Pebble in the Pond: Beginning A Dialogue on Science & Religion

Thus far in the story….  God created nature AND the Bible, so there is no conflict between the two systems that are trying to understand them;  Science actually arose and was fostered by Christianity - the supposed conflict is mythical;  Science works to understand the natural world and is always open to correction (plus, a surprising number of hard scientists are religious and attend Church regularly);  There are several ways that science and Christianity can interact; we prefer dialogue and/or integration. Problems arise when individuals use science and/or religion for their own devices.  God created nature AND the Bible, so there is no conflict between the two systems that are trying to understand them;  Science actually arose and was fostered by Christianity - the supposed conflict is mythical;  Science works to understand the natural world and is always open to correction (plus, a surprising number of hard scientists are religious and attend Church regularly);  There are several ways that science and Christianity can interact; we prefer dialogue and/or integration. Problems arise when individuals use science and/or religion for their own devices.

All previous classes available at

How Do We Know? Today: How Do We Know?

God Does Provide!

So much information….  “Inherited genetic factors make a minor contribution to susceptibility to most types of neoplasms. This finding indicates that the environment has the principal role in causing sporadic cancer. The relatively large effect of heritability in cancer at a few sites suggest major gaps in our knowledge of the genetics of cancer.” Lichtenstein, P, et al. Environmental and heritable factors in the causation of cancer--analysis of cohorts of twins from Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. N Engl J Med. 343(2): 78-85, 2000

Confusion in the media  “Genetic factor in cancers strong, researchers find” Thursday, July 13, The Sun  “Genes cause more than one quarter of three major types of cancer - more than previously thought….”  “Genetic factor in cancers strong, researchers find” Thursday, July 13, The Sun  “Genes cause more than one quarter of three major types of cancer - more than previously thought….”  “Cancer Study Deemphasizes Genes’ Role” July 13, Washington Post  “The vast majority of cancers are caused not by inherited defects in people’s genes, but by environmental and behavioral factors…”

Confusion reigns supreme 2 Timothy 2:15 - (NIV): Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Too many choices to make a decision

Outline  Framework of beliefs  Ways of knowing / adding to your framework  Sources of information  Framework of beliefs  Ways of knowing / adding to your framework  Sources of information

Mind Your Fence or Fence Your Mind Framework of Beliefs Narnia was the greatest movie ever I like Mustangs God is alive today Jesus is my Savior It’s about time Tim pulled his weight in this class and taught Dale Jarrett WILL win again! You just can’t beat CS Lewis Dr. Doug’s

Jesus Loves Me I Like to Drive Fast…. On a Racetrack Science is fun Serene esterase Is a gene My uncle’s name was Gene My wife is beautiful Syncope is Triggered By hypovolemia Jesus Loves Me I Like to Drive Fast…. On a Racetrack Science is fun Serene esterase Is a gene My uncle’s name was Gene My wife is beautiful Syncope is Triggered By hypovolemia My Security Blanket

How important are our beliefs?  Are all of our beliefs correct?  Contrary beliefs can be threatening  Are all of our beliefs correct?  Contrary beliefs can be threatening Dr. Doug’s Framework Doc Rocket’s Blankey

What truths make up our blanket?  Testable truths  Non-testable truths  “If you believe something, then you don’t need proof of it, and if you have proof, you don’t need to believe.” Maria Spiropulu, 2006  Testable truths  Non-testable truths  “If you believe something, then you don’t need proof of it, and if you have proof, you don’t need to believe.” Maria Spiropulu, 2006 Dr. Doug’s Framework Doc Rocket’s Blankey

How do we decide what truths go into our blankeys?…. Dr. Doug’s Framework Doc Rocket’s Blankey  Empirical evidence  Rationality  Experiences  Authority  Empirical evidence  Rationality  Experiences  Authority

So, how do we make a decision?  Triangulation  Get information from three or more sources to make determination  Caveat: Use sources from ‘ends’ of the argument  Caveat 2: Use original information  Triangulation  Get information from three or more sources to make determination  Caveat: Use sources from ‘ends’ of the argument  Caveat 2: Use original information

Getting original information  Life sciences information:   Life sciences information: 

How can you tell if it is good information/journal (accurate/not as slanted, etc.)?  Social science / scientific citation index  Journal Impact rankings  Social science / scientific citation index  Journal Impact rankings

My Security Blanket Jesus Loves Me I Like to Drive Fast…. On a Racetrack Science is fun Serene esterase Is a gene My uncle’s name was Gene My wife is beautiful Syncope is Triggered By hypovolemia SynTrigge Cerebral m Belief ‘drying’ rack….

Next week: ??????