AAAS STATEMENT ON SCIENCE AND RELIGION

Ian Barbour is often considered the father of science-religion studies. In his 1999 Templeton Prize acceptance speech, Barbour identified four modes in which science and religion can interact, among them conflict and compartmentalization (as in the case of Gould's NOMA). Both of these modes often seem unsatisfactory when contemplating evolution, however.

Along those lines, the above video was produced by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, arguably (along with the National Academy of Science) the most influential scientific organization in North America, and indeed, the world. It represents what the mainstream scientific community urges as prudent and helpful where the relationship of science and religion is concerned. I hope that my readership finds this helpful, as well.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

In no particular order.....

Big Brother 10 has a double elimination tonight! (Yes, I hate to admit it, I am hooked on this show. It's often vulgar, seems to bring out the worst in some people and taps into the kind of social networking skills guys like me struggle to acquire....but it's also completely compelling, a convoluted, ever-changing version of the Prisoner's Dilemma. How can I not watch?)

As previously mentioned, the Heretic's Barbecue on Sunday, September 7th. The event itself will begin at 10:00 in the morning and run through the late afternoon. Ironically, I'll be coming from church services, so I probably won't join my fellow skeptics until around noon, but I would encourage anyone interested in supporting CVASS to attend.

Cafe Scientifique is starting up again, and this time it's my colleague Madhusudan Khatti with a presentation on the evolutionary ecology of city life. You can catch this event beginning at 6:30 Monday evening, September 8th at:

North India Bar and Grill
80 W Shaw
Clovis, CA 93612
1-559-325-7788

And, finally, last but not least: only 322 days (July 17, 2009) until HP6.

COME ROAST A HERETIC!

Ooops...I don't think that came out right.

Actually, it's 'The Heretic's Barbecue', an event hosted by CVASS.

Here's what the press release in my mailbox had to say:

"Do you cherish science and rational thinking?"

Well, yes, I do.

"Would you like to meet with others who share your secular values?"

Well, I'm not a secularist, but I do share values with those who do.

"Then join us for a freethinking event, located right here in the California Central Valley. The Central Valley Alliance of Atheists and Skeptics proudly presents the First Annual Heretics Barbecue!"

Wow, that's not what I expected. The press release goes on:

"Rational thinkers, skeptics, secular people of all types, and friends and supporters AND their families are all welcome at this event."

That's a pretty broad invite! I guess I can attend and worry about which category I fit into later! If this sounds fun (and I think it will be), then why not attend?

LOCATION: Letterman Park, 908 Villa Avenue, Clovis

TIME: 1100-1900, Sunday, September 7th.

ACTIVITIES: Volleyball, skate park, homeopathic demonstrations, a simulated debate, 'ghost hunting' and other debunking.

MENU: includes Tri-tip sandwiches or hamburgers*, rice pilaf, salad. Drinks provided include iced-tea, sports drinks and bottled water. Vegetarian burgers will also be available.

COST: Admission $10 per person, $5 for children 12 and under.

* To assure yourself tri-tip, you should pre-register at the CVAAS site link given above.