Evolution weekend hosts views of science, religion
By Jewish Review
article created on:
Since Charles Darwin shook the world in 1859 with his book, “On the Origin of Species,” and his theory of evolution, debate has raged over how to reconcile scientific teachings with classical religious thought regarding when and how humans first appeared on Earth.
While many staunchly adhere to Biblical teachings about Creation as absolute truth, others engage in a dialogue about accepting both schools of thought.
On Feb. 10, the community is invited to attend a presentation at Congregation Beth Israel, entitled “The Rabbi and the Scientist—A Conversation in Two Realms.” Presented as part of the Clergy Letter Project’s Evolution Weekend, this program features a conversation between Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana and Dr. Roger Cone on science and religion. The event is set for 10 a.m. in Pollin Chapel, Schnitzer Family Center, 1972 NW Flanders St.
The Clergy Letter Project, Founded by Michael Zimmerman, biologist and the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Butler University in Indianapolis, first presented Evolution Sunday two years ago.
“At a time when three of the Republican candidates for president have proudly said they don’t believe in evolution, when a new $27 million ‘creation science’ museum has just opened and when the quality of science education in America is slipping dangerously low, we must be positive and pro-active,” writes Dr. Zimmerman. “Religious leaders and scientists need to come together to combat the fundamentalist agenda that is threatening both mainstream religions and science education.”
Both the Union for Reform Judaism and Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism have strong positions regarding the advancement of scientific teaching.
In 2005, RAC Director Rabbi David Saperstein issued the following statement: “Objective scientific processes and theories must never be subverted to serve religious, political or ideological goals. As people of faith have long known, science and God are complementary. Maimonides, the great Jewish scholar and physician, taught that an individual’s ability to learn was a key element of spirituality.”
The congregation’s senior rabbi Michael Z. Cahana is planning the program. Cahana and Dr. Roger Cone, a renowned scientist, who specializes in molecular biology, will discuss current trends in bioethics from a science and religious perspective.
By the end of December, more than 400 congregations representing 49 states and 3 countries had agreed to participate in Evolution Weekend. More information and a list of the participants may be viewed at www.butler.edu/clergyproject/rel_evolution_weekend_2008.htm.
For more information on Beth Israel’s program, call the synagogue at 503-222-1069.