Christian Leaders in Science, Technology & Environment

Promoting an integrated approach to the Giant of unsustainable development
“Our hope is that networking together, we impact on the needs of our community and the environment, with Science and Technology, directed by God’s love for us” – this is the hope statement developed by the participants, to frame our actions plans for the way forward. Based on the principle, “Everything is sustained and held together by God”, Lance Nel highlighted the use of a systems approach in addressing the issue of sustainable development.
Professor Phuti Ngoepe highlighted the need to link Science and Technology to the needs of South Africans, with the aim of “bringing down the Goliaths of our land”. It is vital that science and technology are connected to reality and meet the needs of the community.
“We have a sustaining God, who cares for what He created, thus we are acting in His likeness when we live sustainably”. Participants were challenged by Steve Mitchell to be stewards of God’s creation, by ensuring that both the Church and the secular world take up their God-delegated responsibilities to care for His creation. The challenge is to integrate the complexity of social, economic and ecological systems, so as ensure a balanced approach in economic development, social empowerment and ecosystem conservation.

Brent Corcoran

The day was spent in small working groups, giving delegates an opportunity to air their own personal perspectives. They shared on the issues facing our land, realising that the enormity and complexity of the problems could only be addressed by viewing them through God’s eyes.
The group was reminded of the need to consider the potential social impact of their disciplines. Delegates reflected on how the Church, as well as Christian Leaders in these disciplines, could ensure that society benefits in the long-term. Discussions revolved around the effective communication and transfer of technology and research findings, using our God given talents for problem-solving. Other issues discussed were equipping people to respond to threats and risks, identifying and responding to the actual needs of the community and promoting God-directed research, technology development and creation stewardship.
Our hope for the future must be based on, amongst others, interaction with other disciplines; whilst our ultimate hope rests in the Lord. In this regard, there is an urgent need to work together and across the disciplines once SACLA is over. Related to this, three sub-groups have been established that will likely form the foundation for these future interactions.

Brent Corcoran

In setting the scene for the Track, Prof. David Block encouraged participants not to bury their talents, but to use them to the glory of the Lord. The aim is to point people to the Lord by proclaiming the wonder of God in Creation and the Cosmos.
The issue of “missed opportunities and mass destruction” was addressed, where the group was challenged to repent of how the church has allowed technology to negatively transform society. Heinz Wirz then highlighted that it is difficult to have simple solutions to HIV/Aids, through emphasising the complexity of processes around the beginnings of life.

The concept of a “Shattered Earth” was then highlighted, with the need for repentance of what has not been done to challenge levels of resource use. The church needs to develop attitudes and values that will bring about a change in how it is going to approach ecological concerns in last days. Track attendance was in the region of only 40 people, highlighting again the low level of priority that the church gives to science, technology and environmental issues. However, the participants are highly committed and energised to make a difference through their faith.
Brent Corcoran