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Are we the descendants of monkeys? Or the children of God?
Could we possibly be both?
Throughout most of history, a major debate has existed between scientific and religious beliefs. One prominent argument in this field is between the theories of evolution and creationism.
In response to this problem, Fairfield University biology professor Dr. Glenn Sauer initiated the “God and Modern Biology” program as a way to find a balance between these opposing viewpoints. Sauer voiced his disagreement with the way religious leaders condemn scientific principles and how scientists conversely deny matters of faith or the presence of a higher power.
Scientists acknowledge Darwinian evolution, which states that all life is related and descended from a common ancestor. The theory of creationism, on the other hand, believes that the existence of contemporary life can be credited to God as opposed to evolution.
When asked about his interest in this issue, Sauer said, “I’m really interested in the ways religious points of view intersect with science, seeing how different religions address the issues, such as the Big Bang Theory, evolution, and biotechnology.” He shared his desire for individuals to be educated about both sides of this controversy before making any assumptions.
However, the real catalyst for the starting of this program began ten years ago when he started teaching a class entitled God and Modern Biology at Fairfield. He observed that even though many of the students were Catholic, they did not have a strong grasp of church teachings when it came to science. Soon after, Sauer took a shortened version of his course to local parishes.
According to Sauer, the series will be an educational enrichment program beginning in February. He and other Fairfield faculty will meet with leaders from 29 parishes and schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport to commence with the development of an instructional program to address religion and science in a way that can be used in faith formation, youth, Bible Study, and other academic settings.
There will be approximately 50 to 75 parish priests, directors of religious education, youth group leaders, and other volunteers from around Fairfield County involved in the initial discussions. Dr. Margaret Dames, the diocese’s superintendent of schools, said that religion and science chairs at the five diocese high schools and elementary school principals will also participate. Sister Mary Grace Walsh, the deputy superintendent of schools for the diocese, has informed the public that each of the teachers in this program is well versed in their fields and knows the church’s techniques related to the subject.
The final product of these discussions will be a five-day summer program that will run from the end of June 2012 to the beginning of July 2012. The first four days will deal with sessions on specific scientific content and the religious or theological implications of science. The last day will deal with developing strategies to implement the teaching into daily life.
Each of the programs will include guest lectures, reading groups, or planned discussions in Catechism classes. The group will then have monthly meeting from 2012-2013 along with a public lecture by a scholar in the science and religion field.
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