The Coexistence of Science and Religion: What's in it For Me? Aaron J. Place Department of Natural Science Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alva, OK American Association for the Advancement of Science Southwest and Rocky Mountains Region University of Tulsa March 31, 2012

History of the "conflict" Possible relationships between science and religion Benefits of a dialogue between science and religion designs-and-tutorials-that-will-inspire-you/

Media portrayal of the "conflict"

Religious views in America According to Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Religious Landscape survey: o 71% are certain there is a God o 82% say religion is somewhat or very important in their life o 46% attend services a few times a year or less o Split three ways on literality of holy scripture o 68% say there is more than one true way to interpret the teachings of their religion Spiritual beliefs are important, but there is flexibility in understanding spiritual matters

Perceptions of science in America According to a 2009 Pew Research Center for the People and Press survey: o 84% say science has had a positive effect on society  52% mostly tied to medical advances  range: 6-8% cite space, environment and telecommunications o 70% say scientists contribute to the well-being of society o 17% say US science advances are best in the world o 55% say science is often in conflict with religion o 61% say science does not conflict with their religious views Overall favorable view, but no data on basic science

History of the conflict 16th - 19th centuries o Initially Science and Religion go hand in hand  Galileo, Newton, and others 1890's o Andrew Dickson White - A History of Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom o William Draper - History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science 1960's o The rise of "Radical" Fundamentalism 21st century o "New" atheists

Possible relationships between Science and Religion Conflict o "New" atheists - scientism o religious fundamentalists - literalism Independence o NOMA Dialogue o Darwin Weekend and Clergy Letter Project o Templeton Foundation projects

Possible relationships between Science and Religion Integration o "one reality, one methodology" Charles Raven Consonance o Autonomous but reconcilable o Common domains of question asking Assimilation o Maximal conceptual merging

Benefits of a dialogue To Science : o Improved public funding funding o Freedom to pursue important questions o Freedom to teach sound science

Benefits of a dialogue To Religion o Studying and learning about creation brings person closer to God o Develop a fuller understanding of God

Benefits of a dialogue To the Public: o Scientifically literate electorate o Continued technological advance o More complete or fulfilled person

"Science can purify religion from error and superstition, religion can purify science of idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world... in which both can flourish." --Pope John Paul II

Acknowledgments Rev. J. F. Wickey Rev. Judye Pistole Rev. Colin Grangaard Scientists in Congregations and JTF Coleman Teel