Religion and science

When I was at the UCC's 50th anniversary General Synod in Hartford, Connecticut, this Summer, I attended the The United Church of Christ Science and Technology Network dinner. I had the privilege to meet Dr. Charles Townes, UCC Nobel Laureate for Physics and Templeton Award winner for religion. He's one of the people responsible for the invention of the laser (no small accomplishment, eh?)

That dinner was part of an educational program of activities designed to renew and inspire the United Church of Christ in thoughtful reflection on science and faith. And yesterday, the UCC announced a new website and initiative called "Not Mutually Exclusive." It seeks to heal the ages-old rift between science and religion. The website provides links to a theological statement on science and religion, plus links to a faith-sharing guide and a sermon writing contest.

Here's an excerpt from the theological statement:

Science is sometimes unsettling because it destroys old foundations without providing new ones. Yet because of science, many today are on a new search for meaning. Can our church address the seekers of today? Can we offer a word for our time, one full of hope and encouragement, one taken seriously for its keen insight and honest comprehension? Can we dare to seek, to wonder, and if necessary to doubt until we believe anew, confident that in the end we will be filled with a fresh faith that engages the hunger in so many hearts and minds?

The blogads are fun, too!

I knew my dog was smart!

Jasmine Roberts, a 12 year old Floridian, has demonstrated that the toilet water in many fast food restaurants is likely cleaner than the ice.

She won top prize in a regional science fair!

Maybe next time I'll order my soda with no ice.