The Rev'd Dr Scott Cowdell argues that both religion and science are reforming disciplines—there are scientific as well as religious revolutions.

We hear a lot today about God and science. Richard Dawkins tells us that science banishes religion. Creation Science rejects mainstream science, preserving a literal reading of the Bible.

There are three standard options in thinking about religion and science, all of which are flawed.
1. Too much science: science is a total worldview offering a full account of meaning and purpose. This is the Dawkins option.
2. Not enough science: God runs everything behind the scenes and scientific law is a “weak realist” approximation to God’s hidden laws. This is typical of the Reformed (Presbyterian) tradition of theology, also Creation Science.
3. Separation of science and religion: science and religion are two distinct “language games”. Science asks the “how?” questions and religion asks the “why?” questions.

It is possible, however, to affirm both science and religion together. Both attend appropriately to their object as it chooses to be disclosed—either a physical process or God. Both have a sceptical temper of mind cutting through romanticism (which is the blurring of inner feeling and objective reality). Both have a self-critical method—not all theology is dogmatic, while some science is, but neither should be. Both are reforming disciplines—there are scientific as well as religious revolutions. Both are based on attending carefully to human experience. Both depend on a community of practitioners against which the truth of any assertion is weighed-up—the scientific community for one, the Church for the other.

Here are ten principles to guide our thinking positively about science and religion.

1. This is our world, and God’s world—none of us is a stranger in it.
2. Science is a special method of inquiry complementing good theology—both are powerful human vehicles for responding to the mystery of existence.
3. Science is not a complete worldview, but no theological worldview today can afford to dismiss science.
4. Good theology and mature faith have nothing to fear from science, and vice versa.
5. God creates the physical universe and life on earth through risk-filled aeons of rule-governed natural processes incorporating randomness, most recently through evolution by natural selection.
6. God acts “sacramentally”—”in, with and under” the world’s natural processes—working out God’s purposes through the weaving of human lives and histories. Jesus is the great insight into how God works.
7. Scientific insight contributes to a holistic contemporary spirituality.
8. Miracles are signs of God’s work everywhere finding particular expression somewhere, and they always combine event and interpretation. There is no reason why the God who influences us, who are part of the world, might not influence the world more generally—in response to prayer, for instance.
9. If the Bible and established scientific consensus appear to be in conflict, we must be reading the Bible incorrectly.
10. Good science, like good theology, is lived on the edge of mystery in an attitude of wonder.

Scott Cowdell
scowdell@csu.edu.au<//link>
Scott Cowdell is Associate Professor of Public & Contextual Theology at Charles Sturt University.

Following on from last month’s introduction to the Diocesan Ordinands, The Encounter spoke with Jessica Grant.

How did you decide the priesthood was for you?
I think balancing work and service is often quite difficult – at least I have always found it to be! I had known for a long time that I would one day take up full-time ministry, I just wasn’t sure what that ministry would be!

As a nurse, I worked in children’s intensive care, as well as in clinics and hospitals in the Solomon Islands and the Gambia (West Africa). These opportunities brought me into contact with people at some of the most poignant and desperate times in their lives. Witnessing such physical, emotional and spiritual need challenged me deeply and constantly, but also gave me my answer.

The decision to become an ordinand was not an easy one, but then I never cease to be amazed at God’s capacity to bring across my path truly faithful men and women, many of whom are ordained priests, who patiently and graciously support me in this and every part of my Christian life.

How have you been involved with the Church?
I have been involved in a church of one denomination or another for most of my life - from my younger days as an acolyte to leading youth groups and teaching Sunday school I have kept myself pretty well occupied! I have certainly enjoyed getting to know the people in this diocese, through my parish placement (at Gorokan) and events like youth synod.

I believe that the church of today has enormous potential, and though it may not always look the same, it will continue to be an exciting place.

What have you learnt along this journey so far?
I have learnt that God calls us just as we are, and that we bring all of our self to ministry, so it is essential to balance study and work with occasional fun… To this end I have learnt that the best thing about winter is skiing!

What do you hope to learn from your ordinand training and experiences?
I find knowing that God uses each of us despite our weaknesses to be very comforting. I continue to learn daily the importance of depending on God for all things, that His timing is perfect and His direction much wiser than my own.

As we come to an end of the 48th Synod The Encounter spoke with Fr Chris Bullock at his last Synod, as well as some regular and fresh faces.

I came to the Diocese of Newcastle from the Diocese of North Queensland in 1989, although my first Synod in Newcastle was not until 1990 with Bishop Alfred Holland presiding. My immediate impressions touched on the comparisons between NQ and Newcastle. The scale was beyond what I was used to and protocols different. Clergy were in cassocks in NQ for example, even though the weather was not that conducive to their being worn!

Bishops each bring their own individual gifts and these were apparent in the way that synod was conducted.  For example, Bishop Roger Herft used to give us 30-second stretches in the middle of long debates. Bishop Alfred is remembered for his “three points” when speaking to an issue.

The climate of synod has always reflected what has been happening in the community and in the wider church as well as our own matters. There has always been a consciousness to this. The Environmental Commission is an example.

The need for the Church to be transparent in all things has meant that we have had to seriously consider our conduct in recent times. There have been some passionate discussions about this and this debate continues.

I have been honoured by synod in being elected to various positions over the years. The most recent of these was the Diocesan Council. Synod also elected me as a Canon (Stanton canonry). Bishop Stanton had been bishop of North Queensland before coming to Newcastle. The connection was not lost on me.

We often hear “groans” when synod is mentioned, but I thank God that as a church we are able to openly engage in matters joyful or challenging. While the substance of our discussions changes over the years this commitment remains. Anglicans have a rich tradition of synodical governance, Newcastle included.

Friendship endures. I have some very good friends because of synod. God’s love is always strong enough to embrace differences when we keep our eyes on Jesus. Sometimes we have trembled in our resolve to do this, but thank God we are people committed to working together. This is still the case.

Fr Chris Bullock

Regular and Fresh Faces

Doug and Gai Shannon from St Alban’s Parish have attended 17 Synods! A feat well worth recognition.  They spoke with The Encounter about their thoughts on this session of Synod.

We both thought this Synod was handled really well and enjoyed being a part of it this year.

There weren’t too many controversial things, it was probably lighter in content than previous Synods, but Bishop Brian handled the small controversies very professionally.

We’re glad the retirement age ordinance is coming back to Synod in 2008 but we were surprised there wasn’t further discussion this year.
We were also very impressed by the venue, Central Coast Leagues  Convention Centre and the fact that it was held on the Central Coast.

Ken Holgate from Beresfield Parish attended his first Synod this year. He told The Encounter of his expectations and thoughts.

I didn’t know what to expect of Synod in many ways.  I thought there might be a bit of blood shed on some issues but it wasn’t quite so bad. It was a meeting of great leadership, not war!

I thought it would be important to observe and learn at my first Synod but I’d like to be more involved next time.

The process of Synod is good and it highlights that the Parish Councils, parishioners and clergy need to work together.

Our differences are tame. We can fix anything that we put our minds to if we are led by God.  We have to ensure we are directed by Christ and not personal direction.

I think it’s important that we trust the Business Manager and have faith in him in regards to the budget.

I thought the most controversial aspect was the unified set of ordinances resolution.

Nobody wants to see a breakdown but we certainly need a process in place.  We need to get it right for our clergy because we care for and value them.

We can’t all work together and  reach the right decision if we’re divided.  I’m a bit worried we only have 12 months to look at this ordinance.

Overall Synod was a successful process and I enjoyed being a first time member.

For a full report on Synod 2007 click here.

The proposed sale of the St John’s site at Morpeth has naturally saddened many groups in the Diocese which used the facilities of the conference centre to hold retreats and seminars. Members of GFS reflected on some of their memories.

Many older GFS members will  remember the terrific week long camps GFS held at the Morpeth site in school holidays.

During the May break each year leaders, helpers and girls enjoyed a wonderful time of learning, fellowship and fun.

Our older girls came in on Friday night and had a special program until Monday morning when about 60 girls descended on the site for a week of sharing, learning and fun.

While facilities in the old cottage were not ideal we managed to feed the kids using just one small stove and electric frypans. Baked dinners were very popular and precooking and freezing made catering easier.

There were always heaps of home made biscuits, slices and cakes provided by parents and leaders.

Camp fires and barbecues were great, while mystery hikes around both the Conference Centre and Morpeth helped campers appreciate the history of Closebourne and this great village.

Rising at 5am for "breakfast on the shore" (the river bank) brought complaints from the children, but was a wonderful way to teach them about Jesus appearing to the disciples.

Camp Concerts brought to light much talent and laughter and who will ever forget the two leaders as Bib and Bub.
One of our regular campers over the years was a young Sonia Roulston, who after she had finished school and began work, went to work each morning and came back each evening. Now the Rev’d Sonia Roulston, Sonia was and still is an inspiration to GFS kids and leaders.

We began Mini-Camps for younger children over weekends, always with a theme and remember well a Palm Sunday one when parents joined us for lunch and the enactment by the children of Jesus arriving in Jerusalem, donkey palm branches, hosannas and all.

Morpeth also holds memories for many in GFS around Australia as the first Australian Council outside a capital city was held at Morpeth when Kath Reynolds from East Maitland Parish was Australian Chairman.

GFS could not write about Morpeth without giving sincere thanks to Archdeacon David Simpson who was always a tremendous help and lots of fun when he was in charge of the Conference Centre.

Our aim now, as it was all those years ago, is to bring children and families into the full life and fellowship of the church and we feel we achieved this aim with these camps, as many girls learnt of the love of God for them and accepted Jesus as their Saviour.

Joan Nicholson