Science & Faith
We like science and scientists. And we're excited to be involved in several bridge building efforts between faith and science. We've especially developed relationships with environmental scientists and other life scientists. The Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor has a partnership with the Blue Ocean Institute to bring environmental scientists together with pastors on college campuses (UM, OSU, and Akron University, so far) for a day of dialogue. The founder of Blue Ocean Insitute, Carl Safina, is our adopted secular scientist in fact.
Integrating new scientific understandings is an important aspect of the ongoing development of our faith. It requires some heavy lifting but can be invigorating. Informed by the work of scientists like Francis Collins, John Polkinghorne, and Simon Conway Morris, we are exploring the important connections between biblical faith and evolutionary science. This page include links to a sermon series devoted to this topic.
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The Friendship Collaborative
Carl Safina, Ph.D. - 2010 Indianapolis Prize Finalist from Mays Entertainment, LLC on Vimeo.
Ken Wilson and conservationist Carl Safina (President, Blue Ocean Institute) have recently teamed up to organize The Friendship Collaborative: Building Bridges Between Science and Faith. The project's goal is to foster relationship and dialogue between scientists and evangelicals who share a common concern for the environment.
To read an article about The Friendship Project from the University of Akron News, click here.
Carl Safina talks about nature and the Blue Ocean project.
Scientists & Evangelicals Unite to Protect Creation
by Ken Wilson
I was honored to attend the recent meetings between scientists and evangelicals to consider how we could work together to address the global environmental crisis. Fourteen top-flight scientists in the field of environmental science were present including E.O. Wilson (the most prominent biologist in the country) Jim Hansen (head of the NASA climate group) and Gus Speth (the first scientist to advise a U.S. president on climate change.) A diverse group of fourteen evangelical leaders invited by National Association of Evangelicals leader, Richard Cizik, were present, including academics, pastors and scientists. I was present to represent Vineyard at the request of Bert Waggoner, our national director...read more.
Science and Faith Tour of the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
We recently organized a “Science & Faith Tour” of the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. The purpose of this tour was to provide an opportunity for students and parents to explore the treasures of the museum in a context that welcomes questions about science and faith and their relatedness.
A summary of the presentation and discussion points from the event including more thoughts on the historical tension between science & faith over evolution can be found here.