Stump the Christian?

[SteveII]

While interesting, what does the religious beliefs of scientist have to do with Christians getting in the way of science? I would be very concerned if scientist allowed their religion to inform their work. Science itself has no goal other than knowledge. The proper Christian response to science is discover all you can about the universe. Ethics of stem cells, cloning, and other things are a different topic.

Proper Christian response? Has this been your problem in this entire conversation? Do you think there is one proper Christian response/position? I was at least extneding the courtesy of not lumping all Christians into the insanity that is the Evangelical community. This is part of the problem I've been alluding to. Many Christians, and certainly those that are considered the Christian right, would disagree with you. Please don't tell me you are unaware of the constant attempt to shove Creationism into science curricula.

You cannot dismiss ethics and politics in this discussion because it is precisely in these arenas that the religious right can have any sway in the sciences; understanding that religion by its very nature is bereft of any contribution to science in its strict academic sense. The anti-science stance of the religious right is a direct impediment to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

It depends on the topic whether there is a proper Christian response. Some things are very clear (love your neighbor). Others things are open to interpretation. I think the proper Christian response to science is let the scientist experiment (within the bounds of ethics). Science has no opinions or worldview. It makes no claims. There are only facts. It is when people of science make philosophical statements that there is a problem--then you cross from science into philosophy.  

I think evolution should be studied. However, I do object to the teaching as fact, that all life has evolved from nothing and everything has a common ancestor. I think the science curriculum should stop at describing what the theories are and how they work and not stray into statements best left to other fields (like philosophy and religion).  

And while I have not really followed the campaign for creationism in the science classroom, does it really matter? Is this really a disaster as some claim? If you want to discuss other creation stories from other religions, who cares? It might be better for students to understand there are other views. 

Can you give me an example of the anti-science stance of the Christian right? I send my daughter to a very conservative Christian college (Grove City College). They have a stellar reputation in the STEM subjects and graduates are snapped up by Fortune 100 companies 4 weeks before graduation.