While I reject the extreme relativism of postmodern critiques, it is clear that societal and ethical values affect the course of science, in physics and astrophysics as well as in biology. As a Christian, I would go further to argue that scientists are obligated to consider more than pure materialist values. Luther wrote that each of us has several callings, not just the calling to our work. A scientist s calling can be to God just as much as a theologian s is. Scientists are often reticent to speak of their spiritual or religious beliefs, thinking that they have no station to do so.
Theology makes no such claim.
Second, scientists are in a unique position to advance the appreciation of nature and thereby increase the value placed on it in the hearts and minds of our neighbors. Boyle s remarks quoted above remain, in my view, as valid as ever. Science can affect more than just the knowledge leg of the classical triad of truth, beauty, and goodness. Like art, it establishes connections between the virtues. Perhaps the integration of science and religion as individual callings can be elaborated into a broader ethical integration of religion and science in dialogue.