Science and religion can be bridged. Michael Dowd, author and evolutionary evangelist interviewed Richard Rohr, a Franciscan who leads the Center for Action and Contemplation in New Mexico. The interview focused on the evolution of the Christian tradition and on science.
Richard Rohr suggested that science can be empirical theology, i.e., things in their bare existence become revelation - that we all share a global heart with care and commitment to a larger global life on which we all depend. Science need not be an enemy. It can teach us not only relative truth, but humility, patience and willingness to live with less certitude in always anticipating further insight and development. The cosmic dance is a global dance not only a sacred dance for my group - we must stop seeing our religion as in competition and instead see ourselves and Christianity as gift.
Richard Rohr goes on to say that our pioneer Jesus crossed boundaries and built bridges. He was inclusive. We “Catholics” in his honour became exclusive. Too long have we been tribal and addicted to group think whereas there is one God for all. Even atheists have a role helping us evolve by rejecting gods that are unbelievable. Richard Rohr’s alternative is to see Jesus, not as exclusive, not as a product, to be reproduced thus setting up boundaries. Instead, he suggested, “be Jesus” and be pioneers who build bridges. Bridges to what?
The sciences are discovering that there are no boundaries because there exists an interconnectedness at levels not available to the naked eye. Yet that is not what most humans at this point in history believe or accept.
Watch The Science of Interconnectedness
Interconnectedness already exists. We, as humans need to wake up and “realize” it. Moreover, we also need to help one another wake up.
Do you want to ‘wake up’, to help change our world?
If so, you are invited to the Symposium “Becoming Agents of Evolutionary Change” July 4-6, 2014. Carter Phipps is the keynote speaker and will be presenting with Sue Wilson, CSJ. Click HERE for more information.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog.
Mary Vandersteen, csj and Ann Steadman, Associate