TO DIVIDE OR TO HEAL Evolution, Climate Change, and the Church Thinkstock Images Sarah A. Bodbyl Roels Pierce Cedar Creek June 23, 2017
OUTLINE A People Divided Examining Divisive Issues and Assumptions Case Studies - intersections of science and religion: 1: Evolution and Religion 1I: Climate Change and Creation Care Conclusion & Resources Stained glass, Puerto Ayora Church, Galapagos
THE DRESS Cecilia Bleasdale, 2015
POVERTY https://garsidej.wordpress.com/a2-geography/contemporary-conflict-and-challenges/the-challenge-of-global-poverty/
DIVISIVE ISSUES AS WICKED PROBLEMS incomplete or contradictory knowledge number of people and opinions involved Which science issues fulfill these? large economic burden interconnected with other problems beyond science to social/policy
RELIGION & SCIENCE AT WAR? Evolution GMOs Gender Conservation Reproductive Rights Climate Change
OUTLINE A People Divided Examining Divisive Issues and Assumptions Case Studies - intersections of science and religion: 1: Evolution and Religion 1I: Climate Change and Creation Care Conclusion & Resources Stained glass, Puerto Ayora Church, Galapagos
WHAT DRIVES DIVISION? Dr. Dan Kahan, Law & Psychology, Yale Law School
I. ISSUE BIAS Most science discoveries accepted without question
II. PUBLIC ANTI-SCIENCE SENTIMENT Kahan, 2016
III. RELIGION AND SCIENCE SKEPTICISM Would you say that, on balance, the benefits of scien5fic research have outweighed the harmful results, or have the harmful results of scien5fic research been greater than its benefits? Kahan, 2016
IV. EDUCATION Proxy for Tribalism Is climate change due to human activity? No Yes No Yes Intelligence Intelligence Kahan, 2016
A NEW FRAMEWORK Authority Tribe/Experience Values Division rises in a complex mixture of individual pattern recognition of data/ideas
BUILDING BRIDGES Religion Science It is a mistake to believe that either social scientists or science communicators can intuit effective communication strategies by simply consulting compendiums of psychological mechanisms. -Kahan, 2013
OUTLINE A People Divided Examining Divisive Issues and Assumptions Case Studies - intersections of science and religion: 1: Evolution and Religion 1I: Climate Change and Creation Care Conclusion & Resources Stained glass, Puerto Ayora Church, Galapagos
I. EVOLUTION AND RELIGION Evolution is change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. Darwin, C. R. ed. 1842. Fish Part 4 No. 4 of The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle
STATEMENTS BY TRADITION No inherent evolution/faith conflict: Buddhism, Catholicism, Latter Day Saints*, Episcopalian, Evangelical Lutheran, Hinduism, Judaism, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, United Methodist, CRC, progressive Islam Evolution not acceptable means of creation: Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Southern Baptist, Seventh Day Adventists, conservative Islam ~ according to Pew Research, 2013
- 2007 - evolutionary creationism - biologos.org
Change the way Christian communities view, approach, and engage challenging issues. The Colossian Way: Small group curriculum Training leaders to turn conflict into opportunity and facilitate respectful dialogue colossianforum.org
CHANGE IS IN THE AIR God-guided creation evolutionary creation Atheist
OUTLINE A People Divided Examining Divisive Issues and Assumptions Case Studies - intersections of science and religion: 1: Evolution and Religion 1I: Climate Change and Creation Care Conclusion & Resources Stained glass, Puerto Ayora Church, Galapagos
II. CLIMATE CHANGE AND CREATION CARE Climate change: a change in global climate patterns, linked to an unprecedented and rapid increase in global temperatures, attributed to an increase in atmospheric CO2 primarily by burning of fossil fuels.
THE CREATION CARE MOVEMENT Monikers: Environmental Stewardship/Creation Care Most recent press: Pope Francis Laudato Si encyclical Results in traditional environmental movement action but reframes purpose Circumvents belief in anthropogenic climate change.
MICHIGAN INTERFAITH POWER AND LIGHT Non-profit organization focused on houses of worship * energy use, and climate change Supports creation of congregational green teams Guides congregations considering rooftop solar projects Small grant program for house of worship energy efficiency projects Political advocacy for clean energy
CRC CLIMATE WITNESS PROJECT Stems from 2012 denominational statement that climate change real, due to human activity, and demands a response for both the sake of the vulnerable and the rest of creation. Four delegates sent to the Paris climate talks in 2015 Church members write 13 op-eds placed into national and local media outlets Arranged meetings between congregants and elected officials Provides guidance to churches seeking to reduce energy consumption
PLASTER CREEK STEWARDS NGO affiliated with Calvin College. Conducts native plant restorations and facilitates rain garden creation within the Plaster Creek watershed, one of the most polluted streams in West Michigan. Environmental education outreach to church congregations and schools within the watershed. Excellent example of community outreach, service learning, and place-based education.
SUMMARY Division unavoidable; but diversity is good. Faith and Science: Not at War. Conversations and action on evolution and environment increasing rapidly. Homework: Get to know someone with a radically different worldview than your own.
To divide or to heal Multiple perspectives enrich our understanding of reality. - Jim Stump, BioLogos 11.12.2016
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Research Funding Michigan State University: GLBRC W.K. Kellogg Biological Station GK-12 Bioenergy Sustainability Project NSF Sustaining Responsive and Rigorous Teaching Based on Carbon TIME Faith & Science The Colossians Forum BioLogos Calvin College Summer Seminars in Science and Faith Campus Edge Fellowship Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies CRC Emerging Scholars Individual Thanks Steve Roels Rev. Ken Bieber Loren Haarsma Andy Anderson