Science
In ‘Can Robots Be Jewish?’ rabbis weigh in on a Jewish pastime: disagreement
(RNS) — The questions in this collection, part of Moment Magazine’s long-running feature ‘Ask the Rabbis,’ offer a model for what is fundamental to Judaism.
With vaccines on the horizon, faith leaders could play a crucial role in promoting their use
Do you see what I see? Planetary alignment to create a ‘Christmas star’
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who brought Judaism to a global audience, dies
(RNS) — The former chief rabbi of the United Kingdom won a large audience for his ability to reconcile the particularities of Judaism with universal concerns.
Faith and politics mix to drive evangelical Christians’ climate change denial
(The Conversation) — Does religion predispose people against climate science? Studies link a belief in miracles and an afterlife with lower estimates of the risks posed by climate change.
John MacArthur claimed there is ‘no pandemic.’ He was politicizing science, experts say
(RNS) — The church appears to be wading into a highly politicized campaign to minimize or outright deny the existence of the coronavirus.
2,500 evangelicals sign pandemic statement warning: Don’t ignore science
(RNS) — The statement, drafted by BioLogos, sends a pointed message: ‘ … when Dr. Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, tells us what scientists have learned about this infectious disease, he should be listened to.’
With new document, Vatican implements practical steps for environmental sustainability
(RNS) — From promoting environmental studies in schools and universities to eliminating pesticide use at the Vatican, the new document offers an ambitious plan to encourage sustainability around the world.
Canadian Catholic bishop funds research for a safe and efficient coronavirus vaccine
(RNS) — ‘May the search for COVID-19 solutions also be a moment of solidarity, of collaboration, and of growing together,’ said Archbishop J. Michael Miller of the archdiocese of Vancouver, Canada.
Yale’s popular happiness class gains an online following among the socially distanced
(RNS) — More than 2.2 million people have enrolled in the 10-week online class called ‘The Science of Well-Being,’ which explores the things people think will make them happy — and the things that actually bring lasting life satisfaction.
For first time, survey finds majority of pastors says global warming is real, man-made
(RNS) — In previous studies, researchers found pastors were more skeptical of human-caused climate change.
Standing Rock Sioux celebrate ‘significant legal win’ in DAPL fight
(RNS) — A federal judge has ordered a new environmental review for the Dakota Access pipeline in what the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is celebrating as a “significant legal win.”
Pray and wash: Religion joins with science amid virus crisis
NEW YORK (AP) — ‘Science is a wonderful arena of truth and understanding truth. It is an amazing tool that can help human flourishing. We just believe it can’t address all truth that exists,’ said D.J. Jenkins, pastor at Anthology Church in Studio City, California.
Amish farmers have a ‘complicated relationship’ with nature, are skeptical of climate change
LANCASTER, Pa. (RNS) — Amish farmers may embrace a simple, back to the earth lifestyle, but they may not embrace the ‘creation care’ theology of Christian environmentalists.
Pope Francis reflects on 3 decades of international cooperation on climate change
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Only a few days after the United States officially gave notice of its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, Pope Francis took the opportunity to praise a gathering of environmental regulators meeting in Rome this week.