In our latest edition of Covalence, we dive into two arenas where science and faith may have the greatest impact on society.
George Murphy this month looks at the role of scientist in society. He asks some of the hard questions from the viewpoint of or modern dilemmas. Are scientists allowed to sin boldly? How can sin be defined when it comes to the work of those in the lab?
Secondly, Grace Wolf Chase provides some insights from her work as a scientist and promoter of citizen science in the pews. Her account of her recent Zooniverse project provides a wonderful commentary on work being done in faith communities to promote science appreciation to a larger audience.
Whether the setting was the seminary or a church basement, the learning about the work of scientists provided a path to leave the religion and science conflict imagery behind and move forward to a greater understanding of the role each plays in understanding our humanity and the world in all its diversity and splendor.
Chase quotes the sociological research from Dr. Elaine Howard Ecklund, who is well-known for her sweeping surveys on perceptions of religion and science. As we see from this month’s news section Ecklund was just named director of the Boniuk Institute for Religious Tolerance at Rice University, where she intends to continue her research program.
We hope you enjoy this month’s issue!
Susan Barreto, Editor
Covalence
@luthcovalence
relandsci@gmail.com
Susan is an author with a long-time interest in religion and science. She currently edits Covalence, the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology’s online magazine. She has written articles in The Lutheran and the Zygon Center for Religion and Science newsletter. Susan is a board member for the Center for Advanced Study of Religion and Science, the supporting organization for the Zygon Center and the Zygon Journal. She also co-wrote Our Bodies Are Selves with Dr. Philip Hefner and Dr. Ann Pederson.
