August 2021 Newsletter
In this Clergy Letter Project update you’ll find the following thirteen items:
- Free Book to Help with Evolution Weekend 2022;
- Astrobiology News for August 2021: Dwarf Planet Ceres: The Nearest Ocean World?;
- Vote for the Theme for Evolution Weekend 2022;
- On Science: Limitations and Distortions;
- The Original Frontier Wins Award;
- Grace Wolf-Chase Talks with Sinai and Synapses;
- Respond to the Latest (and Most Dire) IPCC Report;
- Moral Evolution in the Torah;
- Thoughts on the Relationship between Science and Faith;
- The Reverend Betsey Monnot Named Bishop-Elect;
- Creation Care Resources;
- 2021 Friend of Darwin Award; and
- Apply Now for Evolution and Faith Engagement Workshop.
1. Free Book to Help with Evolution Weekend 2022
Janet Kellogg Ray, a friend of The Clergy Letter Project, has an exciting new book being published very shortly. It's entitled Baby Dinosaurs on the Ark?: The Bible and Modern Science and the Trouble of Making It All Fit and the publisher has generously donated free copies to me to distribute to members to help plan for Evolution Weekend 2022.
As the publisher explains it, Janet, “a science educator who grew up a creationist, doesn’t want other Christians to have to do the exhausting mental gymnastics she did earlier in her life. Working through the findings of a range of fields including geology, paleontology, and biology, she shows how a literal interpretation of the book of Genesis simply doesn’t mesh with what we know to be reality. But as someone who remains a committed Christian, Ray also shows how an acceptance of the theory of evolution is not necessarily an acceptance of atheism, and how God can still be responsible for having created the world, even if it wasn’t in a single, momentary, miraculous event.”
The book has received rave pre-publication reviews. Here are just a handful of such comments:
“Janet Ray’s Baby Dinosaurs on the Ark? is a deeply personal, scientifically informed, and valuable contribution to our troubled conversation on evolution. Readers will appreciate the engaging and often humorous anecdotes. The book deserves a broad readership.”
— Karl W. Giberson
author of Saving Darwin: How to Be a Christian and Believe in Evolution
“This is the most cleverly written and yet profound book I’ve read in some time. I love it! Ray makes complex and deep issues accessible. She answers questions about science and contemporary debates. I plan to give copies to friends trying to make sense of evolution and Christian faith.”
— Thomas Jay Oord
author of The Uncontrolling Love of God
“Ray writes with candid humor, a pastoral spirit, and engaging, accessible science. This book deserves to be widely read, especially if you’re not sure that evolution and robust faith can go together.”
— Dennis R. Venema
professor of biology at Trinity Western University
You can read more about the book and view additional testimonials here.
If you think this book will help you prepare for Evolution Weekend 2022, let me know and I’ll award a free copy (you pay for postage and handling) to every fourth person who requests a copy until all copies are claimed.
_______ This book should help me plan for Evolution Weekend 2022. If selected, I’ll pay $5 for postage and handling and I agree to participate in Evolution Weekend 2022.
Name:
Congregation or similar group:
Location:
_______ While I don’t need the book, please add me to the list of participants in Evolution Weekend 2022.
Name:
Congregation or similar group:
Location:
If you’re not selected to receive a free copy of the book, or if you’d like to purchase extra ones for your congregation, you can do so here and receive a 25 percent discount!
2. Astrobiology News for August 2021: Dwarf Planet Ceres: The Nearest Ocean World?
In this month’s Astrobiology News Grace Wolf-Chase, Senior Scientist and Senior Education & Communication Specialist at the Planetary Science Institute as well as a Clergy Letter Project consultant, discusses the search for water in our solar system, with a special focus on the process leading to the belief that an ocean might exist on a “nearby” dwarf planet!
In 2006, Ceres was reclassified from “asteroid” to “dwarf planet,” since it’s so much bigger and different from its neighbors in the asteroid belt. Ceres is a curious world that has often appeared in pop culture. In the TV series, The Expanse, Ceres is inhabited by humans; in the PC Game Descent, one of the secret levels takes place on Ceres; and in the video game Destiny -- a favorite of my son, Dennis, who took 2nd place in a Chicagoland Strike Speedrun several years ago -- Ceres was colonized by an alien race called the Fallen, and was later destroyed by a civilization of post-humans who inhabit the asteroid belt.(1)
The designation “ocean world” has been applied to any world, not necessarily classified as a “planet,” that contains a large body of liquid water, not necessarily on the world’s surface. Enceladus, Europa, Titan, Ganymede, and Callisto, moons of gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, have all been determined to have subsurface oceans from measurements made by the Galileo and Cassini spacecraft.(2) Neptune’s moon Triton, Saturn’s moon Dione, and dwarf planets Pluto and Ceres, have been considered candidate ocean worlds. Located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, Ceres is the only one of these located in what’s considered the inner Solar System.
As I’ve been participating (virtually) in my annual Planetary Science Institute (PSI) retreat this week, it seems fitting to report on some recent research on Ceres that was conducted by one of my PSI colleagues. Senior Scientist Dr. Thomas Prettyman recently published a paper in Geophysical Research Letters(3) based on data from NASA’s Dawn mission. Dawn became the first mission to visit a dwarf planet when it went into orbit about Ceres in 2015.(4) Among its accomplishments, Dawn reinforced the idea that dwarf planets could have hosted oceans over a significant part of their history -- and possibly still do. Prettyman, together with PSI colleagues Yuki Yamashita, Norbert Schorghofer, Carle Pieters, and Hanna Sizemore, inferred the distribution of subsurface ice at Occator crater from measurements of hydrogen by Dawn’s Gamma Ray and Neutron Detector (GRaND).(5) Occator, a “young” -- roughly 20-million years old -- crater 57 miles in diameter, features prominent bright spots, which the new study reveals to be rich in water ice excavated from the impact that produced the crater. The new results support the interpretation that Ceres’ crust is ice rich, and reinforce an emerging consensus that Ceres has an icy outer shell and subcrustal ocean.(6)
When I think back to the first exoplanets that were discovered - giant worlds in unexpected “star-hugging” orbits, I’m reminded of how much more diverse nature is than we ever anticipate. I suspect that if and when we discover extraterrestrial life, it may be in an equally unexpected environment -- perhaps even in an underground ocean on a world orbiting amongst the “rubble” of the Solar System! The Planetary Science Institute studies the origin, characteristics and evolution of our Solar System, as well as astrobiology and exoplanets. Follow PSI on Facebook (@planetartsci), Twitter (@planetarysci), and Instagram (planetary.sci) to learn more about fascinating developments in all these fields of study.
Although there aren’t any Zooniverse projects dedicated to ocean worlds (other than Earth) at this point in time, Hubble Asteroid Hunter(7) enables people around the world to help scientists better understand the asteroid population, and also to identify asteroids whose orbits might pose threats to life on Earth.Until next month,
Grace
Grace Wolf-Chase (gwolfchase@gmail.com)
Senior Scientist & Senior Education & Communication Specialist, Planetary Science Institute (www.psi.edu/about/staffpage/gwchase)
Vice President, Center for Advanced Study in Religion and Science (CASIRAS: www.casiras.org)
1. https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/dwarf-planets/ceres/overview/
2. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/ast.2018.1955
3. https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2021GL094223
4. https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/dawn/overview/
5. https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/dawn/technology/science-payload/
6. https://www.psi.edu/news/ceresicycrust
7. https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/sandorkruk/hubble-asteroid-hunter
3. Vote for the Theme for Evolution Weekend 2022
Please look at the list below carefully and vote for an item (two items actually) that you would like to see as the official theme for Evolution Weekend 2022. These items have been suggested by members.
_____ Symbols and Science
_____ Science, Religion, and Wellbeing (Post-Pandemic)
_____ Into the Wilderness: Exploring both the Spiritual and Material Universe
_____ Religion and the Brain
_____ Developing Productive Dynamics between Religion and Politics
_____ Building Bridges between Religion and Science
_____ The Pandemic, Climate Change and Evolution: How Religion and Science, Working Together, Can Advance Our Understanding
_____The Religion and Science Dialogue Can Be a Model for Other Difficult Conversations
_____ Other, Please Specify:
Please vote for your top two choices. You can vote by returning this note to me or by sending me a separate e-mail at mz@theclergyletterproject.org
In addition to many congregations focusing their Evolution Weekend activities on the theme selected, that theme helps us gain additional attention for Evolution Weekend and the goals of The Clergy Letter Project. Remember, however, that whether you focus on the theme selected or not, you can participate in Evolution Weekend (11-13 February 2022) in any way that works for you and your congregation. The goal is to demonstrate the compatibility of religion and science and to promote a healthy dialogue about that issue.
So, please vote and, please, if you haven’t yet done so, sign up to participate in Evolution Weekend 2022.
_______ I plan to participate in Evolution Weekend 2022. Please add me to the list of participants.
Name:
Congregation or similar group:
Location:
4. On Science: Limitations and Distortions
I’m delighted to say that I’m able to share another essay by The Reverend Ken Olson, a member of The Clergy Letter Project. This month he offers us a wonderful piece, entitled “On Science: Limitations and Distortions.”
Rather than sharing my own (inadequate) thoughts on Ken’s essay, I’ll share with you what he wrote to me when he originally sent me the piece. He noted that the essay was “composed at a time when science is under assault from extremists and the irrationals, the science-deniers. However, those of us who are often defending the findings of science and who care greatly about Truth must also know that not everything that passes for science actually is. This is a difficult topic and I'm sure that's the reason that it is seldom addressed; however, I think we would agree that it is important to do so.” I agree wholeheartedly with Ken that this is a topic well worth his – and our – attention.
Please take a look at his writing; I’m confident that you won’t be disappointed. And to help you savor his work, I’ve created an archive page for all of his essays that have been published in our newsletter. Enjoy – and please join me in thanking Ken for sharing his work with us.
5. The Original Frontier Wins Award
You’ll likely remember that in May, I offered a number of free copies of an exciting new book, The Original Frontier: A Serious Seekers Guide to Zen. The book, written by Taiun Michael Elliston, a member of The Clergy Letter Project and Abbot at the Atlanta Soto Zen Center, has won the 2021 The Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY Award) for best book in the Religion Category. Please join me in congratulation Michael on this well-deserved honor.
6. Grace Wolf-Chase Talks with Sinai and Synapses
If you’re like me, you can’t get enough of the ideas and wisdom offered by Grace Wolf-Chase. Well Sinai and Synapses, our sister organization, has just the thing for you! An interview with Grace has recently been posted and you won’t want to miss it.
7. Respond to the Latest (and Most Dire) IPCC Report
By now I’m certain that virtually all of you have heard about the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The warning in the report was, by far, the most dire yet noting that it is now “unequivocal” that we have altered global climate in ways that are already having lasting and devastating impacts on humans and ecosystems. The report also notes that there is still time, but very little time, to take action to keep things from getting even worse. You can read a stark summary of their conclusions in this Washington Post article.
While I hope all of you take individual action to ameliorate your own carbon footprint, and I hope you all speak out loudly to encourage others to do the same, I also hope those of you who have not yet signed our Climate Crisis Letter do so now. Yes, this is a small, simple step, but one that collectively might help induce legislators and business leaders to take action. The collective voice of clergy from multiple religions and numerous countries can make a difference. Please drop me a note (mz@theclergyletterproject.org) to add your signature and please share with your clerical colleagues and encourage them to do the same. Together we can help avert the disaster that has been described by the world’s climate scientists.
8. Moral Evolution in the Torah
Rabbi Geoff Mitelman, founding director of Sinai and Synapses and a member of The Clergy Letter Project, has written a short but fascinating piece entitled “Moral Evolution in the Torah.”
Here’s one small excerpt to give you a flavor of what he has to say: “While we may want to see the Torah as revolutionary, it’s more accurate to say that it is evolutionary — its laws and customs were set up for a specific time and place, which have since changed since they were first set down. And this evolutionary process — from the Rabbis of the Talmud to later commentators to scholars and rabbis today — helps us both understand the text in its own time and place, and how we have grown as a society since then.”
I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading the full essay.
9. Thoughts on the Relationship between Science and Faith
Tony Mitchell, a long-time friend of The Clergy Letter Project, has written a moving essay entitled “No One Told Me.” He makes the case, as well as anyone I’ve seen, that you don’t have to choose between religion and science. His message, obviously, is one that is at the heart of The Clergy Letter Project. He concludes his piece with another important point that is central to The Clergy Letter Project: “I will never, I hope, tell you what to believe or say that your belief system does not work. I am still learning about my faith, so I am not able to tell you how to find yours. But I will help you find the way to the answers.”
You can read Tony’s full essay on his blog “Thoughts From The Heart On The Left.” I’m delighted to say that the piece will also be published in the Fall issue of God and Nature, a publication of the American Scientific Affiliation.
10. The Reverend Betsey Monnot Named Bishop-Elect
The Reverend Betsey Monnot, long-time member of The Clergy Letter Project, has been named Episcopal Bishop-Elect of Iowa. You can read more about her appointment here. Please join me in congratulating Betsey.
11. Creation Care Resources
The Reverend Janet Adair Hansen, long-time member of The Clergy Letter Project, recently led a workshop called “Celebrating Worship and Creation Care” for the Presbyterians for Earth Care conference. You can read more about her workshop, find ideas that might help you create an exciting Evolution Weekend event, and discover some wonderful resources for blending religion, science and Earth care here.
I hope Janet’s impressive work encourages you to sign up to participate in Evolution Weekend 2022 and to sign our Climate Crisis Letter if you haven’t yet done so. To do either, please simply drop me a note (mz@theclergyletterproject.org) and I’ll take care of the rest!
12. 2021 Friend of Darwin Award
The National Center for Science Education has announced their 2021 Friend of Darwin Award and I’m delighted to say that two of the three winners are members of The Clergy Letter Project’s list of scientific consultants. Dr. Briana Pobiner, a paleoanthropologist who leads the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's Human Origins Program’s public programs, website content, social media, and exhibition volunteer training joins Dr. Jason R. Wiles, Associate Professor of Biology at Syracuse University, a specialist in evolution education, in receiving this award that honors those who defend and support the teaching of evolution. You can read more about this year’s selection here. Please join me in congratulating both Briana and Jason.
On a personal note, this award is a favorite of mine, in part because I received it years ago due to my work with The Clergy Letter Project.
13. Apply Now for Evolution and Faith Engagement Workshop
A group of faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students at Brigham Young University is sponsoring an October workshop that you might well be interested in. The group, entitled Reconciling Evolution, is interested in “building bridges between science and religion.” The workshop, fully funded (including travel expenses) by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), is entitled “Teaching Evolution Through a Culturally Competent Lens” is scheduled to take place 27-30 October 2021.
Applications are open to three-person teams from academic institutions “where students face conflict between religious influences and learning evolutionary science.” Teams must be comprised of a faculty member from a biology-related discipline, a faculty member from a theology-related discipline, and a local clergy member. You can read more about the workshop including application material here. Applications are due by 1 October.
Concluding Thoughts
These are difficult times. The pandemic, in the United States, has come roaring back, in large part because too many people refuse to be vaccinated and to wear masks. The impact of climate change is all too obvious – and deadly – as record temperatures are being reached all over the globe and as fires burn out of control. While no one of us can fix these problems, we can each play a part individually – and collectively we can raise our voices and encourage politicians, business leaders, our community members, and our family members to take action. Together we are powerful and together we can make a difference – if we are willing to do so.
I hope you, all those you care about, and all those with whom you interact remain safe and healthy.
Finally, as always, I want to thank you for your continued support and as I do every month, I urge you to take one simple action. Please share this month’s Newsletter with a colleague or two (or post a link via any social media platform you use) and ask them to add their voices to those promoting a deep and meaningful understanding between religion and science. They can add their signatures to one of our Clergy Letters simply by dropping me a note at mz@theclergyletterproject.org. Spread the word; change the world. Together we are making a difference.
Michael
Michael Zimmerman
Founder and Executive Director
The Clergy Letter Project
www.theclergyletterproject.org
mz@theclergyletterproject.org