5039 Speaking Truth with Power: Science and the Language of Reverence

Prepared for UUA.org by: Mike McNaughton, Reporter; Margy Levine Young, Editor

Sponsor: Ohio Meadville District

Speakers: Rev. Meg Riley, John Hooper, Ted Laurenson, David Schafer

As the daughter of a physicist, Meg Riley grew up with the "hermeneutics of suspicion," by which she means: test every hypothesis. In this respect, she finds Unitarian Universalism and science similar. Although she is not a professional scientist, she is comfortable with science, scientists, and the scientific method. She introduced the three panelists: John Hooper, a retired chemist with a masters degree in epistemological religion and an abiding interest in science and religion; Ted Laurenson, president of the UU Religious Naturalists; and David Schafer, president of the HUUmanists .

John Hooper believes we must speak truth with power on issues that involve science, religion, and politics. People trained in science find a comfortable spiritual home in UUism, and many scientists are members of UU congregations. Furthermore, many leaders of scientific advocacy organizations are familiar with UU and would love to work more closely with us. Our goal should be to have a network of informed UUs ready to respond on scientific issues. We should provide our congregations with the resources to counter the religious right, and to show the wonder of our religious story.

Ted Laurenson mused on reverence in relation to science. "Am I reverent about Einstein's theory of relativity, or the second law of thermodynamics, or quantum mechanics?" he wondered. "What difference does it make if I am reverent or not?" The question becomes more relevant when we can manipulate nature; then there is a concern about tampering with what we don't fully understand. However, what is seen as hubris by some people, may be seen as a moral imperative by others. For example, is it hubris or a moral imperative to manipulate stem cells to try to cure Alzheimer's disease? To speak truth with power we need disciplined understanding, passion, and respect. In Ted Laurenson's view, this is a way of reverence.

David Schafer recalled a time when most UUs identified themselves as humanists. He believes in "a free and responsible search for truth and meaning," with an emphasis on the word responsible. The program notes begin with the words: "In our post-secular society, people are rejecting a sterile secularism in search of deeper meaning in life." He questions whether UU is post-secular or pre-secular; and if people reject sterile secularism it should be because it is sterile, not because it is secular. HUUmanists have reverence for life, for truth, and for love.

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