Exploring Ecumenism

Can Genes be Selfish?

In the autumn of 1972 I started a degree course in Biology at the University of York.  One of the first things we were told in no uncertain terms was we must at all costs avoid the use of teleology.  It is easy in biology to ascribe conscious purpose to things that do not have a purpose. 

The Not-So-Selfish Gene

I want to start my exploration of evolution with an article The Not-So-Selfish Gene, by Bob Holmes in the New Scientist, 7 March 2009.  Near the beginning, on page 36, he writes:

This relentless focus on the gene may not tell the whole story, however.  A small but growing coterie of evolutionary biologists argue that it leaves us blind to crucial evolutionary processes at higher scales - among groups, species and even whole ecosystem.  If they are right, the popular view of evolution and the biological world needs a radical shake-up.

My first response to reading this was 'too right it does'.  What on earth is going on here? 

Conversations between Theologians and Scientists

I do not usually participate in conversations between theologians and scientists.  My purpose in touching upon this subject is to map out some of the possibilities for ecumenical conversations. 

I am also aware I am assuming an elementary understanding of the issues involved.  The reason is that when I read discussions on websites between Christians and scientists it seems there is a degree of mutual incomprehension.

God does not Trump Theory

It is a pity this has to be said particularly because it is obvious to most people.  But Christians take note, God does not trump theory.  Neither does the Bible, whether or not you believe it is God's inerrant word.  The reason for this is to do with the nature of theory. 

The Trinity

Tertullian, a theologian who lived in the second and third centuries seems to have been the first to describe the Trinity in a formal way.  He wrote of the Trinity as three persons.  The word person is from the Latin per sonar, which means literally through sound.  We use the word sonar in English when we speak of devices that are used to map the ocean floor through the use of sound waves. 

On Materialism, Science and Theology

One key to unlocking science and the Christian faith is materialism.  There seem to be a variety of interpretations of this word.  I will use materialism and its derivatives in the sense of a belief that is essentially reductionist.  The belief that everything we encounter can be explained in terms of the fundamental particles from which it is made.  This is also sometimes described as a mechanical view of the universe.

Ecumenism and Science

Some time ago I opened up the theme of cosmology and did not pursue it.  The time has come to pick it up and develop it in a more systematic way.  The first thing though is to say cosmology is part of the wider theme of science in general.  My intention is to follow up several themes under this heading, including Darwinism as well as cosmology.  I also intend to touch on the debates about atheism.

Why cover these issues in a blog about ecumenism? 

Neoliberalism and the Decline in Diversity

I want to return today to an old theme, the global economic problems.  I came across an article, A last chance, in an old edition of the New Statesman, dated 10 November 2008.  The article, by Paul Mason, was written in anticipation of a meeting of the G20 leaders on 15 November 2008.  He argues that the issue facing the G20 was not a simple debate about neoliberalism's rights and wrongs, matters have gone beyond that - neoliberalism has 'brought the world to the brink of an economic nuclear winter'.  This is not an accident but a flaw in its central mechanism. 

Ecumenism Re-imagined as Diversity

In this my last reflection for now on Kim's book, Christ's Body in Corinth, I want to ask what the implications are for ecumenism and particularly transformational reception, that is the conversation churches together have with the wider world. 

Ecumenism: Unity or Reconciliation?

According to Kim it depends upon how you read Paul's first letter to the Corinthians.  If you see the world from the perspective of the church, as hegemonic hierarchy, then you will understand ecumenism to be about unity.  The Body of Christ is defined by belief, and boundaries are drawn between believers and non-believers.

For Paul though, according to Kim, the problem is not disunity but conflict between factions.  His solution to power conflicts is reconciliation  between diverse groups.  This is achieved by living the life of Christ crucified rather than through belonging to a church.