Group Tackles Questions of Science, Theology

November 6, 2002

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A surgeon pauses to pray before entering the operating room. The family wonders: Does that mean he doesn't know what he is doing?

A college freshman struggles with what she learned in church and what she just heard her professor say: "We are not spiritual beings, just a collection of molecules."

A mother helplessly watches the national debate on stem cells knowing those cells could help her paralyzed son walk again.

Is there a place for science in the pulpit? For faith in the laboratory? Those questions and more were discussed by a group of pastors, scientists, students, and concerned laypeople during two days of meetings sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Discipleship Oct. 18-20.

A report will be sent to the 2004 General Conference by the Science and Theology Task Force addressing the best ways to help local churches understand scientific issues and how they relate to faith issues.

"The participation and energy remained high throughout the weekend," said the Rev. Dan Dick, executive with the Board of Discipleship, which staffs the task force. "We gained a wide variety of voices and perspectives on the relationship of science and theology. It gives the Science and Theology Task Force a firm foundation for building their report to the General Conference."

During the two days of talk, the group discussed communication between faith and science; ways to educate students within Christian theology without limiting their curiosity; stem cell research; cloning; abortion; environmental issues; and many other topics.

The task force decided on seven critical needs that should be addressed in its report to General Conference:

• Providing tools, process and continuing education to help pastors and parishioners explore science and theology.

• Looking at science and theology from aspects of scripture, tradition and reason, in addition to experience.

• Equipping clergy and laity to think theologically about science and technology.

• Finding a way to express theology in language that is consistent with the church's knowledge today and to recover spiritual practices that will help us learn to listen to God.

• Thinking of science and theology holistically.

• Engaging the complete church community in long-term dialogue on science and theology.

United Methodist News Service