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Journal News (Theology and Science)
Ian G. Barbour Chair in Theology and Science Announced at the CTNS 25th Anniversary Gala
William Stoeger, S. J., Chair of the Board of Directors of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences (CTNS) announced the establishment of the Ian G. Barbour Chair in Theology and Science on September 16, 2006 at the CTNS gala 25th anniversary banquet held at the Pacific School of Religion. Ian Barbour is a pioneer in the dialogue between science and religion, a long-time colleague of Dr. Russell and the major donor for the Chair fund.
Dr. Stoeger also announced the decision of the CTNS Board that Robert John Russell, Founder and Director of CTNS, and Professor in Residence at the Graduate Theological Union, will be the first holder of the Chair. The primary purpose of this Chair is to ensure that the heart of the mission of CTNS, teaching, research and public service will be able to continue into the long term future. Once fully funded, the Ian G. Barbour Chair in Theology and Science will ensure that the doctoral program in science and religion has a permanent professor supported in full and on site at the GTU.
“Establishing a CTNS Chair in Theology and Science at the Graduate Theological Union will ensure that future generations of seminary and doctoral students will continue to enter into this crucial dialogue and go out to teach and minister to a waiting world,” states Robert John Russell.With this announcement, CTNS is launching a three-year capital campaign to build on the 1.7 million dollars already raised for the Chair, with a goal of 2.5 million dollars. CTNS plans to kick off the public portion of the campaign in 2007 to complete the funding by 2009.
“The quality of the research, the teaching, and the public conversations at CTNS has taken the issues integral to the discourse in science and religion onto the world stage in ways that it never was before and in ways that no other center of inquiry has been able to do. Bob Russell is a national theological treasure.”
– James Donahue, GTU President
Founded as an Affiliate of the GTU in 1981, CTNS has attracted many graduate students to pursue masters and doctoral degrees at the GTU because of the Center’s excellent academic reputation. Many of these graduates are now in tenure track positions at universities and seminaries nationwide. Currently Dr. Russell is working with eleven GTU doctoral students, many of whom have come to the GTU specifically because of the presence of CTNS. Dr. Russell has also taught over three hundred seminary students in his introductory courses on the relations between science, technology, theology, ethics, the environment and Christian spirituality. For 25 years, CTNS has provided Dr. Russell’s faculty salary through program grants and donor gifts. When funding for the Barbour Chair is complete it will ensure the permanence of this faculty position for the GTU community and it will allow the Center to focus more extensively on grants for its various research programs. 
CTNS was founded with support from Claude Welch, then Dean of the GTU, and the deans of the Pacific School of Religion and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. Its mission is to promote the creative mutual interaction between theology and science through research, teaching, and public service. With the leadership of Dr. Russell also serving as the Center’s director, a variety of local, national and international programs that deploy this mission have emerged such as the annual J. K. Russell Research Fellowship in Religion and Science, the CTNS-Vatican Observatory series and a current grant-funded project, Science and Transcendence Advanced Research Series (STARS). Former grant-funded programs such as the Science and Religion Course Program, and Science and the Spiritual Quest carried out an extensive international outreach.
For more information, visit www.ctns.org or call 510-848-8152.
2006 J. K. Russell Research Fellowship Discusses Issues of Theistic Evolution
The 2006 CTNS J. K. Russell Research Fellows, Ted Peters and Martinez Hewlett, attracted approximately 65 guests to the Fellows’ Forum as well as to the day-long research conference on September 14 and 15. The Research Fellowship aimed to explore the richness and diversity of views on theistic evolution and the way they offer a robust alternative to the conflict model of evolution and creation. Invited to give papers were Philip Hefner, Antje Jackelen, Alex Garcia-Rivera, Bob Russell and Tom Tracy. A number of invited discussants included former CTNS program directors, W. Mark Richardson, Richard Randolph and Lou Ann Trost. GTU-CTNS graduates, board members and other scholars rounded out the discussant roster. Many friends came to Berkeley to participate in this event which preceded the twenty-fifth anniversary events which in turn, fashioned an incredible tapestry of individuals. Thank you all for helping to make these 3 days an amazing and incredible benchmark in the history of CTNS.
New Single-Authored Book Debuts
Announced at the recent CTNS Anniversary Celebration was a newly-authored book by CTNS Founder and Director Robert John Russell, Cosmology, Evolution and Resurrection Hope: Theology and Science in Creative Mutual Interaction. Edited by Carl S. Helrich and published by Pandora Press, this book is a collection of lectures presented by theologian and physicist Russell at the fifth annual Goshen Conference on Religion and Science, and his
discussion of related topics with conference participants.
In his lectures Russell develops three themes at the cutting edge of theology and science. In the first lecture he explores an often overlooked topic: the creative role of theology in the rise of contemporary natural science as evidenced in the construction of Big Bang and steady state cosmologies and the resulting debates over them. In the second lecture he turns to the problem of “natural evil”—suffering, disease, death and extinction in nature – arguing that the most compelling response to evil is a theology of redemption through the cross and resurrection of Jesus, opening the greatest challenge to Christian theology today: the conflict between Christian eschatology and the future of the universe according to science. By placing eschatology and cosmology into a relation of creative mutual interaction, Russell believes that eschatology can begin to address this challenge and in turn it can raise potentially fruitful questions that might lead to new directions in scientific research.
To order contact the GTU Bookstore at 510-649-2470 or Pandora Press at www.pandorapress.com or call (519) 745-1560 or call toll-free: (866) 696-1678.
We also anticipate that publications will be available in various languages. Contact The Australian Theological Forum or email: Hilary Regan at ATF: hdregan@atf.org.au
STARS January 2007 Conference Series Gearing Up
The unique series of conferences to support the formation of research teams to explore the ways science, in light of philosophical and theological reflection, points towards the nature, character and meaning of ultimate reality is in the final stages of preparation. Each Science and Transcendence Advanced Research Series (STARS) conference will be led by an eminent scientific figure in the field, with ample time for lectures as well as formal and informal discussions in a relaxing resort setting near Cancun, Mexico.
Almost 400 qualified applications from scientists, philosophers, theologians or religious studies scholars competed for the coveted 150 conference slots. These proposals were carefully reviewed and judged for the limited openings in each of the three conferences. Especially recruited were younger scientists with outstanding potential who are relatively new to this interdisciplinary research. The conferences will feature such eminent speakers as Francisco Ayala, John Barrow, Marco Bersanelli, Trinh Xuan Thuan, Don Howard, Chris MacKay, Paul Davies, George Ellis, Alicia Juarrero, Allwyn Scott and Nancey Murphy,
These conferences will serve to encourage and support research proposals, many of which are already in process by various interdisciplinary teams to develop cutting-edge research for the main grant part of this program.
Program Director, Dr. Dennis Hair states, “Bob Russell and I are looking forward to meeting grant candidates for this exciting, interdisciplinary research
program. We anticipate that this program will appeal to scientists who wish to connect their research with questions of ultimacy, and will result in new collaborative research teams, and ground-breaking publications in this field.”
STARS will award five research grants of $100,000 each to outstanding research teams in December, 2007. Based on the accomplishments of this research, two of the five research teams will be awarded $200,000 renewal grants in December, 2008.
To catalyze the formation of exceptionally talented research teams who will compete for these grants, STARS will award 20 research planning grants of $20,000 on a highly competitive basis. These grants will help researchers plan their grant proposals and begin the proposed research beginning the summer of 2007.
Individual scholars who have not yet formed a research team will have opportunities in this conference venue to meet other scholars and exchanging ideas for team proposals to compete for a preliminary research planning grant which will prepare them for competition for the major research grants. The initial research planning grant proposals are due by May 1, 2007 with the announcements given on June 15, 2007. For more information, visit www.ctnsstars.org/grants
The STARS program is funded by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation.
Graduate Student Fellowship Renamed
The CTNS Board of Directors voted on September 16 to rename the CTNS Graduate Student Fellowship the “Charles H. Townes Student Fellowship.” Charles Townes, Nobel laureate, long-time CTNS Board member, Templeton Prize winner and major donor to CTNS was honored and humbled by this fellowship naming.
For information on this important graduate student fund, visit www.ctns.org/donate.html
Dr. Charles H. Townes (L) speaking at the CTNS 25th anniversary banquet.
CTNS Co-Hosted Hospitality Event at AAR/SBL
Again this year, CTNS co-hosted an evening science and religion reception along with the Institute for Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS) and the Zygon Center for Religion and Science (ZCRS) on Saturday, November 18 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm in the Grand Hyatt Washington, Room, Constitution D. It is listed in the program book as AM 18-113. Presentations were given at 8 pm.
New Frontiers in Research on Infinity
Held at the beautiful and historic Republic of San Marino, near Rimini, Italy, CTNS co-convened a John Templeton-funded conference on New Frontiers in Research on Infinity August 18-20, 2006. The purpose of New Frontiers is to undertake new research on the concept and meaning of infinity viewed through an interdisciplinary perspective consisting of mathematics, physics and cosmology, philosophy, and theology.
This purpose is twofold:
1) To produce a series of recommendations on the ways long-range research on this topic should be pursued through a major Request for Proposal (RFP) program being considered by John Templeton Foundation, and
2) To produce a scholarly publication on this topic for future interdisciplinary research on infinity.
Internationally distinguished scholars who participated in the conference were Edward Nelson and W. Hugh Woodin (Mathematics); Anthony Aguirre, Marco Bersanelli, and Michael Heller (Physics and Cosmology); Wolfgang Achtner, Graham Oppy, Robert Russell and Denys Turner (Philosophy & Theology). Prior to the conference, each invited participant put together a “white paper” which was then “discussed” by the other participants via an on-line private discussion board. The conference discussions were constructive and creative and are ensuing into edited papers, most of which will result in a scholarly publication to be published in the future. www.ctns.org/infinity/
Appreciation is expressed to The John Templeton Foundation for their support of this program.
One of the 2006 Graduate Student Fellowship recipients is James Haag. Here is his winning paper.
James W. Haag
I. Current Proposed Solutions to the Free Will Problem
Proposals that question the dominant approach to a topic can be difficult to articulate. When these suggestions involve a prominent issue ranging across numerous disciplines, the task is especially challenging. Despite the difficulty, this is precisely what I intend to accomplish. In order to develop this position, an overview of several well-known and current positions will prove accommodating. Do we in fact make free choices that genuinely shape our future? Are our choices, although seemingly free, actually partially or fully determined by prior factors? Usually, the conversation of free will includes it’s supposed opposite, determinism. Determinism comes in many forms including physical, biological, psychological, and theological. Free will is almost exclusively addressed within this framework: free will versus determinism. Ultimately, I argue that this framework is flawed.
This paper examines four thinkers and their positions regarding determinism and free will. These include compatibilism (Daniel Dennett), incompatibilism (Robert Kane), a position which is technically neither compatibilism nor incompatibilism (Daniel Wegner), and a theological position that moves beyond compatibilism and incompatibilism (Wolfhart Pannenberg). Before each section, a brief introduction presents the general position of each thinker and clarifies important terms. This serves as a detailed overview of some current work on the problem of free will.
A. Determined to be Free
Solving the free will problem via compatibilism has roots in thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and David Hume. Due to the increase in scientific explanations, current compatibilists think differently on these topics. Compatibilism is the notion that freedom can coexist with causally determined human conduct. Determinism is the idea that every event is causally necessitated by antecedent events. What type of freedom could exist in such a world? Generally, we experience ourselves to be the originators of our action—we make decisions based on what we want or desire. Assuming we are not forced—no one is holding a gun to our head—we can attend a baseball game, accept a job, vote for our favored political candidate, or have toast for breakfast. Compatibilists have no desire to destroy this type of freedom, but they contend that this type of freedom occurs in a fully deterministic environment.
Daniel Dennett
Daniel Dennett is a philosopher who seeks to explain all human behavior and thought in mechanistic terms. He is a proponent of determinism, but also believes that freedom exists. Dennett’s compatibilistic approach continues a long history of attempts to reconcile freedom and determinism, but he offers some new insights into the discussion.…
(Continued as a PDF on www.ctns.org/ctnsfellowship_paper.pdf)
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This paper represents a small section from my dissertation: “Emergent Freedom: Perspectives from Science, Philosophy and Theology.” Some of the content may be out of place outside of my dissertation’s larger argument.
Volume 4, Number 3 of Theology and Science Soon on its Way
This new edition of CTNS’s peer-reviewed journal, Theology and Science, features a reply by former J. K. Russell Fellow Niels Henrik Gregersen and articles by Robert M. Geraci, Ted Peters, William Lane, and Charlene P.E. Burns. Boyles Lectures and book reviews round out this issue. Look for it soon in your mailboxes.
To receive this outstanding tri-annual journal, become a member of CTNS by visiting www.ctns.org/membership.html.
Memberships received after November 30 will count for the 2007 year.
Volume 4, Number 3 / November 2006
Editorial
Oliver Putz , “Hormone-Receptors and Complexity: Putting to Rest Another God of the Gaps?”
Dialogues
Niels Henrik Gregersen, “Divine Action, Compatibilism and Coherence Theory: A Reply to Russell, Clayton, and Murphy”
Articles
Robert M. Geraci, “Spiritual Robots: Religion and Our Scientific View of the Natural World”
Ted Peters, “The Return of Chimera”
William Lane, “The Best of Possible Worlds: A Testable Claim of Choice”
Charlene P. E. Burns, “Honesty about God: Theological Reflections on Violence in an Evolutionary Universe”
Boyle Lectures 2006
Philip Clayton, “The Emergence of Spirit: From Complexity to Anthropology to Theology”
Niels Henrik Gregersen, “Emergence in Theological Perspective: A Corollary to Professor Clayton’s Boyle Lecture”
Book Reviews
Kirk Wegter-McNelly: Review of How to Relate Science and Religion: A Multidimensional Model by Mikael Stenmark
Chris Corbally: Review of Theology and Modern Physics by Peter E. Hodgson
Whitney Bauman: Review of Christianity and Process Thought: Spirituality for a Changing World by Joseph Bracken
For new instructions on CTNS members' accessing the journal articles online see “Members News” below.
Scholars wishing to submit articles for consideration to Theology and Science may contact the Managing Editor, James Haag by emailing theology-science@ctns.org or by writing to Theology and Science, CTNS, 2400 Ridge Rd., Berkeley, CA 94709. If you are interested in writing a book review, contact Nathan Hallanger, Book Review Editor, via email: bookreviews@ctns.org or call 510-848-8152 Tuesday-Wednesday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm PDT.
Please send editorial comments or suggestions to: theology-science@ctns.org. Information for authors or reviewers may visit www.ctns.org/theology_science.html or call the CTNS Publications office at 510-848-8152 between the hours of 9:30 am to 1:00 pm PDT, Monday-Thursday.
News of interest
The GTU Outstanding Dissertation Proposal Award went to our own, Nathan Hallanger, in Systematic and Philosophical Theology, Atoning for Evil: Soteriology and Theodicy in Science and Theology. Congratulations, Nate.
Welcome, Jennifer Bradford! Jen received an MA from the GTU and recently worked with recruitment for STARS. She will continue working part-time supporting Dennis Hair, STARS Program Director as well as supporting the upcoming CTNS Capital Campaign.
Interviewed recently for the local television program “Mosaic” were Bob Russell and doctoral student Nathan Hallanger who discussed the relationship between theology and science and how CTNS supports the Graduate Theological Union in education and research. Interviewed by Hugh Burroughs and Ron Swisher, Bob and Nate shared about the exciting CTNS accomplishments of these past 25 years, Bob’s new book, Cosmology, Evolution and Resurrection Hope, and plans for the future. San Francisco Bay Area residents viewed the program on Sunday, November 12 on CBS Channel 5.
Fall CTNS-GTU Course: Advanced Seminar in Theology and Science
Bob Russell is teaching an advanced seminar in Theology and Science on Thursday afternoons. The students are reading major new works in the interdisciplinary field of Christian theology and the natural sciences. The main texts are a book by Ted Peters and Martinez Hewlett titled, Evolution from Creation to New Creation: Conflict, Conversation, and Convergence and God’s Action in Nature’s World: Essays in Honor of Robert John Russell, Ted Peters and Nathan Hallanger, eds.,
Ted Peters Authors New Book
Just out is a new book by CTNS colleague, board member and professor of systematic theology at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Ted Peters. The book titled Anticipating Omega is published by Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. Stay tuned for more information.
Colleague Ted Peters to be Goshen College Speaker
The 7th Annual Goshen College Conference on Religion and Science will be held March 16-18, 2007 in Goshen, Indiana on Where In The World Is God? This year’s speaker is Ted Peters, Professor of Systematic Theology at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, and co-editor of the journal, Theology and Science. To register or for more information visit: www.goshen.edu/religionscience
New Book by Previous J. K. Russell Fellow Jozef Zycinski
Archbishop of Lublin, Jozef Zyckinski’s new book, God and Evolution: Fundamental Questions on Christian Evolutionism (translated by Kenneth W. Kemp and Zuzanna Maslanka) will be published in December 2006. For more information, visit the Catholic University of America Press website at http://cuapress.cua.edu/books.htm.
Philosopher Position
The Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences is searching for a faculty member to help start a new master’s degree in bioethics, which emphasizes science and religion dialogue. Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences is experiencing growth and seeks applicants for a Philosopher faculty position that begins January 2007 in the Dept of Bioethics. Job Number: 06-17,
Human Resources Contact: Susan Schmidt, <http://www.kcumb.edu/resources/hr/jobhremail.asp?jid=209>
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Bonnie Johnston, Editor
CTNS
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Email: bonniej@ctns.org
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