scientific and moral
People of faith are not necessarily gifted scientists. I, for one, have a lot of faith and great comfort in discussions of theology but absolutely no grace in a science classroom.
A good homework night at our house includes Social Studies. Grammar and Algebra aren’t bad either. But when I’m called in to help on Science, we’re all in trouble. I was one of those mothers who actively discouraged my kids from participating in the Science Fair. Reading has dyslexics and Math has dyscalculia. I’m not sure what the LD designation would be for Science, but I am sure that whatever it is I would be the poster child. Not surprisingly, then, when I launch into a sermon example involving anything scientific, my spouse winces. Inevitably, I miss the mark.
The success of our annual summer Peace Trail program for children, which is an integration of theology and science, is the leadership of (scientist) Laurie Shornick and (applied mathematician) Alyssa Schnell. These two women bring the wonder and discipline of science to the work of peacemaking that typically eludes people like me. As we dream and plan together, I am struck by the incredible grace of sharing divergent gifts.
All of which is to say that I am incredibly grateful for the timely Pastoral Letter offered by the Rev. John H. Thomas (General Minister and President, the United Church of Christ) entitled “A New Voice Rising: A Pastoral Letter on Faith Engaging Science and Technology.” This letter speaks to the historic “combustible” relationship between faith and science and offers a prophetic word of inclusivity. “We are insatiably curious, and our profound curiosity fuels equally the venture of science and the quest of faith.” Thomas encourages us to embrace both our scientific and our moral minds, to experience the tension therein, and to strive for mutual accountability and respect.
Given my experience of this grace, I am admittedly perplexed about the fear of science in communities of faith. Confused, but not blind. As we approach another election year, a group of Missourians is again working to limit scientific inquiry in the name of faith. People of faith need to find our voices before it is too late. It is neither logical nor faithful to limit scientific inquiry based on scientific definitions offered by non-scientists.
What most amazes me, however, is that Thomas, a brilliant and compassionate theologian, is able to offer a statement that has scientific integrity. I can only assume that he has a gifted scientist in his congregation. We need them, now more than ever.