Congregations Gripped by Conversations with Scientists
How science relates to religion, and religion to science, is one of the crucial issues of our time. The philosopher Alfred North Whitehead remarked that these two areas of human endeavor are so important that “it is no exaggeration to say that the future course of history depends upon the decision of this generation as to the relations between them.”
Sadly, the relationship is often thought to be one of conflict. Scientists in Congregations aims to challenge that. It is funded by a grant of almost $2 million from the John Templeton Foundation.
The program works with scientists who are members of congregations to nurture their engagement with theology. The pastors of those congregations are also equipped to deepen their engagement with science. And the congregations are offered opportunities to discuss science in relation to their faith.
“Science can seem very threatening to faith,” explains Greg Cootsona, onsite co-project leader and associate pastor of adult discipleship and college ministries at Bidwell Presbyterian Church. “But a scientist who is from your community of faith can speak from a position of mutual trust.”
Through the Scientists in Congregations project, which has been running for about 18 months, thirty-six congregations have been awarded grants ranging from $11,500 to $30,000 that enable them to create or develop local initiatives. These range from discussion and reading groups to speaker and preaching programs. A very positive response to the project is already evident. “Many believers are actually fascinated by science,” Cootsona says. “They are excited about the chance to talk with experts who understand where they are coming from.”
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| Grant recipients at a recent conference |
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“Sir John Templeton thought that the future vitality of religious communities depended in large part on their ability to engage constructively with modern science,” adds Andrew Rick-Miller, program manager at JTF. “We are hoping to discover a few replicable ways in which creative programs with scientists can invigorate their pastors and their congregations.”
Concern about the implications of Darwinian evolution for faith is the number one issue that the project has encountered. Even though most American religious denominations teach that it is perfectly possible to accept evolution and believe in God, individuals in the pews show concern that the two cannot be brought together.
Historical questions are also keenly explored. Overly simplified stories about the conflict between Galileo and the Vatican in the seventeenth century, or how Darwin’s ideas were rejected by nineteenth century churchmen, conceal important details that bring the debate to life today.
Congregations want to learn about the methods of science and how they sit alongside faith too. It will also be increasingly important to openly explore what cognitive science says about what it means to believe.
“The conversation is so important because the best way to see the compatibility of science and religion is to hear committed believers who are scientists,” Cootsona concludes. “The conflict model is still dominant, but much of its power rests on ignorance. That changes as congregations learn more.”
St. Paul’s Welcomes Dalai Lama
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Photo: Clifford Shirley/Templeton Prize |
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2012 Templeton Prize presentation at
St. Paul's Cathedral |
A packed audience in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, warmly greeted the 14th Dalai Lama on Monday, May 14, as he was presented with the 2012 Templeton Prize.
The ceremony, which can be viewed online, heard Lord Brian Griffiths speaking in memory of Sir John Templeton, recalling his extraordinary breadth of vision, intellectual curiosity, and personal modesty.
Dr. John M. Templeton, Jr. spoke of the Prize, affirming that there are spiritual as well as material realities, and that the exploration of them might help reduce conflict between religions.
The common humanity of all peoples was stressed by the Dalai Lama, as he described the ultimate source of a calm mind being based upon the self-confidence born of openness.
The ceremony was preceded by a media panel, also available online, and press coverage of the event was extensive. The BBC reported that His Holiness was honored by the award. The Huffington Post published an interview with the Dalai Lama.
This was the first time the Dalai Lama had visited the cathedral. He greeted the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, who was also in attendance. Tibetan monks chanted before the ceremony and the choir of St. Paul’s sang throughout, with solos performed by soprano Jessye Norman. In a rare honor, the great west doors of the cathedral were opened for the Dalai Lama’s departure.
Centre for Character and Values Launched in the UK
The Jubilee Centre for Character and Values, based at the University of Birmingham, UK, has been launched at an event in the House of Lords. Supported by a multi-million dollar grant from the John Templeton Foundation, its aim is to contribute to the renewal of character and values in Britain through a 10-year endeavor, Gratitude Britain.
Questions to be addressed will range from how good character can transform and shape society to how personal virtues ground public service. Other areas for investigation are character education in schools and the values embodied in professions including the media, finance, medicine, and law.
Professor James Arthur, head of the University of Birmingham’s School of Education and director of the new center, explained, “The Jubilee Centre will not simply research past and present attitudes to character, but help to develop new knowledge and understanding of character that will benefit civil society.”
Writing in the The Telegraph about the launch, Anthony Seldon, Master of Wellington College, argued that “character, and specifically its neglect, is the number one issue of our age.” He continued, “The riots in British cities in August 2011 were the catalyst for [the Centre’s] creation.”
