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Are science and religion compatible? For some, the answer is a resounding yes! Others see nothing but conflict, especially, it seems, around evolution. Today, we talk about science, religion, and evolution, from the points of view of a Jewish rabbi, a Humanist chaplain, a Christian pastor, and a Buddhist sensei. We also talk about The Clergy Letter Project, and international collaboration of clergy from several different religious denominations that speak out in support of good biology education, which includes evolution. These clergy encourage their congregations to see the importance of learning and doing good science, and why children in schools should be taught evolution. Every year, they sponsor an event called Evolution Weekend, where thousands of congregations around the globe come together to do their own events, showing how science and religion can be in harmony.
We are joined by Dr. Michael Zimmerman. Michael has a PhD in biology, and is the founder and director of the Clergy Letter Project. We are also joined by Rabbi Geoffrey A. Mitelman, the founding director of Sinai and Synapses. He discusses how religious and scientific world views can coexist. Sinai and Synapses is an organization that urges communication between science and religion. Next, we are joined by Dr. Jason R. Wiles, a biology professor at Syracuse University and a Humanist Celebrant and Chaplain. Jason speaks from his unique point of view on what it was like to receive a biology degree in the deep south, where evolution was not part of the curriculum. Reverend Lori Bievenour, Senior Pastor of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Carmel, Indiana then speaks about what she and her congregation think about science and religion. Finally, Sensei Tony Stultz, a Buddhist teacher and the Director of the Blue Mountain Lotus Society speaks on the Buddhist perspective, as well as historical context as to why Darwin’s theory of evolution was so controversial to begin with. Tony is also the founder of the Four Directions System of Mindfulness.
You can follow Michael on Twitter at @mzclergyletter, Rabbi Geoffrey A. Mitelman at @RabbiMitelman, and Sensei Tony Stultz at @SenseiTony1.
Background music you hear are clips from Today’s Special: Jam Tomorrow by Doctor Turtle licensed under CC BY 4.0, Chalet by Meydän licensed under CC BY 4.0, Appalachian Coal Mines {120 & 4/4} by Mid-Air Machine licensed under CC BY 4.0, Home At Last by John Bartmann licensed under CC0 1.0, peaceOut by airtone featuring KungFu licensed under CC by 3.0, and Forest Frolic by Kevin MacLeod licensed under CC0.