The 11:15 AM science and religion class led by Dick Ransom and Phil Rounseville here at First Baptist Church in Newton is nearing its end.
Recently the group has been studying issues in bio ethics as described in the Appendix of The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief by Francis S. Collins, who served as head of the Human Genome Project. Topics covered include medical genetics (does a woman with a strong family history of breast cancer really need a prophylactic double mastectomy?), pharmacogenetics (genetic history can improve the effectiveness and safety of prescription drugs), the potential misuse of genetic information by insurance companies and employers, research using stem cells and cloning, and genetic enhancement (should everyone be programmed to be tall, dark and handsome?).
Previously they discussed four options presented by Collins for resolving the apparent conflict between the theory of evolution and belief in God:
Once summer ends the group will transition into next year’s class studying Shared Stories, Rival Tellings: Early Encounters of Jews, Christians, and Muslims by Robert C. Gregg in the Fall. That book explores Jewish, Christian and Muslim versions of the following biblical stories:
If you are interested in the relationship between science and religion, it is not too late to join us Sundays at 10 AM for worship and at 11:15 AM for small groups. The science and religion class may be ending, but you will get to meet others who share your interest, as well as learn a little about the upcoming Fall class.
Recently the group has been studying issues in bio ethics as described in the Appendix of The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief by Francis S. Collins, who served as head of the Human Genome Project. Topics covered include medical genetics (does a woman with a strong family history of breast cancer really need a prophylactic double mastectomy?), pharmacogenetics (genetic history can improve the effectiveness and safety of prescription drugs), the potential misuse of genetic information by insurance companies and employers, research using stem cells and cloning, and genetic enhancement (should everyone be programmed to be tall, dark and handsome?).
Previously they discussed four options presented by Collins for resolving the apparent conflict between the theory of evolution and belief in God:
- Atheism and Agnosticism (When Science Trumps Faith)
- Creationism (When Faith Trumps Science)
- Intelligent Design (When Science Needs Divine Help)
- BioLogos (Science and Faith in Harmony)
Once summer ends the group will transition into next year’s class studying Shared Stories, Rival Tellings: Early Encounters of Jews, Christians, and Muslims by Robert C. Gregg in the Fall. That book explores Jewish, Christian and Muslim versions of the following biblical stories:
- Cain and Abel
- Sarah and Hagar (unsurprisingly, the Muslim version is sooo much different than the Jewish version!)
- Joseph’s temptation by his Egyptian master’s wife
- Jonah the Angry Prophet
- Mary, Mariam, Maryam
If you are interested in the relationship between science and religion, it is not too late to join us Sundays at 10 AM for worship and at 11:15 AM for small groups. The science and religion class may be ending, but you will get to meet others who share your interest, as well as learn a little about the upcoming Fall class.