Church, Science, and a Rabbit: An Amiable Conflict

About the Book

Over the last fifteen years of my ministry I have seen both the positives and negatives of technology. For the most part technology has made lives better, but when technology drives humanity and when science defines the human condition, problems arise. Science has the potential for destroying myth. Myth is the thread that holds the human tapestry or narrative together. One role the Church must take on is to keep science and technology in their proper place by saying, “No,” when the two overstep their limitations. Currently, there are no checks and balances placed upon science. Science is accountable to no one but itself. Humans are imperfect, and thus, science is imperfect. In this way, the Church brings meaning and purpose to religion, while still affirming science’s role of making people’s physical lives better. Both science and religion need a level of utilitarian mission, purpose, and vision. The Church and science must be in a friendly, adversarial relationship. Conflict is good and healthy because from out of conflict comes great creativity. Adversity spawns growth. When science and religion are in healthy, amiable conflict, creativity emerges—just as the butterfly struggles to emerge from the cocoon.

About the Author

Ohio born, The Rev. Charles Sigman currently resides in Newport, Arkansas where he serves as pastor of The First United Methodist Church. Prior to his ordination in 1996, he received his Master of Divinity from Emory University and Master of Arts in English Literature from Winthrop University.