http://bit.ly/NRCSE

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O Lord, how manifold are thy works!
In wisdom hast thou made them all:
the earth is full of thy riches.(Psalm 104:24)

What is the NRCSE?

Often with scientific issues that have religious implications, as in debates between proponents of evolutionary science and proponents of creationism or intelligent design, it seems as if there is a fundamental conflict between science and religion. We in the Nebraska Religious Coalition for Science Education (NRCSE) are Nebraskans of various religious faiths who respect both science and theology. Our mission is to proclaim the compatibility of good science (including evolution) and good theology (including creation). The NRCSE recognizes the duty of Nebraska's schools to help students understand the best available science. We believe that evolution can and should be taught in a scientifically sound manner that is neutral regarding philosophical or religious worldviews. We are convinced that academic freedom, religious freedom, and scientific integrity are compatible.

The NRCSE's view is shared by many, including Aaron Yilmaz, who wrote:

"I gave up creationism and Intelligent Design because they seek to 'prove' God's hand in the universe by means of 'evidence'—something that I think misconceives and misunderstands the modest aims and limitations of science. I believe in purpose, but by faith. I believe in design, but by faith. I don't make my science try to prove things it can't, and I don't try to make my faith say things it doesn't. I follow the evidence where it leads, because truth will always lead to God. I love God, and I fully accept evolutionary theory. And I believe that when both are properly understood, there truly is no conflict between the two." (from How I Found a Deeper Faith Through Studying Evolution).

We who view theism and evolution as compatible realize that some people (both atheists and theists) do not. Some atheists claim that their view is a necessary correlate of evolutionary science. Some anti-evolutionists similarly echo the claim that evolution inevitably leads to atheism. All we ask is that different views be articulated as clearly as possible, without "spin" and without antagonism or hostility. For those who still see conflict, we recommend consideration of the approach taken by Dr. Todd Wood, who acknowledges that evolution is good science and that it's his personal faith choice to reject it. Again - quite unlike Dr. Wood - we think evolution is compatible with Christianity, but it's interesting how Dr. Wood's approach avoids misrepresenting or denying scientific evidence, even though he believes he must reject evolution for religious reasons.

Why We Think Evolution and Theism are Compatible:

What's the Difference between Theistic Evolution (TE) and Intelligent Design (ID)?

See also:

Aquinas vs. Intelligent Design
Big Picture or Big Gaps? Why Natural Theology is better than Intelligent Design
Chance, by Design
Does God Guide Evolution?
God is More Than an Intelligent Designer
Looking for God in All the Wrong Places

Climate Change

Another example of an issue involving science (both natural science and social science) with religious implications is climate change.

The Greening of the Papacy in the Journal of Religion & Society Supplement 9 (2013)
Links related to Laudato Si (Praised Be): On Care for our Common Home - An Encyclical by Pope Francis
Creation Facing Forward: How the Irreversible Consequences of Climate Change Challenge and Inform Christian Conceptions of Creation by Kiara Jorgenson in the Journal of Religion & Society Supplement 11 (2015)
Athens and Jerusalem or How to Think Eco-Theologically about Scientia by John J. O’Keefe in the Journal of Religion & Society Supplement 11 (2015)

Here is a partial list of religious organizations working on this issue:

Catholic Climate Covenant	Interfaith Power & Light
Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life	Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Earth Ministry	National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Programs (Creation Justice Ministries)
Evangelical Environmental Network	National Religious Partnership for the Environment
Faith In Place	The Regeneration Project
GreenFaith

Interdenominational or Secular Resources Focused on General Science-Faith Issues, Including Evolution

Resources of Specific Christian Denominations

News from: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2009 (Special Anniversary Year)

Please contact the webmaster if you know of something that ought to be added, or if a link doesn't work:

Chuck Austerberry, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Creighton University
2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178
e-mail Dr. Austerberry
Voice: (402)-280-2154