information about The Clergy Letter Project (www.theclergyletterproject.org) to folks around the globe. Together we can make a difference.

 Michael

Michael Zimmerman
Office of the Dean
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN 46208

Tel: 317.940.9224
Fax: 317.940.8815

mz@butler.edu

A Presbyterian friend asks us to think about ...

Charles Darwin and the Teaching of the Church
[9-18-08]

Click here for comments on this note.

Charles Darwin was born on 12 February 1809. Next year we will celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth. The Church of England is taking steps to recognize his birth and his contributions to the advancement of science. Click here for one report from The Guardian.

The theory of evolution impacts on some basic Christian beliefs such as "original sin" and Paul's teaching regarding "original sin."   

It raises questions: If evolution is true, when did men and women acquire immortal souls? If evolution is true, does this not mean that other species also have souls? Indeed, in Mark 16:15, didn't Jesus say: "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation."  

What is the Presbyterian Church doing to harmonize its theology with modern science? What are we teaching our children? Do we leave it up to the children to harmonize what they learn in church with what they learn in the secular world? Is it not time for the church to rethink its theology – bringing it into the 21 century? If not now, when?   

John Tindal  
Sumter, South Carolina

Mr. Tindal added another note from the Anglican Church, pointing to this report:

Church of England issues 'apology' to Darwin

A spokesman for the Church of England has said the church misunderstood Charles Darwin's work nearly 150 years ago and that "by getting our first reaction wrong," has continued an on-going misunderstanding.

At the end of an essay titled "Good religion needs good science," the Rev. Dr. Malcolm Brown, the Church of England director of mission and public affairs, addressed Darwin directly, saying that nearly 200 years after his birth "the Church of England owes you an apology for misunderstanding you and, by getting our first reaction wrong, encouraging others to misunderstand you still."   The rest of the story >> 

And a little note from your WebWeaver:

I'm no expert on this huge subject, but here are a few quick thoughts:

We have mentioned before (and borrowed from!) John Shuck's very lively blog, which he calls "Shuck and Jive." He deals with lots of different subjects, but the evolution-vs.-creationism question is one of them. For one sample, click here >>

Also, the Presbyterian Church has a study group on "science, technology and the Christian faith." Click here for an introduction to the group. You’ll find more on their own website >>


So, friends, here’s an invitation to join one thoughtful and concerned Presbyterian in dealing with an issue which has been with us for some years, and has been revived lately with Gov. Sarah Palin’s nomination for Vice President.

What thoughts (or concerns or questions) do you have on the apparent tension between scientific and traditional Christian views of creation and evolution?

Please send a note,
to be shared here!
 

Two readers comment on the Darwin celebration
[posted 9-23-08]


September 19, 2008

Thanks, Doug, especially for the piece on Darwin and the Teaching Church. We hope to have a nice workshop in Bayfield in February on Darwin. ... I'll send along updates as our plans solidify. I think there will be many others doing similar things. Check out: http://www.clergyletterproject.net/index.php 

This got its start right here in Wisconsin, at [the University of Wisconsin,] Oshkosh.

David Oliver-Holder
Bayfield, Wisconsin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

September 21, 2008

It seems to me, as a layman, that one of our big problems is trying to "harmonize" our theology with science. This usually means "without changing our theology." Case in point is the idea of "immortal soul" and an "immutable God." Belief in neither of these is essential to being a Christian. That God changes is a given for Charles Hartshorne and Process theologians who are Christians and churchmen. The idea of immortal soul has long been an assumption of many Christians, but does not seem to be essential if we believe in a God who is immortal. I trust, in my resurrection faith, that the essence of who I am and the good that is in my life (and, unfortunately the bad) lives in God; but this does not for me require any self-conscious awareness on my part after I die. It might be nice to have a self-conscious afterlife, or it might be that I would be bored out of my mind if I had no choices to make. An immortal soul might also be our overly enlarged sense of our own importance if we think we need to live in some blissful state.

Rethinking our theology might be more important and truer to our search for truth and our honoring of Darwin than merely harmonizing our theology to accepted scientific theory.

Jim Green
Milwaukee, WI
greenj@msoe.edu

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please add your comment.
Just send a note,
to be shared here!

Premier science organization denounces ‘anti-evolution’ legislation    [2-22-06]

US scientific leaders have launched a new assault on political attempts to undermine the teaching of evolution in public schools. The American Association for the Advancement of Science, supported by 30 other scientific and educational organizations, adopted a declaration denouncing "anti-evolution" legislation that is pending in 14 states.   More >>

No more "intelligent design" as science

Judge rules against Pennsylvania biology curriculum   [12-21-05]

The Associated Press reports that U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III has ruled that "intelligent design" cannot be mentioned in biology classes in a Pennsylvania public school district, in one of the biggest courtroom clashes on evolution since the 1925 Scopes trial.

Dover Area School Board members violated the Constitution when they ordered that its biology curriculum must include the notion that life on Earth was produced by an unidentified intelligent cause, Judge Jones said. Several members repeatedly lied to cover their motives even while professing religious beliefs, he added.  The full report >>

The Christian Century has two helpful articles in its December 27, 2005, issue:

  • an interview with Nancey Murphy, who brings to bear her advanced studies in theology and the philosophy of science to talk about "Nature's God."
  • observations on the debate by David Steinmetz, who teaches the history of Christianity at Duke Divinity School.
  • These are apparently not yet available on the Web.  Sorry!


    Americans United hails federal court ruling against 'intelligent design' in public schools

    Sweeping decision should bring latest creationist crusade to a halt, church-state watchdog group says

    Their statement >>

    Bush endorses 'intelligent design,' contending the theory should be taught with evolution.  [8-5-05]

    The Boston Globe reports

    Also on TruthOut

    Americans United calls Bush endorsement of 'intelligent design' in public schools "irresponsible"

    Witherspoon joins in court case:
    No need to disclaim evolution, says brief filed in Cobb County, GA
    [6-13-05]

    The Witherspoon Society has joined an amicus brief filed in support of a recent U.S. District Court decision, Selman v. Cobb County School District, which ruled that the evolution "warning labels" required in Cobb County, Georgia, public school textbooks were unconstitutional. The "friend of the court brief" was filed in the eleventh circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals, in response to an appeal seeking to overturn the Selman decision.

    An open letter on the integrity of science

    The Rev. Herbert Valentine, former Moderator of the PC(USA), has forwarded an open letter which makes clear that Christians are not all standing against science. It may be a good way to tell the Religious Right that they do not represent the Christianity that many of us know.  The author is seeking people who will add their names in support of the letter.   [2-5-05]

    God and Darwin

    In an editorial today, the Washington Post calls attention to the renewed efforts of some religious groups to challenge the teaching of evolution by arguing that it is "merely" theory, which they counter with a theory of their own - essentially the traditional argument from "intelligent design." The writer warns that although "... t hey do no experiments and do not publish in recognized scientific journals ... this new generation of anti-evolutionists, arguing that children have a 'right to question' scientific truths, has had widespread success in undermining evolutionary theory."  [1-24-05]

    Evolution vs. creationism - resources for the continuing debate

    [4-23-04]


    The evolution-versus-creationism battle has been going on for decades, especially in struggles in countless local school boards around the country. We've been asked for material that would help people deal with the arguments in their own communities.

    For starters, we offer a short "op ed" piece written recently for the St. Paul Pioneer Press by Jamie Crannell, a science teacher in a Twin Cities high school. He has also been serving as a member of the Minnesota Academic Standards Committee, which was created to deal with the designing of new standards in both the natural and social sciences. The current Secretary of Education in Minnesota, Sharon Yecke, has been pressing very hard to introduce a conservative slant into both the social and the natural sciences. With the backing of some conservative lobbying groups, this has become a battle over such issues as the demand that "creationism" be taught as a legitimate alternative to the "theory of evolution."

    Crannell, who is an elder in St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Wayzata, MN, writes as a science teacher and a Christian, but not as a theological scholar. He also points to a very helpful and extensive article in Scientific American that deals with what the author calls, in cool academic prose, "creationist nonsense."

    If you can suggest (or write!) other resources,
    please send a note
    and we'll share them all here.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Science Education Under Siege


    The ongoing effort to portray evolution as a controversial theory in science is unfortunate for Minnesotans, for scientific literacy, and for the education of our children. The Minnesota House recently amended the Science Standards to insinuate that evolution is not firmly established as science.

    This amendment challenges the validity of evolution by redirecting the intent of the standards. The "History and Nature of Science" strand, as it was written, contains language that addresses the dynamic aspect of theories in science.

    "The student will be able to explain how scientific and technological innovations as well as new evidence can challenge portions of or entire accepted theories and models including but not limited to the cell theory, atomic theory, theory of evolution, plate tectonic theory, germ theory of disease and big bang theory."

    The committee placed the language where it fits best. The wording should not be altered or moved. This standard was carefully designed to contribute to scientific literacy and a life-long understanding of science.

    This amendment is an attempt to undermine science education in our state. Throughout the process of developing the standards there was ongoing pressure from special interest groups and public input to have non-scientific "theories" added to the science standards. One "theory" was "intelligent design"/creationism which argues that science is incapable of explaining something as complex as human life; therefore an "intelligent designer" must be responsible. While there may be an "intelligent designer" - that is religion and is beyond the scope of science. This amendment is a way to allow nonscientific "theories" to be part of what is taught as science.

    The arguments in favor of the amendment include rationalizations that it will lead to a better science education by fostering critical thinking, academic freedom, and fairness. These arguments are disingenuous: they do not honestly characterize the science standards. The history of the development of these standards suggests that the purpose of amending the standards was really to address the validity of evolution.

    Science is about a critical analysis of data and critical thinking. To insinuate that critical thinking is not a goal because nonscientific "theories" are not included as science is nonsense. Nothing in the science standards precludes or limits academic freedom. Nothing limits a teacher from discussing students' concerns about evolution or any other topic.

    Science is both glorious and humble. It helps us make sense of the amazing and wonderful world around us, but requires us to understand the world in a humble way - with verifiable facts. Science starts with observations then identifies patterns to help us understand how the natural world works. Religion also deals with reality, but adds another dimension - belief or faith - to our understanding of reality.

    Belief is simply not part of the discipline of science; however, science is founded upon finding a rationale and logical explanation for what is observed. The theory of biological evolution is the most plausible current explanation for the diversity of organisms seen today and throughout the fossil record - from the point of view of science. This is not a fairness issue; this is how science works.

    At a Senate Education subcommittee hearing on March 18, Senator Bachmann listed many of the common misconceptions about evolution as reasons why this theory is "controversial." Bachmann mentioned the second law of thermodynamics, irreducible complexity, and a lack of transitional fossils. These misconceptions are clarified and explained in an article published in Scientific American in July 2002.

    The science standards were developed according to a process that included a diverse committee of teachers and non-teachers, scientists and lay people. Public input was gathered and considered. The final draft was submitted to the legislature after being recommended for adoption by the Commissioner of Education. Both scientists and science educators support the standards. The science standards need to be passed as written, without amendment.


    Jamie Crannell

    Minnesota Academic Standards Committee member
    Science Teacher at Chaska High School

    If you can suggest (or write!) other resources,
    please send a note
    and we'll share them all here.

    More on evolution and creationism    [4-26-04]

    Last week we posted an essay on the debate over the teaching of science - and specifically evolution - in our schools. We invited comments, and we've received a very helpful note arguing against the use of the term "theory" in relation to evolution, and pointing to resources for those who want more information.

    To the webmaster-

    The best book I have found on evolution from a Christian perspective is Finding Darwin's God, A Scientist's Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution by Kenneth R. Miller (Cliff Street Books, 1999), professor of Biology at Brown University. Other excellent books are The Sacred Depths of Nature by Ursula Goodenough (Oxford University Press, 1998), professor of Biology at Washington University, and for an historical perspective, The Creationists, the Evolution of Scientific Creationism by Ronald Numbers (Univ. California Press, 1993), professor of Science History at the University of Wisconsin.    [Scroll down to order any of these books through Amazon.com]

    An excellent web site is www.talkorigins.org - The Talk.Origins Archive: Exploring the Creation/Evolution Controversy.

    I take strong exception to the term "theory of evolution." There are actually three issues here.

    First, there is the FACT of evolution: organisms are related by common descent with modifications. This is established with the utmost certainty and is beyond reasonable doubt.

    Secondly, many conclusions of evolutionary history are well established; e.g., chimpanzees and gorillas are more closely related to humans than to baboons or other monkeys. Other conclusions are less certain. Still others remain largely unresolved; e.g., precisely when did life originate on earth.

    Lastly, current understanding is limited on the mechanisms or processes by which evolutionary changes occur. The generally accepted theory is that mutations occur in genetic material (DNA) at essentially a constant rate, and "useful" mutations are then perpetuated by natural selection.


    -- Patrick Magee, Elder, Stone Church of Willow Glen (PCUSA), San Jose CA

     

     

     

     

    Some blogs worth visiting

    PVJ's Facebook page

    Mitch Trigger, PVJ's Secretary/Communicator, has created a Facebook page where Witherspoon members and others can gather to exchange news and views. Mitch and a few others have posted bits of news, both personal and organizational. But there’s room for more!

    You can post your own news and views, or initiate a conversation about a topic of interest to you.

     

    John Shuck’s new "Religion for Life" website

    Long-time and stimulating blogger John Shuck, a Presbyterian minister currently serving as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, Tenn., writes about spirituality, culture, religion (both organized and disorganized), life, evolution, literature, Jesus, and lightening up.

    Click here for his blog posts.

    Click here for podcasts of his radio program, which "explores the intersection of religion, social justice and public life."

     

    John Harris’ Summit to Shore blogspot

    Theological and philosophical reflections on everything between summit to shore, including kayaking, climbing, religion, spirituality, philosophy, theology, The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), New York City and the Queens neighborhood of Ridgewood -- by a progressive New York City Presbyterian Pastor. John is a former member of the Witherspoon board, and is designated pastor of North Presbyterian Church in Flushing, NY.

     

    Voices of Sophia blog

    Heather Reichgott, who has created this new blog for Voices of Sophia, introduces it:

    After fifteen years of scholarship and activism, Voices of Sophia presents a blog. Here, we present the voices of feminist theologians of all stripes: scholars, clergy, students, exiles, missionaries, workers, thinkers, artists, lovers and devotees, from many parts of the world, all children of the God in whose image women are made. .... This blog seeks to glorify God through prayer, work, art, and intellectual reflection. Through articles and ensuing discussion we hope to become an active and thoughtful community.

     

    Got more blogs to recommend?

    Please send a note, and we'll see what we can do!

     

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