On living out your value system as a faculty member(or giving it up to the Lord).
People that know me, know that I'm a person of faith.
I believe in a higher power. I believe that there are universal truths. I believe in right and wrong.
I see fundamental truths in the Bible, the Koran, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Pali Cannon.
I respect the differences across these texts and the right of others to ascribe to (and live out) different value systems.
As I teach, I carry my belief in a higher power, in respect, and in right and wrong with me.
I believe in speaking out if moved by the Spirit.
I mention these things because academics need to acknowledge that while we are scientists, we are also people with values, faith, and morals.
When we divorce our work from these things, we see many things go awry - it becomes too easy to rationalize small slippages and significant misconduct.
When we enact our value systems to work, we see so many things go right.
My beliefs about right and wrong help me navigate an academic world filled with moral relativism.
My beliefs about tolerance help me navigate a world of conflicting ideas.
My beliefs about truth make it easier to let go of failed studies and encourage persistence to try the next solution.
My beliefs about stewardship motivate me to help students and colleagues.
I won't further belabor the point.
I know it is controversial to say there is a place for faith in science.
But.
I feel moved to speak up. I will likely lose readers for doing so.
But.
I'm going to give it up to the Lord and say it.
We could use a broader discussion in the Academy of about faith, its benefits, and how it supports good science.
We can build an Academy that tolerates many values, systems, morals, and faiths.
We can build a shared value system that supports scholarly inquiry.
We need pragmatic, honest conversations to make it happen.
When we do, we will be better for it.
Have a wonderful weekend.
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