March 2024 Newsletter
In this Clergy Letter Project update you’ll find the following 18 items:
- Preaching That Connects Creation Care to Climate Change;
- Astrobiology News for March 2024: Community, Convergence, and Creative Interaction;
- Grace Wolf-Chase Honored;
- Last Chance Eclipse;
- Combatting Denialism;
- The Difference Between Skepticism and Denial;
- Climate Science in Theological Education Grant;
- Protect Science Education in Massachusetts;
- Believing and Knowing;
- What Makes Us Human?;
- Quantum Physics and Reality;
- Genesis and the Formation of the Stars;
- A Relational View of Faith and Science;
- Connecting Science and Spirituality;
- Good News on the Creationism Front in New Hampshire;
- Good News on the Creationism Front in Oklahoma;
- Creationism Legislation in West Virginia; and
- Creationism Legislation in Wisconsin.
1. Preaching That Connects Creation Care to Climate Change
Our good friends at Science for the Church recently ran an essay by Rebecca Randall entitled “Preaching That Connects Creation Care to Climate Change.” The piece does a very nice job of linking the two topics and discussing data showing that there is less discussion of these issues in congregations than you might think. In addition to reading this thoughtful essay, I hope you take two steps. First, please think about raising this topic with your congregation regularly. Second, if you haven’t yet done so, please drop me a note asking to have your signature added to our
Climate Crisis Letter.
2. Astrobiology News for March 2024: Community, Convergence, and Creative Interaction
In this month’s Astrobiology News essay, Grace Wolf-Chase, Senior Scientist and Senior Education & Communication Specialist at the Planetary Science Institute as well as a Clergy Letter Project consultant, discusses the importance of building community through the concept of inclusivity in science and the positive impact such work can have on science itself.
Since I first started writing Astrobiology News columns for the Clergy Letter Project in April 2013,(1) shortly after the publication of Visions and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022,(2) I’ve stressed how the multidisciplinary nature of astrobiology requires collaboration across diverse fields of expertise. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) recently published a new report, Origins, Worlds, and Life: A Decadal Strategy for Planetary Science and Astrobiology 2023-2032,(3) which bears witness to this multidisciplinary nature through its inclusion of a 19-member steering group and 78 experts organized into six topical panels. For the first time in a planetary science decadal survey, the report highlights the importance of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility in maximizing scientific excellence.
In stark contrast to the stereotypical image of the lone scientific genius, the word ‘community’ best describes how scientific progress is actually made. In a recent article about astrobiologist Natasha Batalha,(4) Batalha says, “I love being part of a larger community. We’re working together to try to solve this question [Does life exist beyond Earth?] that people have been asking for centuries.” As a person who identifies as female and LatinX, Batalha did not feel part of a community during her college honors physics classes (something to which I can relate, having been a female physics major at Cornell University many decades ago…). Batalha now works to empower the scientific community by building open-source tools, available to all, that help scientists use data from the JWST to study exoplanet atmospheres.
One outstanding challenge in fostering multidisciplinary research is interdisciplinary communication across fields of study that are often characterized by different ‘languages’ and methods. The U.S. National Science Foundation’s Growing Convergence Research program is addressing this challenge by supporting new research collaborations that transcend disciplinary boundaries through novel conceptual frameworks, theories, and methods.(5)
Community and convergence inspire creative interaction, a phrase that reminds me of a book to which I contributed several years ago, Interactive World, Interactive God: The Basic Reality of Creative Interaction,(6) which explores the fundamental nature of creative interaction across the sciences and in theological understandings. The Institute on Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS) is an organization that “cultivates a community of informed and respectful inquiry at the intersections of science with religion, spirituality and philosophy in service of global, societal and personal well-being.”(7) IRAS has framed its 2024 summer conference around AstroAnthropology and AstroEthics, fields inspired by what theologian Ted Peters terms creative mutual interaction,(8) to highlight the reciprocal nature of a conversation between the sciences and humanities raised by the prospects of alien life and human space exploration. IRAS members who can’t make the journey to the beautiful location on Star Island can stream conference sessions and chapel talks for free!(9)
Until next month,
Grace
Grace Wolf-Chase (she/her/hers) (gwolfchase@gmail.com)
Senior Scientist & Senior Education & Communication Specialist, Planetary Science Institute (www.psi.edu/about/staffpage/gwchase)
Vice President, Center for Advanced Study in Religion and Science (CASIRAS: www.casiras.org)1. https://www.theclergyletterproject.org/Resources/Astrobiology.html
2. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/13117/vision-and-voyages-for-planetary-science-in-the-decade-2013-2022
4. https://www.nasa.gov/general/nasa-astronomer-sees-power-in-community-works-to-build-more/
5. https://new.nsf.gov/od/oia/ia/growing-convergence-research-nsf
6. https://wipfandstock.com/9781498293884/interactive-world-interactive-god/
8. https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/9789813235045_0002
9. https://www.iras.org/2024-summer-conference.html
3. Grace Wolf-Chase Honored
Grace Wolf-Chase has been elected a fellow of the American Astronomical Society. Yes, I know that I reported this news in last month’s newsletter, but the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology just ran such a particularly nice story about Grace’s honor that I wanted to share it with you. And, besides, Grace has earned all the attention she can get for her fabulous work!
4. Last Chance Eclipse
Coming soon, on 8 April 2024, will be a solar eclipse. If you can, you might want to take special notice of this eclipse since the path of totality for another eclipse won't pass through the continental United States again until 2044! The American Astronomical Society maintains a website with all the information you might need (including eye safety) about this rare, awe-inspiring event. Happy viewing.
5. Combatting Denialism
A recent article in The Nation discusses the rise of AIDS denialism and links it to non-scientific beliefs about Covid-19 and creationism. The article notes that “Denialism… isn’t healthy iconoclasm, and it’s not going to wilt in the face of scientific peer review. If it did, creationists would have stopped trying to get universities to ‘teach the controversy’ about evolution a long time ago (and just to be clear, there is absolutely no controversy at all where evolution is concerned).”
The interesting article referenced a 2009 research paper published in the European Journal of Public Health entitled “Denialism: what is it and how should scientists respond?” The piece does a very nice job of defining the characteristics of denialism, explaining the dangers posed by denialism, and offering some advice on how to combat it. Do take a look; you won’t be disappointed.
6. The Difference Between Skepticism and Denial
Following up on our last item, I want to share an essay written by Paul Braterman, a member of The Clergy Letter Project’s list of scientific consultants. The piece is entitled “The difference between skepticism and denial; Darwin, Wilberforce, and the Discovery Institute” and it offers comments on a book recently published by The Discovery Institute. The book is called Darwin’s Bluff and, as Paul notes, it “is a stale and shoddy contribution to the voluminous anti-Darwin literature." Paul makes it clear that reasonable skepticism is a good thing but it is very different from denial and he explains clearly that today’s creationists fall squarely into the latter camp.
7. Climate Science in Theological Education Grant
Grant applications are open for the AAAS (American Association of the Advancement of Science) DoSER’s (Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion) Climate Science in Theological Education project. Participants will receive an 18-month grant of $15,000 to meaningfully engage climate-related science within theological education. Applications are due by 1 April 2024. You can learn more and apply here.
8. Protect Science Education in Massachusetts
Dr. Abby Hafer, a biology professor at Curry College and a member of The Clergy Letter Project’s list of scientific consultants, with her state representative, has drafted a bill to protect science education in Massachusetts. The bill, if enacted, would require “that all science taught in Massachusetts public schools be based on peer-reviewed science.” She notes that the bill “would prevent ‘alternative’ materials that promote creationism, intelligent design, and climate denial, for example, from being introduced into science classrooms.” You can read more about the bill in the latest issue of The Freethought Society News and, if you live in Massachusetts, you can learn how to help move the bill along.
9. Believing and Knowing
Our good friends at Sinai and Synapses have posted a summary of two Religion and Science Weekend sermons delivered by Rev. Ruth Shaver. Entitled “Believing and knowing,” the sermons discuss the critical distinctions between the two.
10. What Makes Us Human?
An age-old question is what makes us human? What separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. Rabbi Jason Rubenstein, Jewish chaplain at Yale University, addresses this issue in a presentation he gave at Temple Emanu-El in Providence, RI as part of the Sinai and Synapses Scientists in Synagogues program. Jason raises many fascinating points that are worth your time, and I’ll share one small item with you:
A man goes up to the pearly gates, and Saint Peter says, “Before I let you in, I just need to look at your arms.” The man says “Okay, all right.” So he rolls up his sleeves. And Saint Peter says, “Well, where are your scars?” And he says, “What do you mean I don’t have any scars?” And Saint Peter says, “There was nothing worth fighting for?”
11. Quantum Physics and Reality
This item, like the previous one, is also from the Scientists in Synagogues program sponsored by Sinai and Synapses. Here’s how a rich discussion entitled “Quantum Physics and Reality” was introduced:
While the domains of quantum physics and Jewish mysticism seem to have little in common, what they share is the idea that many entities exist that cannot be directly perceived by humans. Within this commonality, there are a surprising myriad of parallels, with the traditions of Kabbalah encouraging and inspiring inquiry into phenomena that may not be readily tangible to us.
Morris Levine, an aerospace and national security engineer, spoke with Rabbi Linda Joseph at Bet Aviv in Columbia, MD about the richness of this comparison.
12. Genesis and the Formation of the Stars
And here’s a third wonderful example of a presentation that was part of the Scientists in Synagogues program sponsored by Sinai and Synapses. The program, held at the Ethical Society of Riverdale (NY), was described as follows:
As an astrophysicist at the Columbia University Department of Physics, Dr. Daniel Wolf Savin looks at the universe from its smallest building blocks on upward, and has long been contemplating how modern physics and planetary observation have laid the groundwork for their own version of Genesis – the beginning of time, or maybe even what came before that.
13. A Relational View of Faith and Science
Our good friends at BioLogos recently posted an essay written by Pastor Ed Rosado entitled “A Relational View of Faith and Science.” Ed discusses his belief that relationships are essential to the work of faith and science. He touches on topics such as the importance of increasing access and equity in STEM and explains how he views STEM as a Christian vocation. In his thoughtful essay, he notes,
In my experience, by helping pastors, educators, students, and other interested stakeholders see STEM as a door to equity and increased agency, we can open a new pathway to community transformation, robust and vital communities of faith, and a significant reduction in the perceived tension between science and religion.
14. Connecting Science and Spirituality
The February issue of Covalence, the publication of Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology, focuses on the relationship between science and spirituality. The issue leads off with an essay on the topic by editor Susan Barreto, a good friend of The Clergy Letter Project.
15. Good News on the Creationism Front in New Hampshire
A bill has died in the New Hampshire House that confused the meaning of theory and would have opened the door to the teaching of various forms of creationism while making it more difficult for teachers to present meaningful science, like evolution, in public schools. You can read more here.
16. Good News on the Creationism Front in Oklahoma
Three, yes, three (!), separate “intelligent design” bills were introduced in Oklahoma – one in the Senate and two in the House. All three of these creationist bills died in committee. You can read more here.
17. Creationism Legislation in West Virginia
The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), the largest organization of science teachers worldwide, has submitted a letter to the West Virginia Senate in opposition to a pending bill permitting the teaching of “intelligent design.” Read more here.
18. Creationism Legislation in Wisconsin
Both the Wisconsin House and Senate recently passed a bill permitting parents to have their children opt out of science lessens they find objectionable. The bill’s sponsors have been most interested in providing parental off-ramps for scientific education dealing with evolution and climate change. Happily, the potential legislation will likely be vetoed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. Read more here.
Concluding Thoughts
In the United States, as the 2024 presidential election moves into higher gear, the rise of Christian Nationalism becomes more apparent and more frightening. Coupled with that movement is an attack on other forms of religion, on science, on people who hold different views, on people who look different, and on people who come from “other” places. None of this makes any sense from a religious, scientific, moral, or simply human perspective. All I can say is that I’m proud to be part of a community like The Clergy Letter Project, populated by individuals who believe it is possible to construct a better, fairer and greener world – while respecting the fact that we all don’t have to be the same, think the same things, and look the same. Thank you all for who you are, for what you believe, and for all you are doing to bring that better world into existence.
Finally, as I do every month, I urge you to take one simple action. Please share this month’s Newsletter with a colleague or two (or post a link via any social media platform you use) and ask them to add their voices to those promoting a deep and meaningful understanding between religion and science. They can add their signatures to one of our Clergy Letters simply by dropping me a note at mz@theclergyletterproject.org. Spread the word; change the world. Together we are making a difference.
Michael
Michael Zimmerman
Founder and Executive Director
The Clergy Letter Project
www.theclergyletterproject.org
mz@theclergyletterproject.org