Columbia Forum for Society, Science, and Religion

The CFSSR is one of several clubs at Columbia University. One of its areas of concern is the controversial interplay between science and religion.

Starting in 2008-2009 there should be a special CFFSR newsletter and several events with eminent speakers discussing the many issues modernity and technological advancements force upon us. The events will be open to those interested.

This is the mission statement for the organization:

Greetings,

The Columbia Forum for Society, Science, and Religion (CFSSR) is an independent organization whose aims this year will hopefully be accomplished with the help of students interested in some of the most pertinent and historically interesting topics humankind has come up with.

By this I mean the many topics with societal implications brought about by science, religion, and their respective interplay. The key word here is ‘interplay,’ for that is what the whole so-called ‘battle’ or ‘struggle’ between the two camps really is. To the chagrin of a few, and these are the religious and scientific fundamentalists on both sides, I believe that the two need not be so hostile. As human beings with the power of reason we need to be aware of this. Why? Because our views on science and religion are important, and if they’re misplaced, the consequences may certainly be regrettable.

The CFSSR, however, is not an organization seeking to reconcile both science and religion from their purported differences. Rather, it is meant to enlighten both those involved and others, about what certain religions have to say and what science can do today or will do tomorrow and the respective impacts on human nature.

The CFSSR is meant for dialogue—not for catechizing. The principle of the Enlightenment, ascribed to the poet Horace, is our official slogan: SAPERE AUDE! (Dare to be wise!). What we seek is a clear understanding clear from prejudices and dogmas in dealing with these issues which become all the more important in our complex age-- one of biotechnology, fundamentalism, and secularism. We need to understand the truths of these matters because it has been ignorance that has stunted the development of the sciences and has led to erroneous views on religious faith. As such, the more members the better the chance we have of communicating our thoughts to the wider public—thus rendering a service to science, religion, and society.

I will be the leader this year, taking over for Colin Kirts '08, and hopefully we can get a high-quality newsletter running, as well as invite many prominent speakers, and possibly discuss issues on own as well every once in a while.

Sincerely,

Alan Daboin

President of CFSSR

apd2121@columbia.edu

The official (new) site for the club is cfssronline.blogspot.com.