Evolutionary theories addressed at ecumenical roundtable
Episcopal News Service. April 30, 2007 [043007-01]
Josephine Borgeson, Deacon in the Diocese of Northern California, reports on science and faith for the Episcopal News Service
There are two walls of resistance to evolution, observed David Sloan Wilson, founder of the Evolutionary Studies Program at Binghamton University, in his April 20 address to the Ecumenical Roundtable on Science, Technology and the Church, in Manchester, New Hampshire.
"The one we pay the most attention to is creationism, but there is also a tendency on the part of many people to deny evolution’s relevance to human affairs, and this is alive and well in academia," he said.
Wilson explained that his just-published book, "Evolution for Everyone," is a print adaptation of the class he teaches at Binghamton, an attempt to present evolutionary theory as alluring. Students from all fields of study and a variety of backgrounds have rated the class a success.
"This is not about me, but the reality that evolutionary theory is a powerful tool for improving and changing the world in a way that does not threaten the values of morality and hope for a better future," Wilson was quick to add.
Although a faculty member in the department of biology, Wilson’s primary current interest is studying religion and related cultural movements, using the theoretical framework of evolution.
"Being with you at this meeting is very exciting for me -- where else will I find a group so well informed about both science and religion -- and not only informed but practicing," he said when welcomed by the audience of lay and ordained scientists from five denominations.
"Great things are taking place now in the social sciences as principles of evolution are applied," he observed. "We need theory to help us see what is in front of our faces," he continued, using "theory" in its scientific, not popular, sense.
"My work asks, ‘Can evolution make more progress than previous theoretical frameworks in making sense of religion?’"
Wilson evoked other people’s research upon which he has drawn to show evolutionary principles working in animal and human behavior.
Evolution can explain both selfishness and altruism, he noted, referring to experiments in selecting for egg production by poultry scientist William Muir, who demonstrated the value of group selection -- choosing to breed all the hens in the most productive cages of nine, rather than breeding the most productive individuals in each cage. The most productive individuals tended to suppress the productivity of their cage mates, and their aggressive behaviors increased through selection, while the most productive groups tended to cooperate, increasing egg laying over all.
Wilson also described studies in prosociality among high school students from conservative and liberal religious backgrounds, which in turn inspired an ongoing research project in the city of Binghamton, New York.
"Evolutionary biology is fundamentally about the study of organisms in their environment -- but human research rarely is," he underscored, adding that he and his fellow researchers are trying to bring the evolutionary approach to studies which can help them learn through mapping the neighborhoods in their city.
"Ultimately it's the interpretation of diversity that is interesting. That's why human culture is like an ecosystem."
One thing we are learning from such studies, Wilson added, is that "evolutionary theory affirms many religious values and also explains the dark sides of religion."
Asked why an atheist with an appointment in the Department of Biological Sciences would take such an interest in religion, Wilson responded with two reasons.
"Religion is an intellectually fascinating topic. It always has been for scientists, and explaining it from an evolutionary perspective is a major challenge and accomplishment," he said. "But I’m also a do-gooder. I may not have a religious dimension to my actions, but I have a lot of things in common with religious people. I believe that the future can differ from the past, and I think spirituality is a form of long-term expansive planning."
On the morning of April 21, Wilson presented some thoughts on "Biology and Evolutionary Aspects of Homosexuality." A panel of Episcopalians from the Executive Council Committee on Science, Technology and Faith and from the Faith and Genetics Working Group of the Diocese of Massachusetts responded.
In other business, participants heard reports from the several denominations represented at the Roundtable. United Church of Christ members announced a festival honoring Nobel and Templeton winner Charles Towne complete with laser show at their 50th anniversary General Assembly this summer. The Presbyterian Association for Science Technology and the Church is working to increase membership so that they can hire a staffer to support their considerable national and chapter work. The ELCA Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology continues their Sunday Scientist Symposia, supporting the vocation of scientists and the knowledge they bring to the church. After several years without, United Methodists now have a place for science and religion concerns in their national structure.
The Episcopal Committee on Science, Technology and Faith reported progress on its four top priorities for the triennium: providing scientific background to the church on three topics related to Millennium Development Goal #7 (Ensure Environmental Sustainability); potable water for all; the health of the oceans; and climate change. The committee also noted progress on expanding the theology in Part III of the Catechism of Creation on creation care.
Preliminary plans for next year’s Ecumenical Roundtable place the meeting at Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, New Mexico, during the second or third week of Eastertide.