A Catechism of Creation

Probably the next issue of the ASA Newsletter (May/June?) will carry a story about the creation of "A Catechism of Creation: An Episcopal Understanding prepared for study in congregations by the Committee on Science, Technology and Faith." Let me give those of you on the list a heads up and the URL where you can access the on-line version. Go to http://www.dfms.org/science/, and click the link to the catechism in the left hand column.

Presently, there are a couple of bugs in the format. The texts that begin parts II and III are partially cut off. If you click the printer-friendly version, you'll get the proper formatting. Other features in the contents lists are not yet completed.

This Catechism represents a year's work by the Committee (CSTF), a committee of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. It was drafted by its subcommittee on Creation, which included two ASA associates, the Rev. Deacon Josephina Borgeson (who has just stepped down from the NCSE staff as Faith Network Director), and myself. The full committee contributed to its final form, and it was reviewed and favorably received by the Church's leadership, which o.k.ed its posting on the ECUSA web site.

The Catechism follows the traditional Q & A format, but with longer answers than found in most catechisms. It is divided into three sections: "Theology of Creation," "Creation and Science," and "Caring for Creation." Each is accompanied by an extensive bibliography of recent publications and web sites. If you peruse them you'll note the presence of several evangelical writers, including ASAers. The entire catechism can be downloaded, and, as I said, a print-friendly version is available. CSTF is now working on writing brief explanations of some of the terms and identifying web-posted writings on subject matter that appear in the catechism, that will be linked to it.

Comments posted on the list or to me personally would be welcomed.

Bob Schneider
rjschn39@bellsouth.net
Received on Sat Mar 19 15:33:18 2005