I just started a class today and I had to vent a bit. I'm have to take a bioethics course this semester to satisfy a requirement of my fellowship (I'm a grad student). The only course offered this term was Genetic Bioethics. Sounds harmless, right? When I got to the class and looked at the syllabus I was a bit frightened. The full title of the course is 'Genetic Bioethics: Scientific and Religious Perspectives'. Still, this didn't completely scare me off. But then I looked down to the reading requirements. The textbook is called 'Genes, Genesis and God' and it's written by the professor. Ahhhh!
The reason I'm having such a reaction is because, well, I'm a scientist. You don't see many Bible thumping molecular biologists! Anyway, the class got started and it seemed pretty benign. He talked about the basics. What is a gene? Where is a gene? Blah blah blah. But then we started talking about if science affected survival of the species. And then if religion can help a species survive. All valid questions, but it was VERY clear that the prof was VERY religious. He's also about 80 years old and appears to have some clear opinions. I'm a little scared. Will I be able to do well in this class? I'm pretty much an agnostic, I don't have a clue about God. I don't know if I should fly under the radar on this class. Or as my mom put it, maybe I should be the class antichrist. Evolution - duh!
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3 comments:
Oooh! I wish I was in this class! I definitely think you should be the class antichrist--want me to put together a list of questions you should ask him? What kind of prof is he (what dept)?
He's an emeritus prof visiting from Colorodo State from the philosophy/religious studies depts. He's pretty old and has a thick Southern accent - can we say red stater!
Well, let me know if he starts critizing evolution..."so, if man comes from apes, then why are there still apes? HUH?" (my favorite stupid anti-evolution question).
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