The Coexistence of Science and Religion: What's in it For Me?
The Coexistence of Science and Religion:What's in it For Me?Aaron J. PlaceDepartment of Natural ScienceNorthwestern Oklahoma State UniversityAlva, OK American Association for the Advancement of ScienceSouthwest and Rocky Mountains RegionUniversity of TulsaMarch 31, 2012
History of the "conflict"
Possible relationships between science and religion
Benefits of a dialogue between science and religionhttp://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/05/30/scientific-designs-and-tutorials-that-will-inspire-you/
Media portrayal of the "conflict"
Religious views in AmericaAccording to Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Religious Landscape survey:71% are certain there is a God82% say religion is somewhat or very important in their life46% attend services a few times a year or lessSplit three ways on literality of holy scripture68% say there is more than one true way to interpret the teachings of their religion
Spiritual beliefs are important, but there is flexibility in understanding spiritual matters
Perceptions of science in AmericaAccording to a 2009 Pew Research Center for the People and Press survey:84% say science has had a positive effect on society52% mostly tied to medical advancesrange: 6-8% cite space, environment and telecommunications70% say scientists contribute to the well-being of society17% say US science advances are best in the world55% say science is often in conflict with religion61% say science does not conflict with their religious viewsOverall favorable view, but no data on basic science
History of the conflict16th - 19th centuriesInitially Science and Religion go hand in hand Galileo, Newton, and others1890'sAndrew Dickson White - A History of Warfare of Science with Theology in ChristendomWilliam Draper - History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science1960'sThe rise of "Radical" Fundamentalism21st century"New" atheists
Possible relationships between Science and ReligionConflict"New" atheists - scientismreligious fundamentalists - literalism
IndependenceNOMA
DialogueDarwin Weekend and Clergy Letter ProjectTempleton Foundation projects
Possible relationships between Science and ReligionIntegration"one reality, one methodology" Charles Raven
ConsonanceAutonomous but reconcilablecommon domains of question asking
Assimilationmaximal conceptual merging
Benefits of a dialogueTo Science:
Improved public funding funding
Freedom to pursue important questions
Freedom to teach sound science
Benefits of a dialogueTo Religion
Studying and learning about creation brings person closer to God
Develop a fuller understanding of God
Benefits of a dialogueTo the Public:
Scientifically literate electorate
Continued technological advance
More complete or fulfilled person
"Science can purify religion from error and superstition, religion can purify science of idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world... in which both can flourish." --Pope John Paul II
AcknowledgmentsRev. J. F. WickeyRev. Judye PistoleRev. Colin GrangaardScientists in Congregations and JTFColeman Teel