About How Dialogue on ‘Ingenuity in Nature’ Increases Enthusiasm for Engineering and Science in Traditional Religious Communities
| Authors | Halsmer, Dominic M.; Odom, Peter Wesley |
|---|---|
| Date | 2015 |
| Conference | 2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition |
| Vol / Pages | pp. 26.851.1-26.851.12 |
| ISBN | 978-0-692-50180-1 |
| URL | https://peer.asee.org/how-dialogue-on-ingenuity-in-nature-increases-enthusiasm-for-engineering-and-science-in-traditional-religious-communities |
Type: Conference Paper
Abstract
The perceived conflict between science and traditional religious beliefs appears to be one reason why some young people decide against pursuing careers in engineering and other STEM fields. A three year grant from the BioLogos Foundation, to help traditional religious communities appreciate the ingenuity displayed by our evolving universe, is assisting in alleviating this unfortunate trend. Engineering students and faculty members work together to develop, and deliver, seminars in local schools and churches that demonstrate compatibility between science and religion, with emphasis on the role that engineering can play in this ongoing dialogue. Religions and religious denominations often take a simplistic view of origins based largely on a particular interpretation of creation accounts offered by the special revelation of sacred scriptures. The project team is currently working to complement this view with up-to-date information from science and engineering. The application of concepts from the field of engineering has proven useful in helping religious groups engage in this kind of interaction with science. In the process, appreciation for ingenuity in nature and enthusiasm for engineering appear to be increasing in participating religious communities. Among several other outcomes, preliminary survey data indicate that a strong majority of participants agree that their participation in the aforementioned seminars not only “helps me appreciate the ingenuity that underlies our universe,” but also “increases my enthusiasm for science or engineering.” Engineering students who serve on the project team have also acknowledged significant benefits as a result of participating in this project. Data from a separate survey indicate enhancements in their communication skills, their ability to lead in the midst of contentious issues, and their understanding of personal mission and purpose. They also experienced an increased enthusiasm for engineering and science.