Good news for the already burgeoning Texas wind-power industry: State regulators are funneling nearly $5 billion into creating transmission lines to carry wind electricity from remote parts of the state to cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. According to the New York Times, the new lines will be able to transport 18,500 megawatts of power, enough for “3.7 million homes on a hot day when air-conditioners are running.”

Texas is already the nation’s leader in wind power (with California coming in a distant second) and the state already has 5,300 installed megawatts of wind-generated energy in place. The new project is expected to save customers money on energy costs, not to mention boost the wind industry, which is already well on its way towards becoming a major market player. Now if we could just get those darn tax breaks worked out…

Image: iStockPhoto

“Science is not a philosophy; it’s an attitude.”

So why, if I am trying to work out a new approach to science and human spiritual endeavor, would I spend 600 words in my last post jumping up and down about Texas, their school board, and creationists? That was the question some people had for me, so I think it’s worth reflecting for a minute on what’s at stake in all this.

I have argued that the traditional debate in science and religion takes three forms: the Sullen (creationism/Intelligent Design), the Silly (New Age quantum enthusiasm), and the Snarky (out-of-hand dismissal of all sentiment associated with spirituality/religion). These three options define the edges of the debate. But because each one takes an absolutist position on issues that are really pretty fuzzy, it affords them a soapbox from which to yell loudly and with great vehemence. In the midst of the yelling, it can and will be difficult to trace out the outlines of a more nuanced position that speaks to the broad concerns of human being.

What we seek is a stance that honors the integrity of scientific practice, but allows the full measure of our humanity and human response to the world (both interior and exterior). Tracing out those positions becomes particularly critical as we come to face harsh choices about a future which will, inevitably, demand that choices be made involving science, technology, and values.

I spent an entire chapter in my book exploring the traditional debate and why it had exhausted itself. That does not mean, however, that its potential to cause real problems has gone away. Of the three traditional positions, it is the Sullen who, through well-funded and well-defined political activity, are most intent on forcing their views on others.

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