Science and Partners in Understanding Our World by Barbara A. Pursey (Bible Study Resource series)

For many Christians today, the Genesis texts are a battleground for science versus faith. Science and religion seem to conflict over whether God made the universe (creation) or the universe just happened (evolution). Often this conflict gains wider attention when school boards are faced with vocal groups wanting disclaimers about evolution and inclusion of an intelligent design alternative in science textbooks.

While many Presbyterians wonder what the fuss is all about, the fact is that when the 2002 General Assembly affirmed that “there is no contradiction between an evolutionary theory of human origins and the doctrine of God as Creator,” and that the content of science education should be “determined by the scientific community,” (Minutes of the 214th General Assembly, Book 1, Journal [Louisville: Office of the General Assembly, 2002], 495) about a third of the commissioners voted against the majority decision. So the problem is not only with “them” but with many of “us.” Many Presbyterian Christians are taking sides between science and faith over evolution, especially human evolution. Much of this struggle is based on confusion about the differing roles of science and religion in understanding our world.

Barbara A. Pursey, retired faculty from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, holds a PhD in chemistry and an MDiv in theology. She has served on the General Assembly Task Force on Biblical Authority and Interpretation, and the Work Group on Science, Technology and Christian Faith.

"Genome" image by Dung Hoang

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Is there a way—or more than one way—that science and faith can work together? How will that harmony change the way you look and science and religion? Challenge yourself with this thought-provoking article!	Science and Religion by Barbara A. Pursey For many Christians today, the Genesis texts are a battleground for science versus faith. Science and religion seem to conflict over whether God made the universe (creation) or the universe just happened (evolution). Often this conflict gains wider attention when school boards are faced with vocal groups wanting disclaimers about evolution and inclusion of an intelligent design alternative in science textbooks. While many Presbyterians wonder what the fuss is all about, the fact is that when the 2002 General Assembly affirmed that “there is no contradiction between an evolutionary theory of human origins and the doctrine of God as Creator,” and that the content of science education should be “determined by the scientific community,” (Minutes of the 214th General Assembly, Book 1, Journal [Louisville: Office of the General Assembly, 2002], 495) about a third of the commissioners voted against the majority decision. So the problem is not only with “them” but with many of “us.” Many Presbyterian Christians are taking sides between science and faith over evolution, especially human evolution. Much of this struggle is based on confusion about the differing roles of science and religion in understanding our world. Barbara A. Pursey, retired faculty from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, holds a PhD in chemistry and an MDiv in theology. She has served on the General Assembly Task Force on Biblical Authority and Interpretation, and the Work Group on Science, Technology and Christian Faith. "Genome" image by Dung Hoang Other Articles Online This Issue Gathering Scrapbook [1st page only] Out of Chaos Community in Diversity Getting to Know Our Global Partners Waking Up the World God's Word—Light for the Journey Joining Together in Love Through an Artist's Eyes Bible study resource Dispatch from Forbearance Presbyterian Church Nurturing Our Faith Supporting Mission Working for Justice and Peace Mosaic	Current Issue SEPT/OCT 2006 About This Issue Features PW Resources Departments FREE Resource Sept/Oct Index How to Use In Our Next Issue Items underlined can be seen in this Web site, all others appear in the September/October 2006 (HZN-06-240) issue of Horizons magazine. to Horizons, call 800/524-2612 or this issue ($4 plus shipping/handling)

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