Religion and Science 101: A Conference in the East Central Synod of Wisconsin
From the Covalence Archives
A breakthrough event linking the worlds of Science and Religion for congregations through pastors, laypersons, science professionals and interested inquirers took place in Appleton, Wisconsin on Saturday, February 12th, 2005.
Sponsored by the East Central Synod of Wisconsin (ELCA) and enabled by grants from three sources, 58 participants gathered for a daylong event. The grants came from the Siebert Lutheran Foundation of Milwaukee, the East Central Synod of Wisconsin, and the Metanexus Institute of Philadelphia. Presentations by Dr. Antje Jackelen of the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, Roger Willer of the ELCA Alliance for Faith, Science, and Technology, and Dr. Allen Utke of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Dr. Utke is a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and a long-time advocate of the interchange of concepts and creative dialogue between science and theology. A faithful and involved layman at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, he has been instrumental in pioneer projects linking the two fields. Procuring significant grants from various sources, as well as encouragement from church officials at synod and churchwide levels, he pulled together a task force that has been working for two years. They've worked at setting the foundation for on-going programs and projects, bridging the areas between science and religion, lay and professional, conceptual and practical. As such, this task force and its work is the first of its kind in the ELCA and hopes to be a role model for similar endeavors throughout the ELCA and other denominations.
Among issues and insights shared through presentations, dialogues, and question-and-answer sessions at the conference are the following:
• "Wonder" is a common basis between science and religion.
• Religion is the quest to understand the whole, i.e., the question of meaning in the universe. Science seeks explanations through observation, identification, and investigation. We need both the "why" and the "how"…in creative tension.
• The Judeo/Christian/Islamic traditions helped create modern science.
• To separate "facts" and "faith" is wrong. There is much use of "facts" in religion and much use of "faith" in science.
• Yoking" rather than merging or mixing is preferable. Cooperation for the common good is much better than being enemies.
• We now live in the most abnormal, complex, unpredictable, and thus dangerous age in history. In response to this reality there are three types of people: 1) "Do I make it happen?" 2) "Do I let it happen?" and 3) "What happened?" Presenter Roger Willer was not optimistic that we'll work our way out of this muddle. "But", he said, "I do have hope! The hope is in the love of God."
Further information about the conference and future task force endeavors can be obtained by contacting the East Central Synod of Wisconsin, 16 Tri-Park Way, Appleton, WI 54914; or Dr. Allen Utke, 1003 Scenic Court, Oshkosh, WI 54904 (920)-231-9262.