SCIENCE FRIENDLY

A Science-Friendly Faith

Our church includes scientific researchers, climate scientists, social scientists. So we promote a science friendly faith. While large portions of the non-denominational church world have objections to science, we don’t. In fact, we find that science enhances our appreciation for God and the wonders all around us—adds to, rather than threatens our sense of awe. We see no conflicts between a robust faith fully engaged with Scripture and the findings of evolution, the primary narrative of modern science. Furthermore, we see this as key to a relevant faith, given the important role science plays in the modern world.

A Pastoral Team that Enjoys Science

Our pastors enjoy reading science for pleasure. If you’re not careful, we might want to share our latest discoveries with you! Seriously, this does, from time to time, find its way into our Sunday sermons. And there’s nothing new about this in the Jesus-tradition. In fact, the earliest scientists were often members of the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) and many thing these traditions played a key role in the emergence of science. In the Hebrew Scriptures, Solomon is presented as an early natural scientist.

Efforts to Promote Science-Faith Understanding

Emily, in particular, has studied the intersection of evolution and the early creation stories of Genesis. Her work has been informed by the Old Testament scholar, John Walton, from Wheaton. In fact, Emily has produced a video teaching series based on Walton’s research. The series is titled, “The Earth—Temple of God.” Emily and Ken were awarded a Templeton Foundation grant through BioLogos to explore the science-faith intersection, which included dialogue events at the University of Michigan, the University of Akron, and Eastern Michigan University, and University of Wisconsin, Madison, called “Let the Conversation Evolve.”

Ken Wilson has been a leader in bridging the divide between faith and environmental science and evolutionary science. With conservationist Carl Safina, Ken developed a series of dialogues at between clergy and environmental scientists at the University of Michigan, The Ohio State University, and the University of Akron. Ken participated in a retreat with top scientists, including E.O. Wilson, Eric Chivian, Carl Safina, Rita Caldwell, and others, to further this dialogue. The group produced a joint statement calling for protection of the environment. This led to several efforts to improve the concern for the environment in science-resistant communities like evangelicalism. As part of his work, Ken contributed a chapter to Practicing Sustainability in a book published by the National Academy of Sciences.

Caroline Kittle, our Newcomers and Youth Pastor, keeps us on our toes in the social sciences. Caroline received her Bachelors in Psychology and English from the University of Michigan. Caroline received her MA in Women’s and Gender Studies from DePaul University in 2010. Her master’s thesis offers a feminist analysis of mental health providers of Latina women.