Re: [asa] Colling Statement

Charles,
Again, you insight is appreciated and I'm not trying to pretend for a second that I understand
the situation or atmosphere better than someone who works at your college. I'm a big fan if
interdiciplinary approaches. In fact, I plan to give a lecture in our science and Religion honors
seminar next semester (on scientific studies of Bible codes, intercessory prayer and near-death
experiences... fun topics to research!) and I'm currently developing a a course in science and
human nature, to be team-taught by myself and a religion prof. That kind of approach can
certainly have all the benefits you describe. But it's one thing to voluntarily take that approach
because I think it's academically appropriate; quite another to have it forced upon me because
someone on the Board doesn't like what I'm teaching.

And if, as you say, the religion professors would be fully supportive of evoltuionary theory as
sound science, what's to stop your board members from coming after them next? Especially in
a school without the protections of tenure.

Again, though I understand the difficult position your President is in, it's far easier for me to
understand why Professor Colling finds the situation appalling. Iit does seem to me that you
President's compromise of principles now may contribute to creating a far worst situation for
many science profesors later on.
__
Louise M. Freeman, PhD
Psychology Dept
Mary Baldwin College
Staunton, VA 24401
540-887-7326
FAX 540-887-7121

-----Original Message-----
From: "Charles Carrigan" <CCarriga@olivet.edu>
To: <asa@calvin.edu>, <lfreeman@mbc.edu>
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:55:12 -0500
Subject: Re: [asa] Colling Statement

> Hi Louise,
>
> Several have responded to this issue with a negative viewpoint toward
> the college and the decision made, even though I have repeatedly stated
> that I support the decision as an "insider". Of course everyone is
> free to their own opinions and insights, but I would like to urge
> everyone here to take caution when tempted to denounce one side or the
> other, when the only information you really have is that from a couple
> of articles, blogs, and email messages. I have tried to make the point
> very clear that the articles/blogs/etc. are not reporting all of the
> facts; I have given a few of these in previous messages. Here's
> another for clarification:
>
> It is true that Pres. Bowling asked that when the issues of biological
> origins are taught in general biology (the course from which Rick was
> removed) that they be team-taught by a biology professor and a
> professor from the school of religion. However, this is not an attempt
> to "babysit" the biology faculty, nor is it intended to send some
> covert message to the students that their professors cannot be trusted.
> What was not mentioned was that the same thing applies to the
> Christian Formation course (the "freshman religion course"). It is an
> attempt to increase communication across the disciplines both ways.
> Further, I see it as a tremendous benefit for the students. I would
> gladly welcome one of my colleagues from the school of religion to be a
> part of my general education courses, and I would be glad to be a part
> of theirs. The students have all kinds of questions in their minds
> about what all of this "evolution" stuff means for their faith, and
> what a great thing it would be for them to be able to ask a theology or
> science expert right on the spot during class. In one sense, it comes
> down to authority - the students may not believe me, the scientist,
> when I tell them that they don't have to believe in a literal 24-hour
> recent creation or that "billions of years" is compatible with their
> faith. But it makes a tremendous difference when their theology or
> bible professor tells them the same, because they see them as having
> more of the authority of the Church. Instead of some "covert" message
> of mistrust, it sends a message of community, working together on
> common ground.
>
> Best,
> Charles
>
>
> _______________________________
> Charles W. Carrigan, Ph.D.
> Assistant Professor of Geology
> Olivet Nazarene Univ., Dept. of Physical Sciences
> One University Ave.
> Bourbonnais, IL 60914
> PH: (815) 939-5346
> FX: (815) 939-5071
> ccarriga@olivet.edu
> http://geology.olivet.edu/
>
> "To a naturalist nothing is indifferent;
> the humble moss that creeps upon the stone
> is equally interesting as the lofty pine which so beautifully adorns
> the valley or the mountain:
> but to a naturalist who is reading in the face of the rocks the annals
> of a former world,
> the mossy covering which obstructs his view,
> and renders indistinguishable the different species of stone,
> is no less than a serious subject of regret."
> - James Hutton
> _______________________________
>
> >>> "Freeman, Louise Margaret" <lfreeman@mbc.edu> 9/18/2007 7:44 AM >>>
> Dr. Colling has apparently posted another statement on a different
> blog, adding one fact that I
> had not known earlier. Apparently the president is also requireing that
> a religion professor be
> present in biology classes during the evolution lectures. So, the
> affects there, at least, are not
> limited to Colling.
>
> It seems to me to be a horrible covert messge to the students. Here is
> your professor, whom
> whe have trusted to teach you on this important subject, biology. Your
> professor is a
> distinguished professional, and a respected authority on the subject.
> Except when it comes to
> evolution, we're requiring a babysitter from another discipline.
>
>
> http://www.energionpubs.com/wordpress/?p=900
>
> __
> Louise M. Freeman, PhD
> Psychology Dept
> Mary Baldwin College
> Staunton, VA 24401
> 540-887-7326
> FAX 540-887-7121
>
>

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Received on Tue Sep 18 19:06:59 2007