First of all, I had no idea that there was any such thing as the "Ecumenical Roundtable on Science, Technology and the Church", but I'm delighted to find that it exists, and seems to be going strong. Not only that, but several of the mainline churches that are all part of it have permanent committees that study the impact of science on religion: the Presbyterian Association for Science Technology and the Church, the ELCA Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology, and our own Episcopal Committee on Science, Technology and Faith. The Methodists and the United Church of Christ also reported on holding special events or symposia revolving around science and religion.
This is a hopeful sign to me and makes me happy to think that some churches do embrace forward thinking, and open-minded discussion of topics that in some quarters are perceived as a godless attack upon Christianity.
Wilson explained that his just-published book, "Evolution for Everyone," is a print adaptation of the class he teaches at Binghamton, an attempt to present evolutionary theory as alluring. Students from all fields of study and a variety of backgrounds have rated the class a success.
"This is not about me, but the reality that evolutionary theory is a powerful tool for improving and changing the world in a way that does not threaten the values of morality and hope for a better future," Wilson was quick to add.
Although a faculty member in the department of biology, Wilson’s primary current interest is studying religion and related cultural movements, using the theoretical framework of evolution.
"Being with you at this meeting is very exciting for me — where else will I find a group so well informed about both science and religion — and not only informed but practicing," he said when welcomed by the audience of lay and ordained scientists from five denominations.
"Great things are taking place now in the social sciences as principles of evolution are applied," he observed. "We need theory to help us see what is in front of our faces," he continued, using "theory" in its scientific, not popular, sense.
"My work asks, ‘Can evolution make more progress than previous theoretical frameworks in making sense of religion?’"
…
Asked why an atheist with an appointment in the Department of Biological Sciences would take such an interest in religion, Wilson responded with two reasons. "Religion is an intellectually fascinating topic. It always has been for scientists, and explaining it from an evolutionary perspective is a major challenge and accomplishment," he said.
"But I’m also a do-gooder. I may not have a religious dimension to my actions, but I have a lot of things in common with religious people. I believe that the future can differ from the past, and I think spirituality is a form of long-term expansive planning."
On the morning of April 21, Wilson presented some thoughts on "Biology and Evolutionary Aspects of Homosexuality." A panel of Episcopalians from the Executive Council Committee on Science, Technology and Faith and from the Faith and Genetics Working Group of the Diocese of Massachusetts responded.
I bet the discussion afterwards was interesting… and I bet that the strict Biblical literalists of all the member denominations will be having a field day tearing this whole thing apart.