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| "Rapid advances in science are uncovering unexpected aspects of God's creation, but their secular presentation often puts those in ministry on the defensive. Such tension is unhealthy for the future of the church. A more in depth understanding of these new discoveries can actually increase one's awe of God, leading to celebration rather than dismay." |
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Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. ,
Director |
Human Genome Project
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| “Churches, and church leaders, have nothing to lose and much to gain by becoming more scientifically literate, and by sharpening our ability to theologically and pastorally respond to the promises and perils of science and technology. Too often our responses have been not just poorly informed scientifically, but unreflective theologically and philosophically. This is an exciting and needed new initiative, and I look forward eagerly to seeing it bear fruit.” |
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Andy Crouch ,
Editorial Director, The Christian Vision Project |
Christianity Today International
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| “Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett have opened up a broad cultural debate which no pastor or congregation can ignore or avoid. This excellent initiative will enable the churches to address these issues from a scientifically and culturally informed perspective. We urgently need a new generation of clergy who can handle these burning issues. I believe this initiative will be of immense benefit, and commend it enthusiastically.” |
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Alister McGrath ,
Professor of Historical Theology |
Oxford University
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| “As a working pastor I would have welcomed this initiative and I now applaud the proposal. As a pastor with many scientists in my congregation I never felt competent to engage in any kind of indepth conversation with them. I took care of matters of faith. They took care of the science. We were friendly but the conversations that touched on their work lives never got much beyond genial small talk. There is promise of much more here, giving informed energy to pastoral conversation and care in this increasingly critical dimension of the church’s life.” |
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Eugene H. Peterson ,
Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology |
Regent College, Vancouver, B. C.
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| “Science is one of the most powerful influences acting on human thinking today. In a context where many wrongly allege that it has disposed of the rational possibility of religious belief, it is important that ministers of religion should not fear science but be able to welcome its insights. They need the intellectual confidence to argue for the compatibility of science and religion, whose understandings, rightly understood, complement each other rather than standing in conflict.” |
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Revd. Dr. John Polkinghorne, KBE, FRS ,
President Emeritus, Queens’ College |
Cambridge, UK
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