The Arctic tops my list of the places I wish I was during the late August heat in central Texas. So I’m a bit jealous of the new friendship between scientists and evangelists, based on what the evangelists call “Creation Care” and what the scientists call “saving the environment.” To commemorate their unity, they’re taking a trip to Alaska. Noted scientists such as Eric Chivian, winner of 1985 Nobel Peace Prize, and Carl Safina, founder of the Blue Ocean Institute, will point out melting glaciers, eroding villages, and concerned natives to some of the nation’s most influential religious leaders.
At first glance, it’s an unusual marriage, considering that scientists and evangelists are still solidly divided on the whole evolution versus intelligent design thing. But they’ve managed to dig a little deeper and find the common ground that however human life got started, humans also have the responsibility to make sure it doesn’t end. Such extreme beliefs have caused conservative Christian talking heads like James Dobson to fire off angry missives calling for the resignation of the evangelical leader of the movement. They’re probably upset that this stance on global warming is warming liberal’s hearts to evangelicals, and if that happens, they might lose their reactionary relevance.
But the person to feel sorry for is Ted Haggard, the fallen former president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Ted has to swelter in the Phoenix heat while his former colleagues share an Arctic cruise. Poor, poor Ted.
In other interesting things of note, Discover Magazine has a provocative essay tackling the question: Has science fiction become meaningless? And are geeks slowly realizing that they are depressed?
Scientists have launched a YouTube for scientists, by scientists, that only scientists can understand. I’m still waiting for Hot-or-Not for scientists, showcasing a profusion of luxuriant flowing hair.
And here’s an interesting list of the 20 Most Bizarre Science Experiments. Or more like the most sordid science experiments. Among the highlights: Soviet scientists proved they can create two-headed dogs and keep a dismembered dog head alive, and American scientists proved they can force women to shock cute, fluffy puppies. Congratulations, science history.
I think the scientists involved should be commended for their effort to reach out and communicate, in such a personal and immediate way, changes happening to the environment which supports us all.
And I salute the open-mindedness and bravery of the religious leaders in engaging with the scientists to see for themselves — and hopefully tell others — about the realities of climate change and the damage being done to, as biologist E.O. Wilson says, the Creation.
And I salute Lindsay for another very entertaining and thought-provoking blog post! Bravo, Lindsay. A great read.
Deborah
It’s awesome to see people working together. I have always thought it only seemed natural that people who love God would protect what He has given us. God created biodiversity and commanded us to prosper, not to destroy.
It is not quite clear what this is about. But since this involves the arctic it almost surely is about global warming. The belief in global warming is a religious belief and has nothing what so ever to do with science. So it is not surprising at all that the cult of global warming would team up with mainstream religion.
Tom T - It’s only through the mention of the Arctic that you infer this entry is about global warming? Before you judge the issues and/or post a comment, maybe you should actually *read* the post to *understand* what’s going on, and then examine your own beliefs - they appear to be vague, reactionary, and poorly informed.
hey Lindsay you’re cute. YOU Married?
LOL Great article though
Square water melons and genetically engineered food are samples that once in a while, life is created. Not a proof, but a plausibility.