For too long, science and faith have had a combustible relationship. But even churches evolve. In the UCC, we're not afraid of science and technology. In fact, we embrace it.
On Jan. 29, the Rev. John H. Thomas, the UCC's general minister and president, released a groundbreaking theological statement, "A New Voice Arising: A Pastoral Letter on Faith Engaging Science and Technology," which speaks a new prophetic word about the millenniums-old feud between religion and science. We want to make clear the UCC's belief that science and religion are not mutually exclusive, and we extend our unequivocal welcome to persons who devote their lives to scientific inquiry, no matter the discipline. We are a thoughtful, thinking church.
"Many today are hungering for an authentic spirituality that is intellectually honest and at home in a scientific era," the UCC's pastoral letter states. "They are searching for a new kind of wisdom to live by, one that is scientifically sophisticated, technologically advanced, morally just, ecologically sustainable, and spiritually alive."
". . . we see a dialogue between science and religion as vital."
"I am delighted to see the United Church of Christ's clear support of science. I believe that science and religion are complementary to each other, and should not be seen as competing ways of looking at the world; they are concerned with different questions. In an era of such rapid science and technology advances – advances that bring benefits as well as, at times, risks -- and when science and technology are becoming ever-more imbedded in every aspect of modern life, it is essential that we maintain an active dialogue among scientists, ethicists, and religious communities. In the same way that UCC states that it cannot ignore the context in which it functions, neither can the scientific community ignore its societal context. For this reason, we see a dialogue between science and religion as vital."
Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer American Association for the Advancement of Science
". . . a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and perceptive discussion of science and religion . . ."
"This is a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and perceptive discussion of science and religion and growth of their helpful interaction. We can look forward to still more scientific exploration and understanding of the nature of the universe and of human life, and with that I trust there will be still better understanding of creation, spirituality, and the future of humans."
Charles Townes Nobel laureate for physics; Templeton prize recipient; Member, First Congregational UCC in Berkeley, Calif.
". . . a wonderfully clear summary of the serious challenges and exciting opportunities when traditional religious beliefs encounter recent discoveries in a range of sciences . . ."
"This is a wonderfully clear summary of the serious challenges and exciting opportunities when traditional religious beliefs encounter recent discoveries in a range of sciences – from cosmology to evolution, brain research and genetics. It also raises issues of social justice and environmental impacts arising from technology - from medical therapies to our unsustainable use of energy. It is truly a 'pastoral' letter in addressing personal questions in the lives of laypersons today rather than the more abstract debates common among theologians or philosophers."
Ian G. Barbour Physicist and theologian 1999 Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion; Author, "When Science Meets Religion" Member, First UCC in Northfield, Minn.
Kimberly Whitney Minister for Community Life and Assistant to the Collegium General Services Office Of General Ministries 700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland,Ohio 44115 216-736-2112 whitneyk@ucc.org
