Religious Education Update: August 23, 2009
What is the place of science in Unitarian Universalism?
In Unitarian Universalism, scientific knowledge is considered compatible with religious beliefs. In fact, our denomination has adopted a list of sources which includes, “Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science.” Many UU’s are inspired by natural beauty, by spending time in the wilderness, or by discovering the complexities of our physical world.
While most Americans respect science and scientists, many choose teachings of their faith traditions over scientific theories. Scott Keeter, Director of Survey Research for the Pew Forum wrote in 2007, “Indeed, while virtually all scientists agree that life on Earth has evolved over billions of years, public opinion polling over the last few decades has shown that between 40% and 50% of Americans consistently reject the very idea of natural evolution, largely on the grounds that it conflicts with biblical accounts of creation. Indeed, according to a 2006 survey from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, 42% of Americans reject the notion that life on earth evolved and believe instead that humans and other living things have always existed in their present form. “ While no particular belief is required of UU’s, I suspect that few of us subscribe to the concept that humans co-existed with dinosaurs.
When discussing science with our UUP children and youth, I encourage them to think for themselves and ask questions. Last week, I told our children the story of Galileo, who was forced by the Catholic church to recant his statement that the earth revolves around the sun. My point with the children is not to say that UU’s are better than people of other faiths, but that we promote the use of reason and the individual search for truth and meaning. Also, science does not produce the Truth, but that it does create models that best explain the evidence we experience. Perhaps one of our UUP youth will someday use his or her mind to develop a theory that advances science and changes how we view our amazing world.
Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education
In Unitarian Universalism, scientific knowledge is considered compatible with religious beliefs. In fact, our denomination has adopted a list of sources which includes, “Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science.” Many UU’s are inspired by natural beauty, by spending time in the wilderness, or by discovering the complexities of our physical world.
While most Americans respect science and scientists, many choose teachings of their faith traditions over scientific theories. Scott Keeter, Director of Survey Research for the Pew Forum wrote in 2007, “Indeed, while virtually all scientists agree that life on Earth has evolved over billions of years, public opinion polling over the last few decades has shown that between 40% and 50% of Americans consistently reject the very idea of natural evolution, largely on the grounds that it conflicts with biblical accounts of creation. Indeed, according to a 2006 survey from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, 42% of Americans reject the notion that life on earth evolved and believe instead that humans and other living things have always existed in their present form. “ While no particular belief is required of UU’s, I suspect that few of us subscribe to the concept that humans co-existed with dinosaurs.
When discussing science with our UUP children and youth, I encourage them to think for themselves and ask questions. Last week, I told our children the story of Galileo, who was forced by the Catholic church to recant his statement that the earth revolves around the sun. My point with the children is not to say that UU’s are better than people of other faiths, but that we promote the use of reason and the individual search for truth and meaning. Also, science does not produce the Truth, but that it does create models that best explain the evidence we experience. Perhaps one of our UUP youth will someday use his or her mind to develop a theory that advances science and changes how we view our amazing world.
Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education
posted by ddodd @ 11:07 AM
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