O Lord, how manifold are thy works!
In wisdom hast thou made them all:
the earth is full of thy riches. (Psalm 104:24)

What is the NRCSE?

Often with scientific issues that have religious implications, as in debates between proponents of evolutionary science and proponents of creationism or intelligent design,  it seems as if there is a fundamental conflict between science and religion.  We in the Nebraska Religious Coalition for Science Education (NRCSE) are Nebraskans of various religious faiths who respect both science and theology.  Our mission is to proclaim the compatibility of good science (including evolution) and good theology (including creation).  The NRCSE recognizes the duty of Nebraska's schools to help students understand the best available science.  We believe that evolution can and should be widely taught in a scientifically sound manner that is neutral regarding philosophical or religious worldviews.  We are convinced that academic freedom, religious freedom, and scientific integrity are compatible.

The Clergy Letter Project

The Clergy Letter Project's  Open Letter Concerning Religion and Science was collaboratively drafted by clergy in Wisconsin working with Michael Zimmerman, then Dean of the College of Letters and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  The Clergy Letter Project sponsored the first Evolution Sunday on February 12, 2006, and the second on February 11, 2007.  Sermons, articles, and other resources from participating clergy are available hereNews stories are available here

Evolution Weekend 2008 was celebrated February 8-10, 2008 (Evolution Sunday was expanded to accomodate events on other days)Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE  and St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Papillion, NE were among over 800 congregations from across the country and around the world to participate.  Augustana's event was a free viewing and discussion of the new film "Paradise Lost: The Religious Life of Charles Darwin" (selected as an Editor’s Pick by the American Library Association). Information about the film is available here.  St. Martha's worship services Sunday, February 10 included sermons recognizing Evolution Weekend.  Deacon Nancy W. Huston, retired biology and reading teacher, preached. 

Evolution Weekend 2009 has been set for 13 -15 February 2009.  For more information on the event and on how to participate, please access an announcement (Word document) from Dr. Zimmerman by clicking here.


Other Support for the Compatibility of Evolution and Theism

Please click here for why we in the NRCSE consider evolution compatible with religious faith. 

Also see a two-page document published in March 2006 by the National Council of Churches (NCC) entitled Science, Religion, and the Teaching of Evolution in Public School Science Classes.

The Mystery of Human Origins: Which Theories are Compatible with Catholic Faith? by Mark Brumley gives an overview of statements by John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Denis O. Lamoureux has posted helpful information on his web site concerning evolutionary creation.

Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the NIH National Human Genome Research Institute, addressed the American Scientific Affiliation's annual meetings in 2002 and 2006.  For links to audio, video, and transcripts, click here.

Evolution: Education and Outreach is a new journal for 2008.  Content is free through 2008.

Intelligent Design Theory

Please click here for the position of the NRCSE on the teaching of intelligent design (ID) as an alternative to neo-Darwinian evolution in Nebraska schools.

Quick Access to Evolution Education News and Resources - please click here.

Are there NRCSE members who could speak to my group about science and religion?

Yes, we are developing a speakers bureau.

Where can I get more information?

Click on the latest news links below.  Also see:
Evolution Education News and Resources
Articles and Web Pages by Nebraskans  
News from 2007
News from 2006  
News from 2005   
News from 2004  
Other Articles and Web Pages
Science/Faith Organizations

Books of Distinction is an annotated list of excellent books on science and religion, sponsored by the Templeton Foundation Press.

Latest News

Back to Top

Please contact the webmaster if you know of something that ought to be added, or if a link doesn't work:
Chuck Austerberry, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology 
Creighton University
2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE  68178
cfauster@creighton.edu
Voice: (402)-280-2154
FAX: (402)-280-5595

Last revised: May 8, 2008