Science, religion and ethics: Hood College speaker highlights similarities, not differences

Jan. 21--Ted Peters likened scientists to secular prophets.

Just as God sent prophets to warn the people of ancient Jerusalem to repent from sin, members of the science community in the 1960s and 1970s predicted devastating consequences of global climate change, he explained. It's an unusual comparison, but one that illustrates the overlap among science, faith and ethics that Peters has researched for 30 years.

As research professor of systematic theology and ethics at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, Peters has explored the theological implications of a wide range of scientific topics: stem cell research, evolution, outer space and genetics.

But across this broad spectrum, Peters' research shares a common theme: the similarities among science, theology and religion.

"Science and religion are different things, but they overlap in their basis in reason," Peters said.

This overlap will be the focus of a lecture he'll give at Hood College on Sunday called "Biomedical Ethics: Just because we can do it, should we?"

Answering the question

It's a question that should be part of any consideration of scientific and technological advancement, Peters said. His answer?

"Whenever we have an opportunity to do something good, we should take advantage of that opportunity," he said.

This concept, known as beneficence among theologians and ethicists, can be applied to many topics and situations.

In genetics, for example, scientific research on how to delete or alter harmful disease-causing genes should be supported because it can help "end human suffering," Peters said. He's a proponent of stem cell research for that same reason, although some conservative religious groups and faith organizations, including the Vatican, oppose embryonic stem cell research.

Peters, who also comes from a religious background -- he's an ordained Lutheran pastor and led two congregations before he started his theological research -- considered their viewpoints but ultimately came out on the side of improving human health and well-being.

He doesn't support all scientific exploration and research, though.

Altering genes to increase human intelligence or create a race of super humans would be "foolish," according to Peters.

The scientific perspective alone doesn't encompass all the factors involved in that kind of research, he said. It is through theology and religion that the concept of intelligence has any significance beyond the simple genetic traits.

The very definition of humanity also requires considering all three perspectives. Scientists define humans as sets of cells and genetic combinations, while members of religious groups see humans' relationship to God as essential to their humanity.

"It's a circle between science, religion and ethics," Peters explained. "We need to track the whole circle."

Starting the conversation

Peters' testament to the interconnected nature of science, religion and ethics is what prompted Trinity United Methodist Church to invite him to speak in Frederick, said the Rev. Eliezer Valentín-Castañón, the church's senior pastor.

"We want to inspire a conversation about science and faith," Valentín-Castañón said. "People can have scientific minds ands and still be believers. There is no contradiction."

He named young people specifically as a demographic he hoped to engage through the event. The Rev. Beth O'Malley, dean of the chapel at Hood College, also highlighted the value of the event for Hood students in the biomedical and research fields.

"We have students who are interning at Fort Detrick and Frederick Memorial Hospital," she said. "These ethics questions aren't theological for them. They are very practical considerations."

Peters named members of faith communities, scientists and "anyone interested in reason and logic" as other groups who may find his research applicable.

Even those who don't agree with him can appreciate his commitment to democratic, respectful dialogue, noted the Rev. Ann Boyd, a pastor and biology professor at Hood who will lead the discussion with Peters on Sunday.

"It isn't that I like him because I agree with him," she said. "I like him because he makes good, reasonable, calm explanations for his arguments."

In a political climate dominated by controversy and irrationality, this commitment is especially needed.

Peters blamed the administration led by President Donald Trump for continuing to discredit scientists and perpetuate a "post-factual society." He anticipated the Trump administration would drive religious groups and scientists together in their shared support of reason, he said. "Religious leaders and scientific leaders are going to stand up to that, to form an alliance, I think."

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