What are you reading, watching, thinking about this week? As usual, here's a few which have been on our mind. Let us know your thoughts on any/all of them. If you have items you'd like us to consider for the top five, add them in the comments or send them to Tom or Mike. 1. Call for writers who can explore whole people immersed in the multifaceted nature of politics: Ready to answer the call or suggest a book/film which meets the challenge given by Ross Douthat in Hollywood's Political Fictions (NY Times Op-Ed, … [Read more...] about Week in Review: Can You Hear Aslan Roar?
politics
Francis Collins Picked To Head NIH
What do you think about Francis Collins Picked To Head NIH? The NPR piece lays his credentials, faith, and embracing of the two out in the open. I wonder how many hits there will be to BioLogos (which the NPR article links to) over the course of the next several days? See BioLoguration for my earlier comments on the blog aspect of this amazing resource. And if you haven't read Collins' The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, it's time to pick up a copy (or at least catch the NPR interview) … [Read more...] about Francis Collins Picked To Head NIH
Elevating Science, Elevating Democracy
That's the title of Dennis Overbye's NY Times essay on what it means to restore science to its rightful place.* He begins by sharing how he too wept tears of joy at the words of President Barack Hussein Obama (reference to the NY Times article Scientists Welcome Obama's Words). Question: If you're a member of the scientific community, did you likewise become teary eyed (or even weep) at the words of our new President on your own (or with your colleagues)? If so, why? If you're outside of the scientific … [Read more...] about Elevating Science, Elevating Democracy
What is the ‘Rightful Place’ of Science?
What are your thoughts on 'the Rightful Place of Science' and the topics mentioned below? Many scientists have complained that the Bush administration relied on questionable science and disregarded the recommendations of scientific advisory boards, for example, in deciding to limit federal support of stem-cell research and to refuse to regulate carbon-dioxide emissions to deal with the threat of global climate change. In contrast, Mr. Obama nominated Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist concerned with … [Read more...] about What is the ‘Rightful Place’ of Science?
A Few Inauguration Questions
Have you been following the inauguration? Why or why not? Does your campus have a special event? Has any campus canceled classes all day or over the lunch hour? With regard to the oath of office, my friend Andy Crouch had some questions regarding oath-taking which I found of interest. What do you think about the taking of oaths? What do they provide? Do you take an oath in your profession, discipline, or institution? As for praying for the President elect, our family used the framework of the one … [Read more...] about A Few Inauguration Questions