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Chemistry

October 23, 2014 by Debra Mason

About the discipline

Chemistry and religion both give structure and order to the universe, helping people to understand the constitution of the natural world; how, why and what results when we interact; and providing a sense of certainty and inevitability for those who trust in the principles.

Religious and philosophical beliefs (Christianity in Europe; Islam in the Middle East, Africa and Spain; and Confucianism in China) early on gave their followers a belief in an ordered state of the universe and sense of comprehensibility about the world. Christianity and Islam drew on classical Greek philosophies of an “ordered world.” Confucianism described an intrinsically harmonious world, with a balance between two elements of opposite qualities, yin and yang. Confucians believed the universe is made up of five elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood, which transform into each other, making the universe dynamic.

Such beliefs led to the practice of alchemy, first in China and then in the Middle Ages in Europe and the Middle East. Alchemists viewed their materials as expressions of the fundamental principles that ordered the world. They hoped that by manipulating those principles, they could create new substances, turn base metals into gold or distill an “elixir of life.” Alchemists developed techniques such as sublimation and distillation, as well as equipment to perform techniques and advance knowledge of the chemicals they used. Their experimentation was based on belief in the universe’s divine order.

Early Muslim scientists’ exploration of the elements led to understanding of the constitution of matter. A number of terms used in chemistry, such as alcohol, alembic, alkali and elixir, are of Islamic origin. “Alchemy,” as well as its derivative, “chemistry,” come from the Arabic word “al-Kimiya’.” Some scholars link the introduction of the “scientific method” to early Muslim chemist Jabir ibn-Hayyan.

The work of early Christian chemists such as Roger Bacon and Robert Boyle has also informed modern science. Bacon believed Christianity and experimentation went hand in hand because God created everything and imbued it with his order and harmony. Boyle saw the world as a marvelous creation of God, and also believed in objective observation in research. While experimenting with air, Boyle began promoting his atomic theory, the foundation for modern understanding of matter. He formulated what is now known as Boyle’s Law, that the volume of a quantity of gas varies inversely with the pressure when the temperature is constant. In 1661, he overturned Aristotle’s concept of the four elements (everything is composed of earth, air, fire and water), replacing it with the modern idea of an element as a substance that cannot be separated into simpler components by chemical methods. He believed that the study and dominion of nature is a duty given to man by God — based on the scriptural mandate in Gen. 1:28: to “rule over the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the Earth” – and that the universe works in accordance with the laws of nature, established by God for its order and control.

By the late 19th century, scientists pondering faith and new theories about the natural world such as Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, found evidence both of God’s plan in the elements and chemistry, and support for their faith in the sciences. Writing in “Religion and Chemistry” in 1880, Josiah Parsons Cooke, founder of the Harvard Chemistry Department, based his belief in proof of God’s plan on the premises that “everything which begins to exist must have a cause;” “that a combination of means conspiring to a particular end implies intelligence;” “that design may be traced from its effects;” and “that there are evidences of design in the universe.” Cooke believed in both the scriptural truth of Gen 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” as well as that there is “evidence of design in the properties of the chemical elements alone.” He also marveled at the attributes of the atmosphere, whose properties seemed uniquely to serve “the welfare and happiness of mankind.” He believed that the evidences of God in nature, including the human soul, “are the only proof we have or can have of his existence.”

Chemist and author Primo Levi tackled chemistry, faith and human nature in several of his writings, most notably, “The Periodic Table,” published in 1975, in which he used Russian chemist Dmitriy Mendeleyev’s periodic table of elements as the basis of autobiographical meditations, including on his experience as a Jew imprisoned at Auschwitz during World War II. The books’ 21 pieces are each named after a chemical element, through which Levi assessed his life experience. “The properties of elements often reflect the properties of life itself — volatile, inert, lustrous, precious, poisonous, brittle …,” he wrote. “Argon” is an homage to the author’s Jewish ancestors. “Vanadium” represents Levi’s encounter with a former official in Auschwitz, who was the chief of the laboratory. “Zinc,” a “boring” metal, explores the fascist myth of racial purity.

Levi was not religiously observant, but Fascist race laws and the Nazi camps made him identify with his Judaism. Chemistry was of genuine spiritual importance to him. In “Hydrogen,” Levi wrote, “For me chemistry represented an indefinite cloud of future potentialities which enveloped my life to come in black volutes torn by fiery flashes, like those which had hidden Mount Sinai. Like Moses, from that cloud I expected my law, the principle of order in me, around me, and in the world… I would watch the buds swell in spring, the mica glint in the granite, my own hands, and I would say to myself: ‘I will understand this, too, I will understand everything.’”

Debate will continue over the role of religious origin of life and the universe and how it ought to be taught. Polls show most Americans believe God was involved in the creation of Earth and the universe, and that they are dismayed that biblical perspectives on creation are not taught at many public schools. Researchers can understand the perspectives of religious believers, the role religious and philosophical thought has played in development of the science, and the perspectives of researchers who come from a religious perspective. Chemists also can be aware of ethical concerns in their field, such as the integrity of the research process; the environmental consequences of their work; and the health and welfare of co-workers, consumers and the community, to advance science while also protecting the environment and human life.

Articles

  • “Beyond Evolution: Addressing Broad Interactions Between Science and Religion in Science Teacher Education” by Joseph W. Shane, Ian C. Binns, Lee Meadows, Ronald S. Hermann and Matthew J. Benus. Journal of Science Teacher Education. 27 no. 2 (2016): 165-181.
  • “Can the Effects of Religion and Spirituality on Both Physical and Mental Health be Scientifically Measured? An Overview of the Key Sources, with Particular Reference to the Teachings of Said Nursi” by Mahshid Turner. Journal Of Religion And Health. 54 no. 6 (2015): 2045-51.
  • “Depression and God: the effects of major depressive disorder on theology and religious identity” by Stephen J. Sorenson. Pastoral Psychology. 62 no. 3 (2013): 343-353.
  • “Enhancing Teachers’ Awareness about Relations between Science and Religion” by Alexandra Bagdonas and Cibelle Celestino Silva. Science & Education. 24 no. 9 (2015): 1173-1199.
  • “Joseph Priestley Across Theology, Education, and Chemistry: An Interdisciplinary Case Study in Epistemology with a Focus on the Science Education Context” by KC de Berg. Science & Education. 20 no. 7-8 (2011): 805-p830.
  • “Perspectives on the Origins of Life in Science Textbooks from a Christian Publisher: Implications for Teaching Science” by Geilsa Costa Santos Baptista, Rodrigo de Silva Santos and William W. Coburn. International Journal of Science & Mathematics Education. 14 (2016): 309-326.
  • “Recommending a child enter a STEM career: The role of religion” by Christopher P. Scheitle and Elaine Howard Ecklund. Journal of Career Development. 44 no. 3 (2017): 251-265.
  • “Science and Religion: Lessons From History?” by John Brooke, Science, a publication of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Vol. 282, Dec. 11, 1998.
  • “The feasibility of educating trainee science teachers in issues of science and religion” by Michael Poole. Cultural Studies of Science Education. 11 no. 2 (2016): 273-281.
  • “The Nature of the Arguments for Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Evolution” by Ralph M. Barnes, Rebecca A. Church and Samuel Draznin-Nagy. Science & Education. 26 no. 1-2 (2017): 27-47.
  • “Ways to prepare future teachers to teach science in multicultural classrooms” by Berry Billingsley. Cultural Studies of Science Education. 11 no. 2 (2016): 283-291.

Books

  • Recent Themes in the History of Science and Religion: Historians in Conversation. Donald A. Yerxa (ed.). The University of South Carolina Press, 2010.
  • Chemistry, as Exemplifying the Wisdom and Beneficence of God. George Fownes, London: John Churchill, 1844.
  • The Chemical Catechism, with Notes, Illustrations and Experiments. Samuel Parkes, London: Lackington Allen, 1808.
  • Religio Chemici: Essays. George Wilson. London: Macmillan, 1862.
  • Reconstructing Nature: the Engagement of Science and Religion. John H. Brooke and Geoffrey Cantor. Edinburgh, UK: T&T Clark, 1998.
  • Chemistry, Meteorology, and the Function of Digestion, Considered With Reference to Natural Theology. William Prout. London: William Pickering, 1834.
  • The Chemistry of Common Life. James F. W. Johnston. Edinburgh, Scotland: Blackwood, 1855.
  • Religion And Chemistry; Or, Proofs Of God’s Plan In The Atmosphere And Its Elements. Josiah Parsons Cooke. BiblioLife, 2009.
  • Science and Religion: A Critical Survey. Holmes Rolston. New York: Random House, 1987.
  • Science and Religion: From Conflict to Conversation. John Haught. Paulist, 1995.
  • Religion and chemistry: A re-statement of an old argument. Josiah Parsons Cooke C. Scribner’s sons, 1886.
  • LSD, Spirituality, and the Creative Process: Based on the Groundbreaking Research of Oscar Janiger, M.D. Marlene Dobkin de Rios Ph.D. and Oscar Janiger M.D. Park Street Press, 2003.
  • Magic Mushrooms in Religion and Alchemy. Clark Heinrich. Park Street Press, 2002.
  • A Science and Religion Primer. Heidi A. Campbell and Heather Looy (eds.) Supported by a grant from the Templeton Publishing Subsidy. BakerAcademic, 2009.
  • Science and religion: some historical perspectives. John Hedley Brooke. Cambridge University Press, 1991.
  • Why the Science and Religion Dialogue Matters: Voices from the International Society for Science and Religion. Fraser Watts and Kevin Dutton. International Society for Science and Religion. Published by Templeton Foundation Press, 2006
  • Reinventing the Sacred. Stuart Kauffman. Basic Books, 2008.

Case studies

  • “The interaction of students’ scientific and religious discourses: two case studies” by Roth Wolff-Michael. International Journal of Science Education, 1464-5289, Volume 19, Issue 2, 1997, Pages 125-146.
  • Science and Religion: An Overview (Chapter 9, Case Studies in Science and Religion) by Alister E. McGrathWiley-Blackwell, 1999

Codes of ethics

  • American Institute of Chemical Engineers – Code of Ethics
  • The Chemical Professional’s Code of Conduct – American Chemical Society
  • Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America – Principles for Conduct in Clinical Trials (.pdf)
  • American Pharmacists Association – Mission and Value Statements
  • American Chemical Society – “Professional Ethics and Moral Responsibility in Chemistry”

Journals

  • Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science

More links

  • Chemistry: Encyclopedia of Science and Religion

Professional associations and faith groups

  • American Scientific Affiliation: A Fellowship of Christians in Science
  • Association of Christian Engineers and Scientists: (503) 228-0779
  • Christian Nuclear Fellowship
  • Christians in Science
  • Canadian Science and Christian Affiliation
  • European Society for the Study of Science and Theology
  • Fellowship of Scientists
  • International Muslim Association of Scientists & Engineers

Syllabi

  • American Academy of Religion Syllabi Search

Filed Under: Events 2010-2011, Religious literacy toolkit drafts

Champa Lhunpo returns to Hickman High School for Amnesty International meeting

November 9, 2011 by Debra Mason

Champa Lhunpo, a teacher of Tibetan language and culture at the University of Kansas, will speak with students and the public at 3 p.m Thursday, Nov. 10  at Hickman High School during an Amnesty International meeting. Lhunpo has spoken on several occasions at Hickman about Tibetan culture and Buddhism. Lhunpo will be speaking about human rights issues in Tibet.

Time/Date: 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10

Location: Hickman High School Dining Hall Annex (map)

For more information: George Frisell (via email) or Nicole Overeem (via email), faculty sponsors for Hickman chapter of Amnesty International

Filed Under: Events, Events 2010-2011

City of Columbia is accepting Human Rights Education Program applications

July 20, 2011 by Debra Mason

Applications are now being accepted for the City of Columbia’s Human Rights Enhancement Program (HREP). Through the program the city is interested in contracting with local organizations to provide human rights educational services in the community.

Services pertaining to the issues of discrimination, diversity, inclusion, tolerance, multicultural education and related human rights issues are considered for funding. Collaboration between organizations and individuals concerned with human rights issues is encouraged.

Contracts for up to $500 are solicited on an on-going basis utilizing a standing Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The HREP RFP for each fiscal year is issued on a first come, first served basis from Aug. 16 through Aug. 15 (or until all funding is allocated). Proposals submitted by the 15th of each month are considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Human Rights Commission.

Visit the City of Columbia website for proposal forms and more information about the HREP.

 

Filed Under: Events 2010-2011

MU’s Muslim Student Association to hold conference

April 12, 2011 by David

A community activist from Brooklyn and chaplain from Northwestern University will be the keynote speakers at “Pursuits Of This World Beyond Material Gains,” a conference to be held April 14-16 by MU’s Muslim Students Association.

Imam Siraj Wahhaj of Brooklyn is a well-known community activist, religious leader and speaker. He will speak at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union.

Ustadah Tahera Ahmad is a chaplain at Northwestern University. She was recently featured in the PBS program “What’s Your Calling?”, which highlighted her spiritual and academic endeavors. She regularly hosts young Muslim art stages, open mics, and counsels young Muslims through study circles that promote a balanced Muslim life-style. Tahera Ahmad will speak at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the Fred Smith Forum in MU’s Reynolds Journalism Institute.

The Center is a co-sponsor of the conference. Registration is free, but required and includes a booklet and two dinners. For more information, e-mail muslimstudents.mizzou@gmail.com or visit http://mizzoumso.org.

Filed Under: Events, Events 2010-2011

Distinguished scholar Juergensmeyer to speak on religion and secularism at MU

April 5, 2011 by David

A widely-published author and commentator will give the next Distinguished Lecture on Religion and Public Life at 7:30 p.m. April 7.

Mark Juergensmeyer, the director of the Orfalea Center for Global & International Studies, professor of sociology, and affiliate professor of religious studies at the University of California-Santa Barbara, will speak on “Global Rebellion: Religious Challenge to the Secular State” in Jesse Wrench Auditorium in Memorial Union at the MU campus. The Center on Religion & the Professions is co-sponsoring the lecture.

Juergensmeyer is an expert on religious violence, conflict resolution and South Asian religion and politics, and has published more than two hundred articles and twenty books, including the recently-released Global Rebellion: Religious Challenges to the Secular State.

The speech is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the MU Religious Studies department at (573) 882-4769 or rsinfo@missouri.edu.

Filed Under: Events, Events 2010-2011

Free lecture: ‘The Migration of Borders, People and Policies’

March 24, 2011 by David

Border fence

U.S.-Mexico border fence

Mark Adams, a mission co-worker with the Presbyterian Border Ministries in Agua Prieta, Mexico, and U.S. coordinator of the binational ministry “Frontera de Cristo,” will speak on “The Migration of Borders, People and Policies” at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 5 on the MU Campus in Arts and Sciences 113.

This free presentation will address the problems faced by migrants as they try to reach the U.S. Adams will discuss the causes that drive them north, the journey itself and the lives they lead after arrival.

For more information, please call The Center on Religion & the Professions at 573-882-9257.

Photo: provided

Filed Under: Events, Events 2010-2011

Learn about challenges facing teens today at ‘Caring Adults = Resilient Teens’

February 8, 2011 by David

Youth workers, clergy, teachers and others are invited to a practical workshop aimed at helping adults to better understand and address the needs of mid-Missouri teens.

“Caring Adults = Resilient Teens” is open to the public, including youth workers, clergy, faith community members, parents, caregivers and teachers.

The workshop is 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services. Limited scholarships are available to cover the $15 fee. A light supper is included in the cost.

Speakers will equip adults with practical tools to help teens become healthy and happy young adults.

The program is coordinated by the Missouri School of Religion. Co-sponsors are the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services; the MU Center on Religion & the Professions; Phoenix Programs, Inc.; the Teen Relationship Education and Empowerment project (TREE); and the Youth Community Coalition. Speakers from those groups comprise the speakers.

Pre-registration is required. To register or inquire about a scholarship, please call the Missouri School of Religion, (573) 635-1187, or email krystalmsr@earthlink.net.

Filed Under: Events, Events 2010-2011

Author to speak at MU about lynched WWI veteran

January 25, 2011 by David

Douglas Hunt, the author of “Summary Justice: The Lynching of James Scott and the Trial of George Barkwell in Columbia, Missouri, 1923,” will speak at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, in Ellis Library at the University of Missouri.

Hunt’s lecture, “Presumed Innocent: Regina Almstedt, James Scott and the Mob,” will discuss the true story of Scott, a decorated World War I veteran. He will give a summary of the incident and evidence pointing to Scott’s innocence. The Rev. Clyde Ruffin, the pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Columbia, will also discuss plans to raise a monument on Scott’s unmarked grave.

For more information, call Rebecca Ballew at (573) 882-7083 or e-mail ballewr@umsystem.edu.

Filed Under: Events, Events 2010-2011

‘The New Normal’: Director of ACLU program to discuss Obama’s national security policies

January 20, 2011 by David

Hina ShamsiHina Shamsi, the director of the ACLU’s National Security Project, will speak at the MU campus on “The New Normal: National Security and Civil Liberties under the Obama Administration.” The speech will begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in 204 Strickland Hall. The free presentation is open to the public.

Shamsi has engaged in civil liberties and human rights litigation, and monitored and reported on the military commissions at Guantánamo Bay. Her speech will address military drone aircraft and targeted killings under President Obama.

The National Security Project was created after the Sept. 11 attacks and advocates for national security policies that are consistent with the Constitution, the rule of law and human rights. The NSP litigates cases relating to detention, torture, discrimination, surveillance, censorship and secrecy.

The event is sponsored by the MU Peace Studies Program. For more information, call The Center on Religion & the Professions at (573) 882-9257.

Filed Under: Events, Events 2010-2011

New York Times columnist to speak at MU

January 19, 2011 by David

Anthony AliotoCharles M. Blow, the visual op-ed columnist at The New York Times, will speak at the University of Missouri campus Wednesday, Jan. 26, as part of the university’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2011.

His speech, “A Lie Cannot Live: Rescuing Honest Political Debate From Apathy & Disengagement,” begins at 7 p.m. in Memorial Union’s Stotler Lounge. The speech is free and open to the public.

Blow joined The New York Times in 1994 as a graphics editor and quickly became the paper’s graphics director, a position he held for nine years. Before coming to The Times, he was a graphic artist at The Detroit News. He graduated magna cum laude from Grambling State University in Louisiana, where he received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications.

For more information, call (573) 882-5838 or visit the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative website.

Filed Under: Events, Events 2010-2011

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30 Neff Annex
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Tel: 573-882-9257

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