The Willson Lectureship was established in 1967 by Dr. and Mrs. J.M. Willson of Floydada, Texas. Each year, ESR Seeks to bring to campus an engaging personality who will further stimulate the community's theological reflection and pursuit of truth.

Science and Faith: Where Are We?

Ted Peters

The stalemate between religion and science is coming to an end. As hostility, fear, and misunderstanding are put to rest, a path is being cleared for cooperation and mutual benefit.

But complicated issues remain.

Among the most pressing issues facing us today is genetic research. Never have we understood so much about our bodies, how to modify their function, redirect their development, and alter their future as we do now. Study of the human genome has resulted in a map of our humanity unlike anything we have known before. Research on stem cells, gene replacement therapy, and genetically modified organisms hold extraordinary promise for human good.

On the other hand, from Frankenstein to Jurassic Park ,we are counseled to move with caution into these frontiers of human redesign. Do we now hold the key to being creators of a new genetic humanity? Although the consequences may be great, shouldn’t we unlock the door before us?

At the same time we are exploring the possibility of redesigning ourselves, we are confronted with questions about our freedom. Is evil genetically deter- mined and is it passed on to us through our parent ’s DNA? Has science inadvertently verified a doctrine of original sin? Can social ills such as violence and alcoholism be eliminated, and if we can eliminate them genetically, shouldn’t we?

Now, more than ever, it is critical for theologians and ethicists to be in vigorous conversation with scientists; the stakes are high. It is a good thing we are on speaking terms again.

This year’s lecturer:

TED PETERS is a teaching professor at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) Berkeley, California, and program director at the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences (CTNS). He is a Lutheran theologian teaching in an ecumenical institution with students of differing denominations. His teaching portfolio includes the field of twentieth century systematic theology for both doctoral level students and for students preparing to serve in the ordained clergy.

Ted Peters was Principal Investigator for a research project funded by the National Institutes of Health. He is a published author of numerous books and also serves as editor, and co-editor to several journals, and is a contributor to various publications. He is currently a member of the Ethics Advisory Board for the Geron Corporation.

Links

Ted Peters, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Biography: Ted Peters, Counterbalance Meta Library

Interview, PBS, Faith & Reason

Theology and Science: Where Are We?
reprint of "THEOLOGY AND SCIENCE: WHERE ARE WE?," ZYGON, VOL. 31, NO. 2 (JUNE 1996), PP. 323-343.