St. Luke is hosting a special session with Richard Randolph on Sunday, April 6 from 4:00-6:30 p.m. at St. Luke. The evening will include a presentation from Richard followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Ann Olney and Dr. Elizabeth Null along with questions from the audience. After the questions, a light meal will be provided (free-will donations will be requested to cover the cost of the meal) and the conversation will continue as we explore our interests in the intersection between science and spirituality. We encourage everyone to attend and to invite others you think might find this topic of interest.
About the topic for the session: CRISPR is a revolutionary breakthrough that provides geneticists with a relatively simple, cheap but powerful means to manipulate DNA. This technology has tremendous potential for healing and easing the suffering of many people. It also has potential applications in agriculture for improving crops and livestock.
Yet geneticists have become increasingly alarmed by the challenges this new ability poses. How do we weigh the ethics of risk in the use of CRISPR? Should CRISPR technology be accessible to everyone who wants enhancements for themselves or their children? It also raises crucial theological issues: How will CRISPR shape our understanding of what it means to be human?
If faith perspectives are to contribute meaningfully to public discourse about this, then it is important for Christians to develop an understanding of the basic scientific underpinnings of CRISPR, along with its risks and advantages. This session will lay the foundation for meaningful public discussion in the future.
About the speaker: Richard Randolph is the Founder and Director of the Science & Spirituality Institute. Richard Randolph has been a United Methodist pastor; but his interest in issues of science and faith led him to earn his Ph.D. in Philosophical and Theological Ethics from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, where, in addition to his doctoral studies, he served as Program Director from 1996-1999 at the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences in Berkeley. Since leaving Berkeley, Richard has taught ethics in both a seminary and a medical school. You can find out more about Richard and the Science & Spirituality Institute at: https://ScienceAndSpirituality.com
If you plan to attend, we do need an RSVP by Sunday, March 30, so we can plan the right amount of food. RSVP to Roger at roger@stlukeumc.com or 402-333-6886 ext. 300.