154. Janet Kellogg Ray | Science Denial and Christian Culture
Oct 12, 2023
auto_awesome
Janet Kellogg Ray, a Christian science educator and author, discusses the challenges Christians face in accepting scientific evidence. She explores the connection between science denial and climate change, COVID vaccines, and evolution. Janet emphasizes the importance of science literacy and understanding the nature of science to engage in meaningful conversations about faith and science.
Faith and science can coexist by accepting empirical evidence and scientific facts.
Engaging in meaningful conversations about faith and science requires understanding science literacy and trusting scientific consensus.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Faith and Science
Janet Kellogg-Ray, an instructor in the College of Biology at the University of North Texas, discusses how her faith and science coexist. She emphasizes that no scientific discovery can challenge her faith in God, and that she has come to peace with accepting empirical evidence and scientific facts. Kellogg-Ray highlights the need for people of faith to engage with and accept scientific consensus, rather than deny or politicize it. She encourages open dialogue and understanding between the scientific community and religious communities, and advocates for using scientific evidence to inform responses to issues like pandemics and climate change.
The Importance of Science Literacy
Kellogg-Ray expresses concern over the lack of science literacy in society, particularly among people of faith. She emphasizes the need for individuals to understand how science works and how scientists approach evidence. Kellogg-Ray underscores that science does not offer absolute certainty, but relies on evidence that can change as new information emerges. She encourages people to recognize the difference between authority and expertise, and to trust the consensus of scientific fields when making decisions or forming opinions.
Overcoming Denial and Gaining Trust
Kellogg-Ray addresses the issue of science denial within religious communities, particularly in relation to topics like evolution, COVID vaccines, and climate change. She acknowledges the frustration of scientists who feel disengaged from discussing these topics with religious individuals. However, she believes that people of faith should work towards gaining trust and engaging in meaningful conversations. Kellogg-Ray suggests reframing the discussion around shared values and responsibilities, such as caring for the environment, loving one's neighbor, and seeking evidence-based solutions to societal issues.
Moving Forward as People of Faith
Kellogg-Ray encourages people of faith to embrace both their religious beliefs and scientific understanding. She emphasizes the importance of accepting empirical evidence while maintaining one's faith. Kellogg-Ray highlights the need for religious communities to lead by example and respond to scientific challenges, such as pandemics, with compassion and responsible actions. She urges people to recognize that denying science not only diminishes their credibility but also limits their ability to engage in a broader conversation about issues affecting society.
Janet Kellogg Ray is a Christian science educator and author. In the episode, she shares her personal journey of reconciling her faith with the science of evolution and discusses the challenges faced by Christians in accepting scientific evidence. She explores the connection between the denial of evolution, climate change, and COVID vaccines, highlighting the cultural and political factors that contribute to science denial within religious communities. Janet emphasizes the importance of science literacy and understanding the nature of science in order to build trust and engage in meaningful conversations about faith and science.
Learn more about Janet Kellogg Ray and see her books here.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Pink Marble, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode