Sunday, July 6, 2008

Spiritual Scientists are speaking up

Science Finds God

Sharon Begley wrote an well researched article, illuminating the debate between science and religion:

...But now "theology and science are entering into a new relationship," says physicist turned theologian Robert John Russell, who in 1981 founded the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. Rather than undercutting faith and a sense of the spiritual, scientific discoveries are offering support for them, at least in the minds of people of faith...

I've discussed before the inappropriateness, on display on many "A" and "ScienceBlogs" (who won't be linked here), of labeling anyone expressing even an inkling of spirituality or agnosticism 'crazy' or 'retarded'. The article addresses that concern:

...Today the scientific community so scorns faith, says Sandage, that "there is a reluctance to reveal yourself as a believer, the opprobrium is so severe...

So, some scientists are spiritually closeted! Wonderful! Grrr... But getting back to the article, it's only a matter of time before evolution raises its head:
...Evolution, say some scientist-theologians, provides clues to the very nature of God. And chaos theory...is being interpreted as opening a door for God to act in the world...

I think I have a better grasp of Chaos Theory, now that I know of the Machine Elves. The fact that Sharon's article appeared in the traditional media (Newsweek) indicates a hunger for the war between science and religion to end, or at least reach a truce.

4 comments:

Livia Indica said...

We can only hope. At least pagans have brighter heads on our shoulders.

genexs said...

The thing I found upsetting was the fact that spiritual scientists felt they needed to keep a low profile because they feared ridicule. Considering how one rather narcissistic professor recently posted that he would deny tenure to someone of a fundamentalist nature, I think that fear is well founded. I'm no fan of biblical literalists, but that sounds more than a bit extreme.

best,
Gene

Anonymous said...

Have you heard of the Templeton Foundation? Its mission is to bring religion and science together. The founder just passed away, yesterday I believe. Seems they do some good work. Check out www.templeton.org if interested.

By the way, I'd love to add your site to my blogroll. I like the way you think!

genexs said...

Hey Riverwolf:

Great minds run in the same gutter! :) I was thinking of adding to my blogroll, as well. Will check out the link.

Cheers,
Gene