The Coexistence of Science and Religion: What's in it For Me?

1. American Association for the Advancement of Science Southwest and Rocky Mountains Region University of Tulsa March 31, 2012 The Coexistence of Science and Religion:What's in it For Me? Aaron J. Place Department of Natural Science Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alva, OK

2. http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/05/30/scientific-designs-and-tutorials-that-will-inspire-you/http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/05/30/scientific-designs-and-tutorials-that-will-inspire-you/ • History of the "conflict" • Possible relationships between science and religion • Benefits of a dialogue between science and religion

3. Media portrayal of the "conflict"

4. Religious views in America According to Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Religious Landscape survey: • 71% are certain there is a God • 82% say religion is somewhat or very important in their life • 46% attend services a few times a year or less • Split three ways on literality of holy scripture • 68% 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

5. Perceptions of science in America According to a 2009 Pew Research Center for the People and Press survey: • 84% say science has had a positive effect on society • 52% mostly tied to medical advances • range: 6-8% cite space, environment and telecommunications • 70% say scientists contribute to the well-being of society • 17% say US science advances are best in the world • 55% say science is often in conflict with religion • 61% say science does not conflict with their religious views Overall favorable view, but no data on basic science

6. History of the conflict • 16th - 19th centuries • Initially Science and Religion go hand in hand • Galileo, Newton, and others • 1890's • Andrew Dickson White - A History of Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom • William Draper - History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science • 1960's • The rise of "Radical" Fundamentalism • 21st century • "New" atheists

7. Possible relationships between Science and Religion • Conflict • "New" atheists - scientism • religious fundamentalists - literalism • Independence • NOMA • Dialogue • Darwin Weekend and Clergy Letter Project • Templeton Foundation projects

8. Possible relationships between Science and Religion • Integration • "one reality, one methodology" Charles Raven • Consonance • Autonomous but reconcilable • common domains of question asking • Assimilation • maximal conceptual merging

9. Benefits of a dialogue • To Science: • Improved public funding funding • Freedom to pursue important questions • Freedom to teach sound science

10. Benefits of a dialogue • To Religion • Studying and learning about creation brings person closer to God • Develop a fuller understanding of God

11. Benefits of a dialogue • To the Public: • Scientifically literate electorate • Continued technological advance • More complete or fulfilled person

12. "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

13. Acknowledgments Rev. J. F. Wickey Rev. Judye Pistole Rev. Colin Grangaard Scientists in Congregations and JTF Coleman Teel